CREW'D THOUGHTS: XTERRA SOUTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIP

This weekend Xterra came to town and took over Oak Mtn State Park. I haven't picked up a mtn bike since discovering road racing so this was a bit of bitter sweet feeling watching some very talented riders do their thing out on the course. The weather was absolutely coooooking but gorgeous all in one.

In attendance were the two reigning world champions, Conrad Stoltz and Melanie McQuaid. I had a chance to talk to Stoltz for a bit and help him out with his X'd out logoe'd zoot skin suit. He said Zoot wasn't sponsoring him anymore so he wasn't advertising. Big mistake Zoot. Big mistake.

There were only around 150 participants in the race which is a huge disappointment because all I hear are rave reviews for our trails. Stoltz commented that this was one of his favorite venues. Nonetheless, once the gun went off the water was on fire as the participants of the mass start took off for the two lap swim.

After watching the pros come out of the water, we headed up to the infamous Blood Rock which is an extremely technical descent that tends to claim a few riders each year sending them home early. Watching the pros handle Blood Rock was just a reminder why their pros. It was like poetry. While watching, one rider did succumb to the Rock, but after a looksie with the paramedics he was back on his way.

Leaving T2, Stoltz was in 2nd and McQuaid was in the lead for the women. It was all working out as everyone thought it would. BUT, don't discount the Alabama heat! We heard a report that Dan Hugo was just seconds behind Stoltz with a kilometer to go. Wow. But Stoltz is a champion and turned it on and beat Hugo by 16 seconds across the line. During an interview with Hugo, he let everyone know that Stoltz wasn't just 16 seconds faster than him. He admitted that while on the course Stoltz had flatted, changed his tire and caught him. Wow. That must have cost him 3-4 minutes.

As for the woman's race, it wasn't Mel's day. Shonny Vanlandingham took the win in an amazing performance. McQuaid fought hard, but evidently had some troubles on the run and finished 7th. I hate that for her, but I am stoked that some other wonderful athletes were able to share in the spotlight.

Our fellow blogger, Jameson, was the first amateur to cross. The dude's an animal and nice guy. He had no reason to talk to me after the race as he was probably looking for the food tent, but he was an easy going guy that was willing to share in his excitement.

Big fist pump to the owner of our local bike shop, Faris Malki, for taking home 1st place in the duathlon. AND, there was a Tri Jack sighting! DV was doing his daily spin while tearing it up on the sport course.