This race is EPIC! If a person could do one Xterra race only in the United States I am a firm believer that it should be this one.
After having recently moved to California it was an easy decision to clear my calendar and make sure that I'm fit and ready for this race.
While I was ready I can't say exactly that I was 100% fit. No excuses here, but during the last couple of years, I battled with all sorts of injuries from ankle sprains to hamstring injuries, knee problems to calf issues.
I was fairly fit but at least capable of racing for three hours. A fellow pro triathlete, Jessica Koltz helped me with an impromptu homestay after I realized that campsites were not available on the day of my arrival in Incline Village.
The course at Lake Tahoe is nothing short of breathtaking. The swim takes place in the lake. It's one of the clearest water in the U.S. and arguably the cleanest. During our pre-swim I could see probably 30 feet below. The water was choppy and cold but that's not an issue with a wetsuit.
The bike course is what really sets this race apart from other races. Out of T1 there's a good mile, mile and a half of gradual climb on the road that allows racers to get in their shoes, put the gloves on, fix their shades, and fuel up for the climb ahead. Once starting the climb by Tunnel Creek Cafe there's no turning back.
The course is a giant lollipop and climbs from 6300ft to 8600ft. It is a rough one, I know, but the views are phenomenal. Riding on the east side of Lake Tahoe on the Flume Trail the lack of oxygen won't be the only reason why you'll be gasping for air.
On one side there's a giant wall of rocks and steep mountain while next to you is the drop that doesn't seem to stop for 1000s of feet. The view is something to behold.
The climb continues through mile 16, and it is sometimes rather steep. At the top, however, you come across some pretty alpine lakes, giant boulders, and a landscape that seems like it was painted there.
On race day I drove an hour from Reno to Incline Village. I came across the finish line in 3rd place overall. I must say that I'm not 100% satisfied with that result but that's all I could do right now. I firmly believe that 4-5 minutes was left in the swim, 5-7 minutes on the bike and 2-3 minutes on the run.
The race was well organized with free food and beer at the end and as far as views go out on the race course it is unparalleled in the U.S.
It has long been on my bucket list, going back to 2011 when I first delved into triathlon, and I'm glad that I was able to compete here finally, in 2018. It's a must-do for any off-road triathlete.