ToughASIA

Just when you think you're tough enough

Triathlon

Amateurs seek trophies and glory at Xterra World Championship in Maui

Martin Flinta from Sweden, the reigning and two-time XTERRA 40-44 World Champ makes a return to the Xterra World Championship in Maui, Hawaii. (XterraPlanet)
Martin Flinta from Sweden, the reigning and two-time XTERRA 40-44 World Champ makes a return to the Xterra World Championship in Maui, Hawaii. (XterraPlanet)

The XTERRA World Championship not only attracts the professional triathletes around the globe to Maui in Hawaii, but a long list of amateurs are gunning for top honours too.

In the men’s amateur chase Martin Flinta from Sweden (pictured), the reigning and two-time XTERRA 40-44 World Champ, is the top returner from last year. He finished third amateur, 24th overall, with a time of 2:57:10.

Up and coming talents

Among amateurs from various countries will be leading the charge in their various age groups, starting with teenager champ, Hayden Wilde from New Zealand,  20-24 age group winner Charly Sibille from France, 35-39 age group winner Oscar Garcia from Argentina, 30-34 runner-up Alexandre Montel from France, and six-time 45-49 champ Cal Zaryski from Canada.

Up and coming talents in Lewis Ryan from New Zealand who was the overall amateur champ at the XTERRA Pan America and Asia-Pacific Tour finales, top amateur at XTERRA Beaver Creek – Cedric Wane from Tahiti, top amateur at XTERRA France -Xavier Dafflon, and some of America’s best including Nelson Hegg, Garren Watkins, and Rife Hilgartner will be interested in creating some upsets too.

Lewis Ryan from New Zealand won the 15-19 age group at Xterra Malaysia.
Lewis Ryan from New Zealand won the 15-19 age group at Xterra Malaysia.

Girl Power

In the women’s race the reigning and 3x 40-44 XTERRA World Champ Mimi Stockton is the top returner. Other top returners include Lydia Hale from New Zealand, and Kelli Montgomery from USA.

From teenagers to octogenarians, perhaps these women have found the fountain of youth, and believe age is just a number. Teenager Clara Clemmensen will seek to lead the 15-19 age group with family support in Maui, 45-49 champ Catherine Gance from France, 50-54 champ Carol Rasmussen from Denmark and Americans 60-64 champ Cindi Toepel, 65-69 winner Libby Harrow, and 8x winner Wendy Minor (70-74) are returning to claim more trophies for their cabinets.

Every year in Maui we see a new star emerge, and trust 2016 will be no different.

Read more on XterraPlanet.