RACE REPORT: XTERRA Gator Terra

By Circ Toepel, XTERRA Rep

I am very pleased to report there were no “gators” at this event.  There were a few Gator fans and a few Razorback fans but no gators (not even in gator alley).  There were however, just over 100 very happy off-road triathletes.  I can see why Ned Overend made a few trips down here during his triathlon career.  This place is a hidden gem!  Having ridden world class single track from all over North America, I can assure you this course measures up.  It is spectacular from start to finish.  It does not have lung busting, sustained, high altitude climbs.  Those shortcomings (if you can call them that) are more than made up for with the tight, twisty, technical, root infested single track that meanders through the Louisiana forest.  The course opens up periodically for some perfectly placed passing zones.  The bike course keeps you thinking by throwing out a mix of stream crossings, woop-de-dos, fun high bank turns and even a few jumps thrown in.  The trees are tight and the rhythm of the course is almost mesmerizing.  The second half of the course offers some short leg busting climbs that will force you off your bike if you forget to shift to the small ring!  The run winds through the same spectacular trails only with more obstacles to climb over and around.

Light cloud cover greeted the racers at the start line and lasted throughout most of the race.  Temperatures edged up into the 70’s as the day wore on which made for some very fast racing.  Kyle Grieser came to the line in 1:25:51 looking like he could do another lap or 2.  Mike Carter followed him with a 1:30:04 and also the honor of being the 1st master.  Patrice Lhommeau rounded out the top 3 with a 1:30:45.  Steve Cole was the 1st grand master with a very respectable 1:38:57! 

Kristi Darby, racing in only her 2nd XTERRA didn’t have much trouble with the women’s field.  She crossed the line looking pretty fresh as well in 1:33:35.  Her nearest competitor, just like the men’s winner, was also a master.  Christiane Reetz took 2nd with 1:42:41.  Bonnie Barlow took 3rd finishing in1:46:08.  Theresa White finished in 2:15:23 being the 1st grand master female.

This was not an easy course but it was short enough that it attracted a large number of first timers.  The same sentiment was echoed throughout the post race celebration.  Fred is one of the best race directors on the planet!  Fantastic weather, perfect bike conditions, fast course, this event keeps getting better every year.  I think Kristi Darby summed it up best by saying “Fred is always so organized with an enthusiastic group of volunteers and well maintained venues.  This year’s XTERRA Gator Terra was no exception.”

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