Nebraska's First Off-Road Triathlon Was Welcomed With a Spectacular Greeting
"It was 4am and somebody started banging on the garage door with a sledgehammer and then proceeded to come into my bedroom and flick the lights on and off. As I woke from my slumber, I realized there wasn't someone playing games with me, it was just a severe thunderstorm wreaking havoc on Nebraska" said race director Jared Carlson.
Apprehension levels were high as the storm raged on through the morning creating a muddy wonderland for over a hundred brave souls out at the XTERRA Branched Oak Triathlon (B.O.L.T.) . Around 7am the heavens opened up and cleared as if to grant permission to continue on with the masochistic festivities. Part of the aftermath of the storm shut down interstate I-80 with an accident which left 30 of the would be competitors at a stand still for over an hour. The couple inches of rain caused not only changes in most participants pre-race routines, but also caused some re-routing of the course.
Despite all the opposition, when the air horn blared the athletes charged into the water creating a virtual washing machine for over 300 spectators to watch. The athletes then swam the 1000 meter two lap course to try and gain good position before having to traverse the 14.3 mile mountain bike course and 4.5 mile trail run. Muddy mayhem then ensued taking its toll on everyone daring to answer its challenge. One of the casualties of the course, was the bike of XTERRA pro Brandon Jessop. After breaking a spoke and messing up his derailleur instead of calling it quits on the course, he began to carry his bike. According to Jessop, he was just having too much fun to not be able to finish the race. Carol Niemann made a fake wincing expression every time the announcer yelled out her age, to which she always received an enormous response from the crowd. Being 64 years young just sent a message to all of the spectators, that you're only as old as you want to be. Kaelly Simpson after breaking her arm earlier this season, decided to buy a mountain bike the week before the race to see if off-road triathlons were everything she hoped they were. She wasn't disappointed as she won the overall women's race and collected over $200 in gift certificates to Cycle Works bike shop.
It was stories like these that abounded and left an impression to all that participated that XTERRA embodies the spirit of strength. The strength to adapt and overcome any obstacles that are put in your way....even if they happen to be in Nebraska.
"It was 4am and somebody started banging on the garage door with a sledgehammer and then proceeded to come into my bedroom and flick the lights on and off. As I woke from my slumber, I realized there wasn't someone playing games with me, it was just a severe thunderstorm wreaking havoc on Nebraska" said race director Jared Carlson.
Apprehension levels were high as the storm raged on through the morning creating a muddy wonderland for over a hundred brave souls out at the XTERRA Branched Oak Triathlon (B.O.L.T.) . Around 7am the heavens opened up and cleared as if to grant permission to continue on with the masochistic festivities. Part of the aftermath of the storm shut down interstate I-80 with an accident which left 30 of the would be competitors at a stand still for over an hour. The couple inches of rain caused not only changes in most participants pre-race routines, but also caused some re-routing of the course.
Despite all the opposition, when the air horn blared the athletes charged into the water creating a virtual washing machine for over 300 spectators to watch. The athletes then swam the 1000 meter two lap course to try and gain good position before having to traverse the 14.3 mile mountain bike course and 4.5 mile trail run. Muddy mayhem then ensued taking its toll on everyone daring to answer its challenge. One of the casualties of the course, was the bike of XTERRA pro Brandon Jessop. After breaking a spoke and messing up his derailleur instead of calling it quits on the course, he began to carry his bike. According to Jessop, he was just having too much fun to not be able to finish the race. Carol Niemann made a fake wincing expression every time the announcer yelled out her age, to which she always received an enormous response from the crowd. Being 64 years young just sent a message to all of the spectators, that you're only as old as you want to be. Kaelly Simpson after breaking her arm earlier this season, decided to buy a mountain bike the week before the race to see if off-road triathlons were everything she hoped they were. She wasn't disappointed as she won the overall women's race and collected over $200 in gift certificates to Cycle Works bike shop.
It was stories like these that abounded and left an impression to all that participated that XTERRA embodies the spirit of strength. The strength to adapt and overcome any obstacles that are put in your way....even if they happen to be in Nebraska.
Post-race report by Jared Carlson - Race Director
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