Is it time for coach @Jonathan to get back in the water? Xterra World Championships back to the United States in 2026.
While I have no chance of winning (or qualifying for age group) the World Championship, this interests me enough to sign up for an Xterra in the future! What are they like? Competition? Vibes? Etc.
I grew up in Ruidoso and super stoked for this announcement! The course will really suit @Jonathan – or anyone with good off-road skills. A lake swim that’s usually calm, true MTB course with some rocky tech and tight switchbacks, and both the bike and run will have lots of climbing/descending. Ruidoso is high desert that blends into alpine and will feel familiar to those coming from places like Reno, Flagstaff, and Bend.
XTERRA events are rad! I’ve done a hand full and the atmosphere is always fantastic and fun. There’s some impressive and fast competitors in the XTERRA circuit and the courses are challenging, but everyone is friendly and welcoming.
The community recently had a bad wildfire and lots of people lost homes, so this is a big step in helping it rebuild. The village is putting a lot into this and the local trail group will be revitalizing and building new trails to ensure it’s a worthy course. Like I said, I’m excited this is coming and am happy to answer any questions about the course or town.