Xterra Switzerland 2010

Race report on off-road adventures with Sarah Bugler

In the week leading up to Switzerland I had the distinct feeling of being stitched up as my fellow BTS/BTS-related Xterra racers all found lame excuses not to race, except for (boyfriend) Julian who wasn't allowed to find an excuse. Fortunately, they'd all purchased their flights by this point so it was lovely to have some supporters out on the course. As 'committed' triathletes and supporters(but obviosuly too ill to race) Phillipa and Michael even hopped in the lake and swam to the start to see us off; a novel take on spectating.
 
The swim was a 1-lap 750m from Prangins habour; it was a gorgeous warm day September morning, the lake was completely still and there were fantastic views across to Mont Blanc. Once out of the swim it was a short run out to transition. This was a little slower than usual as hoping on to a mountain bike required additional time for things like gloves. Despite being Switzerland, the MTB bike course (17km) was predominantly flat with open sections across fields and through the vineyards as well as some single track sections which popped in to the woods. I did get a bit confused as having looked at the map there was an extended section along the river - in reality the river was the course! I lost count of the number of times I scrambled down the bank to push/carry/drag my bike upstream before scrambling back out. Jumping on and off a bike and in and out of cold water adds an interesting dimension to a triathlon! Eventually the bike leg wound its way back to the transition area for the start of the run.
 
The run (5k) was also cross country and followed a similar route to the bike minus the river but with a final leap over straw bales in the finishing straight. Its amazing how much slower off-road running is, even when your trying to chase down your main rival. Sadly on this occassion my legs were too tired and Jules crossed the finish line 50 seconds and just a couple places ahead of me.
 
Admittedly it was a small field but I was pleased with my 1hr 48min finishing time which placed me 7th female (of 24) and 73rd overall (of 131).
 
Despite my apprehension that the race would only attract 'serious' triathletes, the Xterra 'light' race was fairly chilled and it didn't seem to matter that I'd not ridden my MTB for months. I have a feeling the bike course was the least challenging on the circuit but that makes Switzerland ideal for the occassion triathlete/mountain biker looking for something a bit different. I highly recommend giving it a go.
 
All in all, Xterra for a first-timer is a bit ridiculous, sometimes horrible but mostly great fun!
 
What have I learnt:
- I need a lighter bike
- I'd like to do another Xterra
- I'd like to do another Xterra and beat Jules

Sarah