XTERRA New Zealand World Tour Race

It feels like a long time since I’ve enjoyed training so much. I’ve found a good balance of being able to work, enjoy life and train, I also love being in Wollongong and consider this home.

I’ve not raced a triathlon since November and really had no idea how my first off road triathlon of the year would go. I knew I would feel a little ropey but I was confident my numbers in training had improved and that was my key focus. Weather it would transfer into racing, there was only one way to find out.   Rotorua turned on a stunning day in fact it was perfect for racing and the course was mint.   I got bashed around a fair bit in the mass swim start but pulled a few places back in the last 400meters and still exited in 2nd, after 1k into the bike I took over the lead lady. I was riding well and my skills in the MTB bike have improved a lot over the summer so the Xterra Rotorua course was right up my street.

I came off the bike in the lead and ran my first lap conserving a little energy at the half way point I thought I was been chased down so with 4kms to go I put the hammer down to take the win. I’m really happy with my form right now & it’s unbelievably nice to be back on the top step supporting Team Allen ?   B&j racing athletes raced with passion as they always do Penny finished 5^th in her very 1^st international pro race with a little more race experience she will be right up there.

Every race Madhu grows with confidence this lady has come from a finisher to a competitor, at the rate she’s going Mad’s will be a podium finisher in her age group.  Sonia unfortunately had a bad bike crash in training and could’nt take the start line however she loved the experience and will take a well earned break before she starts prepping for ITU Worlds.

Rotorua is just the perfect location for an Xterra race along with the fabulous set up and organisation from Frank and his team this event is truly world class. I will be back next year with my hubby.

Jacqui x