The 2015 XTERRA Canada Series presented by Muscle MLK gets underway next weekend with the first of seven races nationwide across the country from now through September.
First up is the XTERRA Mine Over Matter off-road triathlon on 27 June, in Milton, Ontario. Mine Over Matter is serving as the Canadian Cross Tri Championship and as such it’ll award 10 qualifying spots for each age division into the 2016 ITU Cross Tri World Championships.
It’s also the first of three races produced by The Element Racing team out of Ontario this year and will deliver 20 qualifying spots for Ontario Series amateurs into the 20th XTERRA World Championship race to be held on 1 November in Maui.
“This is a location that is sure to provide a spectacular course – whether you are a seasoned athlete or first-timer to the world of multisport races,” said Race Director James Kowalewski.
“The swim will take place in the spring-fed, baby blue waters of the Kelso Quarry. The bike portion of this race will take place within Kelso Conservation Area – home to some of the area’s best mountain bike trails, while the run will follow along various escarpment trails! This is a fast and flowing course, which constantly changes from double to single track and back again. There are lots of opportunities for passing, and racers are treated to several vista views on the run course.”
The following weekend, on 5 July, the west coast Canadians jump into the fray with XTERRA Victoria. The swim is in Durrance Lake, the bike cuts through the heart of Mt Work Park, and the run twists through the Partridge Hills trail system. To get a look at the stunning scenery to be found, this highlight video takes in the sights and sounds from last year’s race…
Later in July the scene switches back east for the second race of the XTERRA Ontario Series (XOS) – XTERRA Parry Sound (25 July) at the Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club. XTERRA Sleeping Giant (7 September) in Thunder Bay will be the XOS finale.
“Having a points series and multiple races within the province helps provide a reason to dedicate training to the off-road discipline. Add in the opportunity to qualify for a destination race like Maui and you’ve got something to train for,” explained James Kowalewski.
XTERRA Sleeping Giant will award qualifying spots to the top three male and top three female overall finishers, and 14 World Championship spots will be awarded to individuals who have accumulated the greatest number of points Mine Over Matter and Parry Sound, divided evenly among the genders with seven going to female racers and seven going to male racers in 10-year age groups.
On 16 August, the tour heads to the Canadian Rockies for XTERRA Canmore in Alberta, and then the following weekend goes to XTERRA Quebec for a 23 August showdown.
The last race of the year is the Canada Series newest member, XTERRA Woolastook, which will take place on 13 September in Woolastook Park near Fredericton, New Brunswick.
