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***image2***The first annual Hochwald Milchideen Crossduathlon will take place in Hochspeyer Oct. 11 at the Sportverein DJK Grün-Weiß Hochspeyer.
Combining cross-country running and mountain biking, participants will be challenged by multiple loops in the beautiful Pfälzerwald, with a portion of the mountain bike course on the Mountainbikepark Pfälzerwald trails. There will be racing action all day with different start waves and an expo area with games, vendors and food concessions.
Based on a similar concept as a triathlon, competitors will compete in both running and mountain biking during the three different legs of the race, beginning with a run, then biking and finishing with a run. Between the legs, competitors will return to the start-finish area where the transition zone is located, making the change from running to biking and then from biking to running. Racers will need to be quick in the transitions, as valuable time can be won or lost here.
Like their triathlete counterparts, racers specializing in multi-sports events like this have practiced and have a routine for quickly getting through the transitions. A special free racing clinic will be held Saturday at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß in Hochspeyer, where participants can gain valuable tips on the transition zones and the racecourse. Those interested should show up a half-hour early to sign up, as space is limited.
Both the running and mountain biking courses start at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß Hochspeyer on the running track, with the running loop tracing the undulating, wooded parcours track behind the sport fields. Short steep climbs riddle the course; power management will be key to have energy left after the first leg for the final two legs.
Upon returning to the Sportverein, it is out on the mountain bike, and some really fun trails. A large part of the 10-kilometer loop follows the trails on the mountain bike cross-country training course, part of the Mountainbikepark Pfälzerwald trail system. Tough climbs and twisting trails make up this challenging course, so riders will need a balance of power and riding skills to conquer the mountain bike segment. Back in the transition, racers will head out for a shortened version of the first running leg, for 2.5 kilometers.
Packet pick-up and registration the day of the race will start at 8 a.m. at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß Hochspeyer. The first race – the free kids/juniors class – will start at 9 a.m. Youth races will be shorter than the other classes, with the focus on fun; all participants will receive a prize. There is no pre-registration for the kids/junior classes; adults will need to accompany children to sign a waiver.
***image1***The Volksduathlon, Team and Company Duathlon will start at 10 a.m. on the 5-kilometer running loop, continue two times around the 10-kilometer mountain bike loop and end with the shorter 2.5-kilometer running loop. The Volksduathlon is open to all and will be broken down into age groups: 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49 and over 50 for men and 19 to 34, 35 to 44 and over 45 for women.
The Team and Company Duathlon is open to teams of two, with categories for men, mixed and company teams. The teams will pass off a baton in the transition area, with each member being responsible for either the running legs or mountain bike leg of the race.
The final start-wave will feature the fastest competitors of the day, with the “Rennen der Asse,” or Race of the Aces. This class is open to racers with a triathlon, cycling or running license or feel tough enough to take on the best. All competitors will take on the 5-kilometer run, 20-kilometer mountain bike and 2.5-kilometer run.
Racers can register online at www.crossracer.eu or at the start/finish area up to a half-hour prior to start. Entry fees are €19 for individual classes and €30 for teams. There is a €2.50 late fee for day of registration.
For details, visit www.crossracer.eu or e-mail info@crossracer.eu.
(Courtesy of Hochwald Milchideen Crossduathlon)
