Xterra Maui 09 Review
October 29th, 2009 by Dan Hugo
Was asked by a local journalist to shoot some post race impressions:
Xterra World Champs 2009 Full Results
Official Xterra Photography - By Nils Nilsen
(Male Winner, three times over, Eneko Llanos from Spain.)
Quick and random thoughts, but figured to put them up here…
Was excellent to see a South African medal in his age group: Justin Porteus was 2nd in 25-29, as well as 30th overall. Impressive for a full time working lad in Joburg.
Conrad Stoltz was incredible, leading off the bike, and gusting it out in the heat on the run. Unfortunately a slight off day means 5th and not a 4th World title. That’s racing at top level, if not totally on fire, its going down. But still huge respect, consider a major mid season injury and all.
It’s awesome to see a sellout 550 athlete World Xterra Champs.
The male winner, Eneko llanos, has won two titles there before, but been Ironman focused of late, with a 2nd at Kona last year as highlight. I think it’s a great showing of how triathletes can combine the various disciplines and keep sport dynamic and colourful. So too with the female winner in Julie Dibens, who is more 70.3 focused. So don’t put yourself nor the sport codes in a box – one of the bigger lessons from last weekend I feel.
Sounded like Lieuwe Boonstra was having a stellar day, and I suspect (unconfirmed) that the bike course wrecked a tire or something mechanical. Fair play for being in the mix though.
The course seemed faster than usual as the bike route surface was apparently more hardpacked. Slight differences but telling on the score card.
I cant wait to be a part of the event again. To be on the island and make it count. It’s a magical day, with such potent energy and unpredictability. 360 days to go…
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