Conrad Stoltz Wins his Fourth XTERRA World Championship!

Suunto athlete Conrad Stoltz has done it again! He is once again the XTERRA World Champion! This is his fourth time winning the XTERRA World Championship and is also the first person to win the title four times over. This is an amazing accomplishment and we are so happy for Conrad for achieving such an amazing feat. Here is a report of the race from xterraplanet.com.

MAKENA, Maui – Conrad Stoltz of South Africa made history and Shonny Vanlandingham of Colorado started history at the 15th Annual XTERRA World Championship off-road triathlon at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort today.

Stoltz, who turned 37 on Oct. 23, dominated the international field of 550 triathletes. He completed the course in 2 hours, 31 minutes, 7 seconds, which was more than five minutes ahead of his closest competition. It was his record fourth victory in the event, which is considered the world championship of off-road triathlons.

Vanlandingham, 41, won her first women’s XTERRA World Championship, completing the course in 2:58:20.

Stoltz and Vanlandingham each received $20,000.

The course consisted of a 1-mile swim off Makena Beach, a 20-mile mountain bike up and down the lower slopes of Haleakala, and a 7-mile trail and beach run.

“I don’t think I could have done a better race today, it was really, really magical,” said Stoltz, whose previous wins came in 2001, 2002 and 2007. “I will treasure this memory forever.”

Franky Batelier of France placed second with a total time of 2:36:14. Michael Weiss of Austria was third, followed by Olivier Marceau of France in fourth, and Nico Lebrun of France in fifth.

Spain’s Eneko Llanos, who won the race last year and was also seeking a fourth XTERRA world title, placed sixth. However, Llanos did win the coveted Hawaiian Airlines Double Award as the best overall performer from the XTERRA World Championship and the Ford Ironman World Championship, which were held two weeks apart.

Congratulations Conrad, you rock!

For more on the XTERRA race series click here

For more on Conrad Stoltz, visit his website here.

Conrad Stoltz Wins XTERRA USA Championship

Suunto's Conrad Stoltz has done it again. He tore it up this past weekend at the XTERRA USA Championships winning the race by finishing a full five minutes ahead of the second place finisher, Nicolas Lebrun. Stoltz finished the 1-mile swim, 19-mile mountain bike ride, and 6.5 mile trail run in 2:24:03. Stoltz has won the six-stop XTERRA U.S. Pro Series for the eighth time since 2001.

“I’m really, really surprised with my performance today,” said Stoltz. “I’ve said before that this is the anti-Conrad course because there are 3,000-feet of climbing and not a whole lot of descending, and because I’m 180 pounds it is especially challenging for me, but my legs felt amazing and the Specialized 29’er I was riding was incredible, it just rolled over all the roots and rocks.”

Stoltz’ five-minute margin of victory was by far the most dominating performance in the history of the XTERRA USA Championship race, and his prowess on the mountain bike turned it into a race for second place early on.

It all started with Stoltz one minute behind the swim leaders; amateur Patrick Valentine, and pros Seth Wealing, Branden Rakita, and Dan Hugo. Stoltz not only got that minute back, but put another minute on the field by mile four after the first big climb up Wheeler Canyon. By mile eight he led by three minutes and was absolutely flying when he passed a collection of journalists tracking the race.

When the bike course reached Snowbasin Resort at roughly mile 13 his lead was more than four minutes, and he went into the bike-to-run transition five minutes, 20 seconds up.

“I was really worried about the two mountain men, Josiah Middaugh and Nico Lebrun, because they are such great climbers and had no idea I had such a big lead until I got on the run. When I heard about the gap I was really able to enjoy this run, and savor the beauty of the course,” said Stoltz, who even had the chance to stop and kiss his girlfriend a half-mile before the finish line.

Conrad is the overall point leader in the U.S. for XTERRA this year. For more information on Conrad visit his website here. For more on XTERRA visit their website here.

Matty Reed Wins Big at Nautica Malibu Triathlon

This weekend Suunto athlete Matty Reed took away another title as he won the Nautica Malibu Triathlon held in Malibu, CA. Matty raced in the International Pro/Elite Division which is a Olympic regulation course consisting of a 1.5K ocean swim, a 40K out and back bike course along the Pacific Coast Highway, and a 10K road race along Zuma Beach. With a winning time of 1:50:29 Matty left the rest of the competition way, way back.

Congratulations Matty on an awesome job this weekend!

