Xterra Triathlon
The Xterra triathlon is an off-road triathlon including swimming, mountain biking, and trail running.
TEAM Unlimited is the owner and producer of the Xterra Global Tour. This particular race is best known for its series of off-road triathlons, and is considered to all intents and purposes as the world championship of the sport.
The Xterra Triathlon began in 1996 on the island of Maui and was known as the Aquaterra and then later called the Xterra. Some of you may be wondering why there is a vehicle that also shares this name.
Nissan Motor Corporation named their popular sport utility vehicle line after the race and was actually on of the race series’ primary sponsors for years. At the end of 2006, the Xterra Global Tour and Nissan parted ways.
The Xterra Triathlon has two divisions: Professional and Age-groupers. The professional division competes for awards, cash prizes, and sponsorships.
The age-group division was created for all those who want to compete, but not on a professional level. Both levels use a point series. Points are acquired by placing in the top 15 positions of each event. Xterra Championship Series are held in each region of the country.
Depending on where the race is taking place, there may be varying distances. Because this triathlon is an off-road race it is more difficult to get the distances exact because of the terrain.
But the target distances for the championship or professional race are 1.5 km swim, 30 km mountain biking, and 11 km trail run. For the sport race there is a 500 m swim, 15 km mountain bike, and 5 km trail run.
The sport distances often uses miles for the distances: ½ mile swim, 15 mile mountain bike, and a 5 mile trail run.
The 2008 schedule entails some of the best places for adventure. There are races at sea level and high altitudes. There are swims in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Some of the races take place in cities and small towns while other take place in the desert or the mountains.
If you are looking for an off-road race, you will definitely want to look into the Xterra Triathlon listings.
