'Hard but Exciting': XTERRA UK Course Gets a Thumbs Up Following Test Ride

Saturday, 19th August 2006

A lucky handful of local triathletes gave the course of the XTERRA UK event a 'thumbs up' this week following a successful test ride last weekend, in preparation for the arrival to the UK of the big off road multi-sport festival.

The event's organisers, keen to demonstrate that the terrain chosen in South Wales' Vale of Neath would provide the off road challenges which feature in XTERRA races around the world, arranged for the 'testers' to try out the swim and mountain bike legs of the event's triathlon.

It was an offer gratefully accepted as a dozen local triathletes set to compete at the event got the chance to give the course its first test run before the real thing, giving them the slight advantage of being the first to try this venue, hosting its first ever XTERRA event in a fortnight.

Amongst them was Mark 'Sharkie' Jaggard, from Theale, near Reading. Sharkie gave himself as full an XTERRA trial run as possible, spending the preceding night in the campsite adjacent to the start line, which the organisers predict can hold up to 150 visiting families. He, and the rest of the team were then up for a bright start on Sunday morning to do battle with the new turf.

Sharkie says: 'The swim was interesting, with good, very clear water, but one of the lakes is much colder than the other. I do like races where you exit the water and rejoin; it breaks up the swim and gives you a chance to check where you are in the race.
 
'The bike course will be challenging for all! It is fair to say that as well as the hard climbs, there are also some exciting descents, so all in all should be a great course'.

He adds: 'I think Gareth Thomas, the Race Director, should be congratulated on finding a great venue for the event - and picking a route which will be exciting for competitors and supporters alike'.

With regards to the chances of a good performance, Sharkie says: 'It was good for me to see the course in advance and to have a vision of it during my training up to the event. I hope to do well on the day - but anything can happen. I will keep my fingers crossed and train hard'.

Race Director Gareth Thomas adds: 'The exercise proved that the water is crystal clear and in terms of the mountain bike course it's fast as you dare as there are descents which will require riders to keep their eyes on the surface.' 

Source:  Press Release

More info:  www.XTERRA.co.uk