For Full Race Results visit the results page here.

For more on Matty Reed visit his website here.

You can also follow Matty on Facebook and Twitter.

Full Throttle Endurance Racing Dominates the Triathlon Weekend

It was a big weekend for Suunto-sponsored Twinlab-Full Throttle Endurance Racing with as they dominated two big races this weekend. From the press release:

New Jersey, August 14, 2010- Twinlab-Full Throttle Endurance Racing (FTE) dominated at the Long Branch Triathlon on Sat. Bill Kelly ran away from the field after he took the lead early in the bike leg on his Jamis T2 of the Olympic Race. Anna Hillegass took the top prize in the womens race for her first Overall Title. The Team also had the many other podium finishes spanning a wide range of categories. In the Sprint Race the podiums kept coming with new comers Tom Saito and Julie Aiello winning the Overall Titles. The podiums didn't stop there as FTE had 3rd and 4th Overall finishers as well, with Dan Ownes and Benji Aiello winning their Age groups.

New York, August 15, 2010- Twinlab-Full Throttle Endurance Racing (FTE) also raced in the Harryman Triathlon on Sun. Rick Krupa was certainly the class of the field winning the Overall Title by 4 minutes. Joe Marinucci also had a solid day winning the 34-39 age group title. The Team also had other podium finishes.

"It was a great weekend of racing for the Full Throttle Team", said Head Coach Scott Berlinger, "we are getting ready for what we hope will be a 4th consecutive USA Triathlon Team National Championship in Myrtle beach, SC on Oct 2nd. "

Congratulations on an amazing weekend!

For more on Full Throttle Endurance Racing go to their website.

Full Throttle Endurance Racing Team Wins Big in NYC

According to a press release below by Full Throttle Endurance, the team finished on top, despite the heat, at the Nautica New York City Triathlon. The Chelsea-Piers-based team members all wear Suunto t6d training watches and train together with the Suunto Fitness Solution as a group.

Full Throttle Endurance Racing dominated the Nautica New York City Triathlon for the third consecutive year. On the hottest day in the race’s ten-year history, FTE handily won the team competition, finishing 17 points ahead of the second-place team on the strength of eight podium finishes spanning a wide range of categories.

In the elite division, Allison Lind finished second among women; Doug Clark and Bill Kelly took fourth and ninth, respectively, among the men.

Melanie Wolff (F30-34) and Stacy Creamer (F50-54) both won their divisions; Creamer’s time was the fastest among all female age-group competitors and Wolff’s was the second-fastest.

“It’s always a thrill to race on home turf,” said Creamer, “especially when the course includes the Hudson River, the West Side Highway, and Central Park. And I love racing for a team. I compete better when more than just my own results are at stake.”

Mark Guay took second in the highly competitive M25-29 division.

“It was definitely not an easy race with the heat and humidity and, at times, I wanted to quit,” says Mark Guay. “How could I though? With my team cheering me on, I dug deep and persevered, and even set a new PR.”

Greg Usry (M45-49) and Full Throttle coaches Toni Weeks (F30-39) and Dan Ownes (over-40 Clydesdale) all finished third. Jess Mullin won the Athena division by more than 14 minutes.

Other FTE athletes contributing to the team win were Charlie Howe (fourth, under-39 Clydesdale) and Tom Slon (fifth, M50-54).

FTE team members Creamer and Bobby Kennedy also scored for second-place Yale in the Bloomsburg Businessweek Ivy League Championship, and Melanie Wolff and her husband, Bryan Wolff, scored for third-place Princeton.

We want to congratulate these awesome Suunto Athletes on a stellar job!

For more on Full Throttle Endurance visit there website here.

Conrad Dominates the XTERRA West Championships

Suunto Athlete Conrad Stoltz started his season off at the head of the pack, winning last weekend's XTERRA West Championship off-road triathlon in Las Vegas. This is the fourth year in a row "The Caveman" has come away from the West Championships as the champ.

Conrad told XTERRA News, "I rode as hard as I could today on this very rough and rocky and slippery desert surface. This Vegas course is pretty tough with steep uphills and steep downhills and it was really hot towards the end of the race."
Congratulations Conrad!

Click here to see more results from the XTERRA West Championships.

Jenny Fletcher Starts Season Strong

Jenny Fletcher, a newly-inked Suunto sponsored athlete, has begun her Triathlon season with a bang. Below is her version of the past two races.

