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Two Weeks in Saipan, Coming Soon

"Two weeks in Saipan" has been the rallying cry for dozens of the worlds best triathletes and most fun-loving adventurers for years.  And for good reason, as the amazing little island in the middle of the Western Pacific Ocean hosts the XTERRA Saipan Championship (March 13) and Tagaman road triathlon (March 20) on back-to-back weekends, with a whole slate of fun stuff to do in-between.

After the inaugural XTERRA Saipan in 2002, staff and competitors alike quickly declared it the "Crown Jewel".  It's epic in so many ways, from the run that goes through the tropical rainforest, past World War II relics and into secret caves to the greatest host hotel ever at the Pacific Islands Club that has its own wave pool and lazy river.

The great food, fascinating culture, perfect weather, and warm hospitality of the locals - who set-up a host of activities and parties for visiting athletes - all make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience (unless, of course, you go every year).

The defending pro champs - Renata Bucher from Switzerland and Sam Gardner from UK - are going back to defend their crowns and bringing a bunch of friends with them.

Last year Bucher won this race for the fifth straight year, and did so convincingly by upsetting three-time and current XTERRA World Champion Julie Dibens, as well as America's best XTERRA female - mountain biking guru Shonny Vanlandingham.

“For me Saipan is the crown jewel of XTERRA and this race is so important to me that I spent the last two weeks here getting ready,” said Bucher after last year's race.  “It’s just a special place, a beautiful island with wonderful weather and the people are so nice.  It’s really like my second home now.”

Sam Gardner feels the same way, and last year he won XTERRA Guam, a couple weeks later XTERRA Saipan, and the week after that the Tagaman road tri and PIC Double award for having the fastest combined times in XTERRA and Tagaman.

“We loved it here when we came in 2007 and it’s great to be back in Saipan.  I like the hot weather, the bike course really suits me, the swim is fantastic in this warm turquoise water, and the run is pure adventure,” said Gardner after his win.

Notable competitors expected in Saipan this year include the 2003 Saipan Champ Jason Chalker (pictured), the reigning XTERRA amateur World Champ Darrelle Parker from the UK, triathlon great Chris Legh, & Shonny V.

“What a course!  I had a smile on my face the whole time and that run was so exciting,” said Vanlandingham after last year's race.  “Next year for sure I’m going to bring out five of my closest friends and have some more fun.”

Learn more at www.saipansports.com.