Xterra UK - A Dirty Weekend, 3rd September 2006.

Report by Andy Bathe

8 years of marriage, 2 kids, the offer of a "dirty weekend" means only one thing; Xterra UK Off Road Triathlon Championship. Prize money and World Championship qualification is on offer at the top level, for the rest of us a lake swim, gruelling mountain bike climb and challenging trail run over the hills and through the forests of South Wales has to be beaten, all in exchange for your medal, T shirt and sheer delight at crossing that finish line.

Xterra, a weekend event in early September has a variety of off road mountain bike races, trail runs and the option of full and half distance triathlons to choose from. Unfortunately heavy rain and 50mph winds affected this year's preparation. With safety a prime concern many of the courses required last minute changes including the cancellation of the triathlon swim. After re-routing courses, re-building organisation and trade tents, public areas and access routes, time simply ran out to prepare a safe swim venue.

The Championship became a Duathlon with 2.5k run 34k off road bike with 1400m ascent and 10k trail run.

My time of: 3:38:49 was good enough for 34th in age group and 158th overall. Long hill climbs, mud, more climbs and more mud had me pretty drained but as always it was well worth it.

Despite the weather, the event was exceptionally well managed with marshals and volunteers performing their duties with great enthusiasm. Given better weather Xterra will be a great sporting and social occasion as parties are somewhat a feature of Xterra. If you are looking for something slightly different I would have no hesitation in recommending Xterra to MTC members. Look out for 2007 as rumour has it a Half Iron distance will be added. Check out www.xterra.co.uk

One tip; don't plan a 2 day business trip, or any trip on the back of this event. With no cleaning facilities a mud coated bike, sodden clothes and ripe running shoes it's not hard to detect where that strange aroma is coming from.

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