Okay, so I'm getting back up to normal running speed since returning home from Hawai'i, and the 16th installment of the XTERRA world championship race. Thing's were a little messed up for a bit causing me to shelve any blogging ideas I had for a few days, and here's why. The saddening news of the sudden and untimely passing of a good friend and coworker that came whilst in Maui, than an early East Coast snow storm that then forced close to 24 hour lay over in Chicago-O'Hare's airport, sure made thing's hectic in trying to get back home on my original scheduled arrival time. Despite the emotional and aggravating circumstances taking place beyond my control, I still felt excited and inspired by some of the personal events I had witnessed, that had taken place during the time span of the race in Maui by some athletes I know. Along the way throughout my entire journey home, I mulled it over and felt it more important to share each of their individual stories and accomplishments, than the ones concerning myself normally posted here. They really are pretty amazing to me, and I thought you might think so too. I hope you like them...
Austrian Michael Weiss is the 2011 XTERRA men's world champion, and rightfully so since he earned it. Michael won the title after completing the off road triathlon course comprised of a 1.5 kilometer rough open water swim, a 30 kilometer mountain bike ride, and a 10 kilometer trail run, all on the rugged and hilly landscapes of Maui's North Shore. His overall winning time of 2 hours, and 27 minutes, guaranteed him his first title victory in four attempts. His 2011 appearance wasn't his only podium placing though. Talk about being intent, In 2008, Michael took second place to Spaniard Ruben Ruzafa, and over the course of the next two years being 2009 and 2010, he took third place overall each time. As you can clearly see in the time span of four years, Michael has podiumed top three, all four times. Well I'm no professional, or expert myself, but I think that this is a pretty impressive feat of athletic achievement and determination combined! In my recollections since getting involved in XTERRA, I don't think anybody has stood on the doormat of such victory, more so than Michael Weiss himself.
When I attendant the post race dinner and awards show, I had no idea that Michael had won the overall spot at the world championship race yet. It was only after someone seated next to me, told me that someone from Austria had won it, that I knew. Funny how sitting there amidst my own excitement, that just a few days prior to the race, how I had told Michael online that I was really pulling for him to take the top spot this year, and that he did! When it came time for Michael's introduction to all those in attendance, I was all ears. It was pretty exciting as an athlete myself, to sit and listen to Michael explain how his entire race unfolded. Of course the best, and the most interesting part came for me, when he talked of tracking down 7-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong on the mountain bike, then passing him on a climb of all places. With that monumental personal achievement under his belt, Michael took off zestfully and never looked backed so to speak. Hearing him recount that specific part of the race was pretty thrilling to hear at the awards ceremony. The photos taken below are by Maui resident Chris Haigh, and show Michael closing in for the kill on one of cycling's most famous names and athletes, Lance Armstrong, and below that as he passes by and closes the gap even more.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch Michael auf solche einen erstaunlichen Sieg, Sie sind wirklich ein Weltmeister und sicherlich ein verdient!
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