Scott Thorne Snags 2nd at Xterra NZ

April 12th 2011

Just a short note to let you know that i finished a close 2nd at Xterra NZ in Rotorua on Saturday.
It was a tough race with a strong race coming fro the eventual winner Richard Ussher. Pre race he was my main concern.

Starting with a 1km swim i exited the water inside the top 10 and right in front of Ussher. With a quick transition and onto the 29km Mtb we started the ride side by side. This was how it would stay for the whole way as we worked our way to the lead about 1/3 of the way through. The gap between us was never more than 20 seconds the whole way and we entered the transition pretty much side by side. This must have been exciting for the huge amount of spectators.
I was a little slow through the bike to run transition and gave up a small gap to Richard. I chased hard to try and pull the gap back but was not gaining. I could feel my legs starting to cramp and at the base of the climb up a section of steps it flattened me.
I scrambled my way to the top but that was it, the gap was to big. I pushed hard and pulled back some time but it had cost me to much.
I crossed the line just over a minute behind and 4 1/2 minutes in front of another solid race from Cabin leishman in 3rd.

I am already looking forward to a rematch next year!!!

Over the past 4yrs i have not been off the podium with a 3rd in 2008, 2nd 2009, 1st 2010 and 2nd again this year. Each of these years i have been 1st off the bike and this year had the fastest bike split.

I am happy with the result all things considered, but would like to have run to my potential as i had worked real hard on my running and felt like it was my strength. As for the cramp i have not had cramp before and cant put it down to anything in particular.

Below is a link to the TV3 news story about the race featured on Saturday night.
www.3news.co.nz/xterra-champs-take-it-to-the-limit/tabid/317/articleID/206242/Default.aspx  

Thank you all for your continued support. With out this it would not have been possible.

Cheers, Scott Thorne