XTERRA Sets Sail for the South Pacific, May 31
The next stop on the 2019 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour takes us to the beautiful island of Moorea for XTERRA Tahiti, where more than 800 participants get ready for off-road triathlon and trail races that are recognized as two of Polynesia’s most demanding endurance events.
"What can I say about Moorea and Tahiti, it's simply idyllic, it's paradise,” said reigning XTERRA World Champ Lesley Paterson, who won XTERRA Tahiti in 2016.
“Not only that, the race organizers are amazing and just so hospitable. Doing races like this that are challenging but also stunning, is the reason I do this sport.”
The 1.5K swim, 32K mountain bike, and 10K trail run will challenge athletes through rainforest trails, and steep, rocky single track to reveal the unique beauty of the island and the magic of Polynesia.
Last year Mauricio Mendez edged Sam Osborne to take the men’s elite title, while Jacqui Allen got the better of Paterson in the women’s race. This year’s event is also sure to be filled with the best off-roaders in XTERRA’s Asia-Pacific Region, who will be looking to collect valuable points towards the tour standings.
This year’s race will also feature a special guest, 2006 XTERRA Hall of Famer Scott Tinley. In 1996, Tinley competed in XTERRA’s inaugural event where he finished in 4th. But more than just a world-class triathlete, Tinley was the earlies of ambassadors for XTERRA and helped found and develop the sport of off-road triathlon.
After XTERRA Tahiti, there are just two more race in the five-stop Series, which began with the Asia-Pacific Championship race in Taiwan before moving on to New Zealand. XTERRA Japan returns to Marunuma on September 15th and the grand finale will take place September 22nd at the inaugural XTERRA China off-road triathlon in Kunming.
Learn more and find the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour standings at xterraplanet.com.
All-time XTERRA Tahiti Elite Winners
Year – Men’s Champ/Women’s Champ
2018 – Mauricio Mendez/Jacqui Allen
2017 – Sam Osborne/Jacqui Allen
2016 – Josiah Middaugh/Lesley Paterson
2015 – Brice Daubord/Sarah Backler