From Jenny Fletcher: I have completed two races this year. Two very opposite races. My first ever ITU race in Mazatlan a couple weeks ago which was such a great experience... Race ready? Maybe not quite yet, but it brought a hunger that has driven me forward into my training and fueled my drive for the race I just completed this weekend. I just competed in the Nautica South Beach Triathlon. I am so thrilled with how this race went... from my focus, to how it felt, and for this new level of drive I've never had before. The power I felt in all three events and the fitness level was a new high for me. My bike average was 23mph, and my run average was a 6:06min/mile and I felt that I had just touched the beginning of a new era of training. I was able to cross that finish line with a smile and not really be concerned with the overall result. Just knowing I am at a place I have never been before had me so excited. I stood on that podium in second place smiling knowing I've trained hard and raced hard to achieve this! My 40 days of training in Australia with some of the best in this sport brought me to a new level. I owe everyone that was there my thanks, and to Siri Lindley my new inspiring and incredible coach... you and I both know the best is yet to come. To EVERYONE... THANK YOU as always... for supporting me and believing in me!

Jenny's next competition is this weekend where she is involved in the Dow Live Earth Run For Water. She will participate with thousands of others in Los Angeles to help raise awareness for the world's current water crisis. Then on April 22nd, Jenny is back in Florida for the St. Anthony's Triathlon and on May 2nd she will be back in California competing in her second (and favorite race) Escape from Alcatraz.
We're looking forward to a memorable season. Keep up the great work Jenny!

Full Throttle Racing Team Dominates South Beach Triathlon

Suunto-sponsored Twinlab-Full Throttle Endurance Racing Team dominated the South Beach Triathlon this past weekend, with 42 team members competing and four of the top five placers wearing Full Throttle colors. 23 members hit the podium, and nine were overall or division winners.

After a 2009 USA Triathlon Team National Championship Title in Oklahoma City, the 2010 season opened with the Overall Winner, Jesse Du Bey defending his 2009 Sobe crown, Rick Krupa in 2nd, Andrew Kalley in 3rd and Bill Kelly in 5th. The overall female winner was Allison Lind, also on the Twinlab-Full Throttle Endurance Racing Team.

Division or Overall Winners:
Jesse Du Bey, Allison Lind, Head Coach Scott Berlinger, Charles Howe, Stacey Creamer, Jessica Mullin, Toni Weeks, Karen Phillips, Amy Catlin

Suunto is a 2010 season sponsor of the Twinlab-Full Throttle Racing Team and provides team members with the Suunto Fitness Solution for their indoor group fitness workouts based in Chelsea Piers, New York.

Andy Potts and Matty Reed Race for Charity

US Olympians and Suunto sponsored athletes Andy Potts and Matty Reed will face-off in a relay race to raise money for charity.

Both Potts and Reed will captain a relay team during the Memorial Hermann Gateway to the Bay Triathlon in Kemah, Texas. The race is April 11th and raises money for Jenny's Light - a charity that helps women with post-partum mood disorders.

Other spots on the relay teams will be auctioned over the internet. For Team Potts, you can bid on the bike and run leg. For Team Reed, you can bid on the swim and bike leg. You can find the on-line auction here.

Potts and Reed will also put on clinics during the weekend to help participants with triathlon training and performance.

Andy Potts Update

The latest from Team Potts:

After returning home to Colorado Springs, Andy was treated by local physicians for the injuries he received from the crash. After the evaluations, doctors confirmed there were no internal injuries or broken bones and he was cleared to resume limited training.

He began bike riding last Friday and resumed run training yesterday. Doctors will clear him to resume training in the water when his wounds heal completely. Currently, Andy is receiving treatment and therapy at the United States Olympic Training Center in an attempt to regain fitness and prepare for the Ironman World Championships.

We are confident Andy will make a full recovery in time for Kona, but it is unclear how the crash will affect his performance in the race. Andy wants to express his gratitude to all of his fans, sponsors and supporters for the overwhelming support he received over the past week.

Potts Crash Update

Andy Potts was involved in a major bike crash during Sunday's Chicago triathlon (read previous post for details).

UPDATE: Andy travelled back home to Colorado Springs Monday and will be re-examined by doctors. He will continue to rest and is out indefinitely until cleared by physicians to resume training and racing.

He agent says Andy appreciates the support and concerns of his fans.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Matty Wins, Potts Crashes

Matty Reed dominated on the bike to win the Chicago Triathlon.

