The 2018 XTERRA racing season will kick off at the Elgin-Grabouw Country Club this coming weekend with the much anticipated Fedhealth XTERRA South African Championship, the largest XTERRA in the world.
Reigning XTERRA World Champion, Bradley Weiss (Stellenbosch, South Africa) will be seen in action on Saturday.
“The largest XTERRA in the world, the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw is by far my favorite race of the year. Being so close to Stellenbosch, it is basically a home town race, one that I hold very close to my heart,” says Weiss.
Additional XTERRA Warriors that will be hoping to make their mark on the day will include: Brice Daubord (France), Hayley Preen, Michael Ferreira, Ruan Van Zyl, Michael Lord and Sebastian Kienle (Germany).
Having dominated the XTERRA Lite Race for the past few years, Preen will take on the Fedhealth XTERRA Full Race for the first time in 2018. “I love the off-road aspect of XTERRA. I also love that you can take part as part of a team, which allows for a fun day of racing with friends. My goal will be to have a fun day out.”
According to Ferreira, in order to race competitively at XTERRA skill is required. “I enjoy this area of racing where it is not just pure strength, but how well you can handle your bicycle or how you keep composure during the run. XTERRA is definitely not short of technical trails. This will be the second year that I race the XTERRA Full distance. My goal is to beat last year’s performance and hopefully finish top 10 in the pro category.”
Ruan van Zyl will also take part in the Fedhealth XTERRA Full Race for the first time in 2018. “XTERRA takes me to places that I’ve never been to before. It also allows me to compete against some of the world’s best athletes. I have many XTERRA heroes, but my top favorites are Dan Hugo, Bradley Weiss and Conrad Stoltz.”
Michael Lord is also a firm favorite to look out for in Grabouw. “I enjoy XTERRA because it’s unpredictable, the routes are tough and the vibe is lekker. The vibe at XERRA Grabouw is unmatched. My goal will be to do my best.”
German long-distance triathlete, Sebastian Kienle will also take on the XTERRA on Saturday. “Triathlon is my job, XTERRA is my hobby,” laughs Kienle. “I always try to keep things interesting. I would love to do more XTERRAs, but it is difficult to fit everything in. Hopefully I can challenge my good training partner, Bradley Weiss.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw (Elgin-Grabouw Country Club, Western Cape)
| Date: | Event: |
| Friday, 23 February 2018 | · Fedhealth XTERRA Kids |
| 6-8 years (60m Swim, 2km MTB, 600m Trail Run) | |
| 9-11 years (100m Swim, 3km MTB, 1.5km Trail Run) | |
| 12-15 years (250m Swim, 5km MTB, 2.5km Trail Run) | |
| Saturday, 24 February 2018 | · XTERRA Trail Run: 6km and/or 12km |
| · Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km Swim, 25.6km MTB, 12.6km Trail Run | |
| Sunday, 25 February 2018 | · Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 14km MTB, 6.5km Trail Run |
Twitter: @XTERRASA / @Fedhealthmed
Facebook: XTERRA South Africa / Fedhealth Medical Aid
Instagram: @xterrasa
Website: www.stillwatersports.com
For further information on the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw please contact 082 991 0045 or email [email protected]
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Stillwater Sports