XTERRA Puerto Rico: The Elite Caribbean Challenge

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CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO - XTERRA Puerto Rico takes the lead as the inaugural event with the first of 24 races spanning 8 countries on the XTERRA Americas Tour schedule. On April 7, 2024, the vacation destination town of Cabo Rojo with a vibrant mountain biking culture will play host to participants of various age groups and notable elite athletes competing for off-road triathlon glory. 

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This year's competition offers $7,500 in prize money for the professional category and 28 slots for the XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy, this September. The move to Cabo Rojo from last season’s location in Fajardo will challenge athletes with an unparalleled course design.

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Course Description

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The new XTERRA Full Distance race in Cabo Rojo promises an exceptional experience, with a course highlighting the region's natural beauty and its renowned trails.

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Athletes will embark on a journey that begins with a crystal-clear, 1.5K swim at Combate Beach, followed by a pristine 29K bike segment through a mix of open trails and technical cross-country MTB routes. The showdown culminates in a single-loop 10K run along the El Combate Trail. The trails will be in prime condition for speed and passing with the terrain slightly drier at this time of the year, showcasing some of the best paths the island has to offer.

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"Of all the bucket list races on the XTERRA World Tour, this one stands out for its authentic island-style atmosphere and the pure passion of [people] to bring XTERRA back to 'the island of enchantment,'" says race organizer David Velez.

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Elite Focus: Who Will Shine Under The Sun?

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Men’s Race

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World Ranking – Name, NAT

30 – Edmond Roy, CAN: 

76 – Branden Rakita, USA

125 – James Kirschner, USA

223 – John Wiygul, USA

375 – Humberto Rivera, USA

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Edmond Roy (CAN) enters this season as the top contender in the men's race, fresh off being named multisport athlete of the year at the Triathlon Quebec gala. With a history of dominant performances in Canada, including a victory at XTERRA Tremblant and a third-place finish at XTERRA Quebec in 2023, all eyes are on him to make a strong showing in Puerto Rico. This race is anticipated to be a key indicator of his form ahead of the World Cup Stops #3 and #5 in Oak Mountain and Quebec this summer.

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Branden Rakita (USA) delivered his best performance last season with a 6th place finish at XTERRA Quebec. Rakita's approach to racing is both modest and humble, as he shares, "It is always great when the outcome exceeds the expectations." With this attitude and his track record, expectations are high for Rakita to challenge for a podium position in Puerto Rico.

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James Kirschner (USA) believes that with "smooth transitions, fueling well throughout the race, and a strong bike," he can contend strongly during the run segment. His strategy proved effective last year, securing him a third-place finish in Puerto Rico. Looking ahead, Kirschner is focused on the North American Championships in Alabama this May, aiming to build on his previous success.

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Women’s Race

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World Ranking – Name, NAT

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15 – Suzie Snyder, USA

41 – Katja Krenn, AUT

194 – Brittany Schroeder, USA

NA – Kamille Larocque, CAN

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Suzie Snyder (USA), a veteran of 21 years on the XTERRA circuit, carries an impressive record, including 2 XTERRA Pan Am Tour Champion titles and no less than 6 XTERRA USA Championship wins.

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Snyder expresses a deep connection to the events that spark her passion, stating, "I'm really focused on doing the events I love and am excited about this year." She highlights the significance of XTERRA Puerto Rico, "Puerto Rico is a special event for me because it's still a fairly new event and I love supporting small events that are trying to grow each year." Her anticipation for the race is not just about the competition; it's also about exploring new places with close friends from the XTERRA community. 

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Snyder views Puerto Rico as an ideal setting to "dust off the cobwebs" and assess her fitness level ahead of the XTERRA North American Champs in Alabama. She adds, "I do hope to have some good competition as that pushes everyone to test their fitness and ultimately we all become better for it!"

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Katja Krenn (AUT) is coming off a strong 2023 season, having placed 6th at the XTERRA USA Championship and clinching a victory in Arizona at a beginning-of-the-season XTERRA Americas event. With her eyes set on Puerto Rico, the question looms: Can she replicate her early-season success and claim another win to start this season? Krenn’s performance in Puerto Rico will be a key indicator of her form and potential for the 2024 season.

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Elite Men's and Women's Start List available here.

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XTERRA Puerto Rico in Cabo Rojo debuts as both the 1st XTERRA Americas Tour stop and the 5th event in the 2024 Trail Run World Series. This festival features a 21K and 10K trail run across cliffs and beaches, with the 21K offering 58 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship slots and a $1,200 prize purse. The weekend also includes Swim Run and Gravel races, bringing the duathlon and triathlon communities together to close out the festivities.