Reed was down 45 seconds coming out of the water, but pumped out the best bike time of the race to take the lead. From there he never looked back, winning by close to a minute.

It was Reed's first Chicago Triathlon win and puts him on top of the Life Time Fitness Series standings.

Meanwhile, fellow Suunto athlete is recovering after a nasty wreck on the bike. Potts was going close to 35 mph when a slower age group competitor rode into his path. He was sent sliding along the pavement for 150 to 200 feet and suffered severe road rash.

Potts actually tried to get up and continue the race, only to find his bike was wrecked. While he was being examined by race staff, Potts passed out and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. After extensive tests Doctors say Potts has no broken bones or serious internal injuries, but he did receive a number of stitches on his elbow. He is still recovering in Chicago.

Potts was near the lead when the crash happened. He was also tied with Reed for the series points lead.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Andy.

For a full race recap and some pics: check out here

Showdown in Chicago

Matty Reed and Andy Potts face off for the lead in the Life Time Fitness Series in Chicago this weekend.

Reed and Potts are tied with 18,000 points apiece after 2 of 5 races in the series.

The first race in Minneapolis was a tight one. Reed out sprinted Potts to the line for a 1 second victory and a lead in the series points.

The standings tightened up considerably after the second race in New York. Greg Bennett finished first, with Potts in 2nd and Reed in 3rd. That leaves all three tied for the points lead heading into Sunday's race in Chicago.

The winner this weekend will take command of the series with two races left in Los Angeles and Dallas.

You can check out all the weekend's events here: http://www.chicagotriathlon.com/

Potts Wins Timberman 70.3, Sets New Record

Andy Potts dominated the field in New Hampshire, winning the Timberman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon on Sunday.


Potts was first out of the water and second off the bike before he put the hammer down and exploded to the lead on the run. Potts' run was the fastest of the field as he pulled away from the competition to win by more than 7 minutes. His performance was also a course record - 3:51:19.


Potts spoke with Triathlete Magazine after the race, you can read what he said here.


The victory joins an ever-growing list for Potts this year. So far he's won the Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead, St. Anthony's, the Wildflower and Escape from Alcatraz.


Next up: The Chicago Triathlon on Sunday Aug. 30th.


Thanks Andy Cooper for the great photo.

Big Weekend for Suunto Athletes

Matty Reed will defend his USA National title while Andy Potts looks to take the crown at the Timberman Ironman 70.3.

Reed races in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday at USA Triathlon's National Championships.

"The national title is just that, and I respect it. I plan to bring my 'A' game and strength to Tuscaloosa," says Reed.

Meanwhile, Potts will hit the New Hampshire wilderness in his quest for yet another victory on Sunday. He takes on Lake Winnipesaukee and the Timberman 70.3.

Follow all the action on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/SUUNTOUSA

Ready for a BIG WEEKEND?

Potts and Reed ready to hold off European favorites

Fellow Suunto Ambassadors Andy Potts and Matty Reed (here in winning pose after Oceanside 2009) are hitting top form and are prepared to hold off the European challenge ahead of this Sunday’s men’s ITU World Championship Series race in Washington DC.

"It’s great for the sport, it’s getting more professional now and it’s going to be fantastic racing," says Reed of the WCS. "It’s got the best athletes in the world concentrating on this one series."
"I am fit and fast and ready to race DC,” continues Reed, 33. “I'm happy with where I am at in the season and am looking forward to the fun, fast racing of a WCS race.”

"I am happy with my training so far this season.” Says three times Alcatraz winner Andy Potts. “The Washington WCS race will be a good challenge for me. I'm looking forward to the race to see where I am with my running.”

However, neither Andy nor Matty commit to predicting an outcome. “It is a world cup so you never know.“ (Matty). “My predictions are that it is going to be a tough race and it will get my best effort. As far as placing goes, I hope to race well but I'm not going to predict anything.” (Andy).

Andy and Matty running in Oceanside earlier in 2009

But for all US fans the last thought of Matty sounds promising: “Andy and I might break away shortly into the bike leg, get a 1min 30sec lead and run shoulder to shoulder for the win. Now wouldn’t that be cool?”

Indeed!

Both, Andy and Matty, will be wearing Suunto Comfort Belts during the the whole race. So will Jan Frodeno, Javier Gomez, Daniel Unger, Emma Snowsill, Sarah Haskins, Helen Jenkins and more.

