XTERRA Victoria swimmers

Kieren McPherson and Julie Baker Beat Out Close Field and Fast Times at XTERRA Victoria 2018

ByRob Dibden

It was a great day for racing on Sunday as many of the top XTERRA pros joined an international field of age group athletes to challenge themselves and the course at the 2018 XTERRA Victoria Triathlon. Both the men’s and women’s pro fields were among the most competitive we have seen at XTERRA Victoria.

In a very close men’s race,  New Zealand’s Kieren McPherson edged out former World XTERRA Champion Josiah Middaugh to claim victory and a measure of redemption after crashing out of last year’s race. Branden Rakita of the US captured 3rd in front of local Olympian and Ironman Champion Brent McMahon who finished 4th in his return to XTERRA racing. Will Ross of the US rounded out the prize money in 5th.

On the women’s side Julie Baker of the US caught local XTERRA legend and three time XTERRA World Champion Melanie McQuaid on the run to finish at the top of a very competitive field. Current Pan Am Tour leader Fabiola Corona Garcia of Mexico finished 3rd, followed by 2017 XTERRA Victoria Champion Suzie Snyder of the US in 4th and 2016 XTERRA Victoria Champion Katie Button of Canada in 5th.

You can find the race results at XTERRA [icon icon=”external-link”] Victoria. Congratulations to the 24 athletes that qualified to go on to the XTERRA World Championship in Maui!

Julie Baker, Number One, at XTERRA Victoria smiles at the finish line.
Julie Baker
Kieran McPherson at XTERRA Victoria in the transition area.
Kieran McPherson
Top 2 males XTERRA Victoria 2018
Kieran McPherson and Josiah Middaugh
2nd female Melanie McQuaid
Melanie McQuaid

One of our presenting sponsors, Dr. Mark Hopkins, completed the gruelling Championship Race and was still able to present our age group winners with medals and pro athletes with their prize cheques.

Winners of the XTERRA Victoria women's division.
Suzie Snyder, Adriana Fabiol Corona Garcia, Julie Baker, Melanie McQuaid, and Katelyn Button.

 

 

Winners of the XTERRA Victoria men's division.
Will Ross, Branden Rakita, Kieran McPherson, Josiah Middaugh, and Brent McMahon.

Sandy Wilson and her Arbutus Physiotherapy team were on hand to give post race massages and help work out some of the aches and pains of the day.We would like to give a huge shout out to our amazing volunteers who worked so hard to keep everyone safe and having a great XTERRA experience.Thank-you to our presenting sponsors, Dr. Derek Hopkins and Dr. Mark Hopkins for making it possible to have such a talented pro field.  Thank you also to Arbutus Physiotherapy, Trek Pro City Bicycles, Frontrunners, and Clif Nutrition for your support of our event. Thanks to the athletes who participated in our pre-ride we were able to donate $435 to Team4Hope to help increase awareness and treatment of childhood neuroblastoma.

We have some more race photos to publish in the next day or two.

We hope to see everyone back for next year!