XTERRA is returning to Whistler, BC, Canada, this June 11-12, with a weekend of off-road triathlon, trail running, and swimming events.
“We’re stoked to be joining the XTERRA Family,” said Kristian Manietta from Endurance Specific, a triathlete, coach, and event producer who co-created the Whistler X Off-Road Triathlon in 2019.
“I love the vibe surrounding XTERRA and off-road triathlon. It’s fun, it’s laid back (even when you want to be competitive), and it’s such a great experience. I’m looking forward to further bringing the stoke for the athletes that come and race here, the global epicentre for mountain biking and trail running.”
“The seed for wanting to host XTERRA was actually planted in 2010 when I raced XTERRA Worlds,” Manietta explained. “That experience left a lasting memory, the Halloween after party was exceptional, and I had talks with Kahuna Dave about getting XTERRA back in Australia (because living in Canada wasn’t even on the radar then).
“Then on a whim in 2014, my wife and I went on a year adventure to Canada, and I raced XTERRA Victoria in 2015, which was awesome. From there, one thing led to another and a bunch of us in Whistler wanted to host an off-road tri because we shared XTERRA’s adventurous ‘Live More’ spirit.
“It’s a spirit that not only unites our community here in Whistler, but that of endurance athletes worldwide. So, that’s what got us started with Whistler X, and now we’re proud to say it’s XTERRA Whistler.”
For competitive amateur racers, the even also offers up a chance to win a BC Cross Triathlon Championship title, score a qualifying spot into the 2022 XTERRA World Championships in Trentino, Italy (October 1), and qualify for the 2023 World Cross Championships in Ibiza, Spain.
Following XTERRA Whistler on June 11-12, the XTERRA Victoria off-road triathlon takes place one-month later on July 9-10. Kristian Manietta and Rob Dibden, the XTERRA Victoria producer from Human Powered Racing, are also collaborating on a double award for athletes who do both events.
“I’m really excited for the XTERRA family in the northwest and all over the world really, who now have two truly magnificent events to look forward to this summer in British Columbia,” said Emily McIlvaine, XTERRA’s Event Services Manager.
“Canada is home to so many of our most enthusiastic competitors, and now with eight races from coast to coast, all at uniquely amazing destinations, there is a lot to look forward to this season.”
The organising team adds that, while there is no elite prize money this year for XTERRA Whistler, it’s in the works for 2023, while XTERRA Victoria is once again offering a US$3,000 pro purse this season.