Made possible by Suunto technology, their heart-rates, speed and GPS positioning data will be broadcast live throughout the race and also on the on-demand videos available via the ITU WCS website and on TV!

Andy Pott (Olympian and World Champion Half IM 2007)

Matty Reed (Olympian and Pan Am Champion 2009)

Daniel Unger (Olympian and World Champion 2007)

Helen Jenkins (UK Champion)

Jan Frodeno (Olympic Champion 2008)

Javier Gomez (Olympian and World Champion 2008)

How Andy can lose one minute up the sand ladder...

... and still manages to win the Escape from Alcatraz.

unknown athlete fighting up the Sand Ladder

Es reported earlier Jenny Fletcher won the Age Group, the Non-Pro race and finished top 9 in the Pros - as an Amateur. But more impressively, she ran up the tough Sand Ladder one minute faster than three times winner Andy Potts.

Here's some insight from both Suunto athletes.

Jenny:
"I think there definitely has to be an error in the sand ladder results... Andy could have crawled up it, stopped in the middle to get his picture taken, maybe even sign a couple autographs and still beat me up.... So I'd like to think I was fast and stealthy up it.... But I'm thinking that he ran over the timing mat so fast they didn't get his accurate time ;)!
Next year Andy I'll have a contest with you to see if you can take your sand ladder title back ;)!!!"

But only Andy can tell us the real reason :
"The sand ladder is tough - I took my time going up."

Boring(?) - but somehow it feels great that the Sand Ladder is tough for World Champs, too, doesn’t it?

News is what's different

No News: Conrad Stoltz wins the XTERRA in Richmond, VA last weekend.

No News: Andy Potts wins the Escape from Alcatraz.

No News: Jenny Fletcher wins her Age group at the Escape from Alcatraz.

News: 3 minutes before the XTERRA race started, Conrad sliced open the top of his foot shuffling across the bottom of the James River while helping to put a course buoy back in place. This resulted in a HUGE flesh wound on his foot. After the race it got fixed with 7 stitches. But before that Conrad did race, got some first aid during the first transition, soaked his running shoe in blood and finished FIRST!

TRAIN SMARTER, RACE HARDER! Congrats Conrad, you are amazing!
Find the story in Conrad's own words here.



2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES STANDINGS (After 5)
Pl Name Points
1 Conrad Stoltz 469 (Suunto)
2 Dan Hugo 401 (Garmin)
3 Josiah Middaugh 352
4 Mike Vine 322
5 Nico Lebrun 310 (Suunto)

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NEWS: Andy Potts is now three times Champion of the Escape from Alcatraz. Andy won the last three events ('07, '08 and '09). Congratulations Andy, three times is legacy!Andy put in a solid race and not only had the best swim leg as usual but also had the fastest run and the second fastest bike leg. But up the famous Sand Ladder Andy (07 in 50 sec) lost 1 minute to fellow Suunto athlete Jenny Fletcher (6 min 54 sec). We are investigating this fact and will share more insight soon!

Jenny won her age group in 2 hours 38 minutes which puts her also in the top rank of all non-pro female and Top 9 in the pro field. HEY USAT it's time for the pro card for Jenny! Check out Jenny's blog where she describes her life: "I'm having a blast on this journey!"

Rev3 Triathlon recap

Yes, Matty Reed did it again. It seems Suunto Ambassador Boom Boom is unstoppable in 2009. We are very proud to see Matty train and race in Suunto. See you at Alcatraz and for ITU in D.C.!
But this time we want to focus on another team of great Suunto Ambassadors. US Pro Tri, lead by Ryan Bates, is also training and racing in Suunto. and yes, they are very successfull, too. Check out their website
As emntioned, no-one can beat Matty this year so they're focusing on a top result. And it worked well.

Mike Caiazzo finished 9th, just missing the big prize purse. We agree that you deserve a prize money when finishing 9th!!!

Mike on the run

Ryan came in 11th and John Kenny finished 12th!

Ryan finishing 11th!

Congratulations to all of your from all here at Suunto USA. See you at Eagleman!

Our last comment: Always a good move to choose a race without Matty in case you want to win.

More World Class Racing

International racing at the highest level!

ITU - timed by Suunto - stops in Madrid, Spain.

Check out Suunto athletes Javier Gomez (World Champion), Daniel Unger (World Champion), Jan Frodeno (Olympic Champion), Emma Snowsill (Olympic Champion)

Watch it live at www.triathlon.org/tv