(8-13-09) From Press Release - About 200 athletes will compete for placing in the first XTERRA Portland off-road triathlon Aug. 15 at Hagg Lake near Forest Grove.
The Strands Professional Purse is a bounty of $5,000 cash which will be distributed among the top ranking five pro men and top five pro women finishers. The top man and woman will also receive a personalized XTERRA Portland racing jersey while amateur and elite triathletes will win first, second and third place medals for their age group.
XTERRA Portland is a 1000 meter swim, 25 kilometer mountain bike and a 5.5-mile trail run, culminating in an off-road triathlon in Scoggins Valley Park about 35 miles west of Portland. The XTERRA-style of racing is known for taking triathlons off the pavement onto dirt trails for the ultimate extreme triathlon endurance race.
According to Justin Barnhart, assistant race director of XTERRA Portland, the two-buoy clockwise swim will be in warm, calm waters while the bike leg is rolling single and double track under shaded trees. "The relatively flat, but technical course has sharp turns requiring quick and reactive decision-making," explains Barnhart. "Bursts of speed on short and steep climbs will force the rider out of the saddle, get the legs burning, and several rocky or root filled sections will challenge the rider's agility, control, and balance."
XTERRA races offer exhilarating "off-road" or extreme swimming, cycling and running events for triathletes across the globe. For more information on XTERRA races, visit: www.xterraplanet.com
For more information on XTERRA Portland, contact Robert Jackson at: XTERRAPortland@gmail.com or type www.XTERRAPortland.com.
