(3-9-09) From Press Release - Athletes kick off the first XTERRA Portland Off-Road triathlon, Aug. 15, at Hagg Lake near Forest Grove, Ore.
The Northwest is exploding with triathlons and XTERRA's spin on the traditional swim/bike/run competition is no exception. XTERRAs' Black Diamond, Solstice, Vashon Island, HammerMan and Wild Ride, continue to offer unique race experiences in sundry landscapes of the Northwest. This year, in epic style, XTERRA Portland's inaugural race hits Hagg Lake in mid August. With the increasing number of roadies, mountainbikers, cyclocross, runners and road triathletes living in the area, XTERRA Portland embodies fitness, competition, community and nature.
According to Justin Barnhart, assistant race director for XTERRA Portland, age-groupers to professional competitors will swim a 1000 meter two-buoy course clockwise in calm placid mid 70-degree waters. Swimmers will make their first transition to the 25 kilometer bike course charging over rolling single and double track then shift gears for a second transition sending runners on 4.25 miles of trails surrounding the lake. "The bike leg is relatively flat, but technical with sharp turns requiring quick and reactive decision-making as well as bursts of speed on short and steep climbs that will force the rider out of the saddle and get the legs burning," said Barnhart. "There are also several rocky or root-filled sections that will challenge the rider's agility, control and balance."
Also an XTERRA triathlete, Barnhart says the run course has its surprises, "The runner hurdles logs, traverses steep ravines and creek crossings and bush-whacks through the typical lush Northwest forest."
After five years of XTERRA races, Brandyn Roark Gray, of Aztec, N.M., is a top-ranked female age-grouper on the cusp of turning pro. "[Last year] I competed in XTERRA Solstice then I moved to the Southwest," said the former Northwest resident. "XTERRA in Portland will enable people to experience the best race series around."
Kevin Tucker, of Bend, Ore., enjoys the challenge of an XTERRA event and says he's looking forward to XTERRA Portland. "I think Hagg Lake is an excellent venue for an XTERRA race; a great transition area, great riding and quality trail-running with good mix of open terrain and twisty, root-hopping, branch-ducking fun," said Tucker.
XTERRA Portland is the triathlete's next vacation destination. According to Barnhart, XTERRA and the Portland terrain are a great match for one another. "We feel Portlanders embody the 'work hard/play hard' life philosophy. Anyone who has raced a few XTERRA races knows this defines the XTERRA athletes," emphasizes Barnhart. "And finally, the attitude and culture that makes Portland and XTERRA so great, seem to be cut from the same cloth, and a perfect fit for this community."
Roark Gray adds, "Portland is an awesome community and super active and supportive of the sport. I love Portland and any [excuse for] exercise I can have to visit is great. It's gorgeous and has an incredibly active town, is super progressive and has awesome food," she exclaims. "I think it's about time."
Register for XTERRA Portland now at www.XTERRAPortland.com.
