The XTERRA England off-road triathlon, part of the XTERRA European Tour and taking place in Cranleigh, Surrey, on 8 September, is close to filling up in its inaugural year.
XTERRA England is the last of eight majors on the XTERRA European Tour and offers up to 40 qualifying spots to age group competitors who are interesting in racing at the XTERRA Worlds in Maui on 27 October.
This is an exciting end-of-season opportunity to experience the off-road global tri phenomenon, as the race returns to British shores for the first time in 7 years. Already signed up to race is the 2x world champion Lesley Paterson, Asia Triple-Crown Champion Ben Allen, and top athlete Jacqui Slack.
Working with the organisers of the Vachery Triathlon Festival, the XTERRA England event combines a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike and 10K trail run. The swim will be held in Vachery Pond, one of Surrey’s best kept secrets and the jewel in the crown for the Vachery Triathlon Festival, which took place this July.
Entries to the XTERRA England festival of off-road sport close in just 14 days’ time, at midnight on Friday 23 August, or when the race fills up, whichever comes first. There are just 100 places remaining in the XTERRA England triathlon and 50 in the ‘Try-an-Xtri’ sprint race; so with this in mind, the organisers are urging those who are still considering whether to enter to act quickly to avoid disappointment.
On offer in the stunning surroundings of the Vachery Estate in the heart of South-East England are four race distances to choose from, including the XTERRA England triathlon (1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike, 10K off-road run); Try-an-Xtri Sprint (750m swim, 15K mountain bike, 5K off-road run); 1.5K open water swim; and a 3K open water swim.
Commenting on the forthcoming race in September, two-time XTERRA World Champion, Lesley Paterson said, “I am very excited to be racing at XTERRA England! I’m a British lassie at heart so to come and compete back home is simply amazing, not to mention the opportunity to be a part of helping grow XTERRA at home – it is such an amazing sport.”
She added, “I’d love to win this race and will do everything to make this happen. You can never count anyone out in this sport, but I think I will have a particularly tough race against Jacqui Slack. I’ve been super impressed with her this year and she is a big contender.”
The XTERRA England championship weekend offers all participating triathletes an experience that includes a swim in the private spring-fed lake, before joining the pro field on the singletrack and trails of the Vachery Estate, before returning to T2 and heading out on a multi-lap run through trails and natural obstacles in the run.
The event promises to offer something for everyone, with on-site camping within the Vachery Estate, an exhibitor’s area featuring the latest in triathlon gear and produce from local suppliers plus fun activities for all the family who will enjoy the great atmosphere and countryside whilst athletes are racing.
The Vachery Estate is located just outside the picturesque village of Cranleigh in the Surrey Hills, only minutes from London and the motorways, M25, M23 and M3.
