Bucher arrived Tuesday fresh from her stint in XTERRA Philippines where she placed second to XTERRA World champion Shonny Vanlandingham.
She said it was amazing to see so many people during the XTERRA Philippines race. “The race was also not technical in comparison to the Saipan race.”
As soon as she arrived on Saipan, Bucher said she unpacked her gear to practice and run through the Saipan course.
“I recommend people to do at least two laps around the course. The first lap should be practiced with caution and a little slower.” Bucher explained. “But during the second lap participants can go faster to see if they can endure the course.”
When asked about defending her title, Bucher replied “I’m here to just be happy. There is no pressure to win this race. I have two weeks out here. Most of it will be dedicated to the races and practice but there should also be time for pleasure. I will also be entering the TAGAMAN competition.”
Other professional athletes started arriving for the much-awaited competition.
Shonny Vanlandingham, first place finisher in last week’s XTERRA Philippines held in Cebu, joins Renata Bucher, XTERRA Saipan’s defending champion, Daz Parker, Carina Wasle, Carolina Cakona, Mieko Carey, Suzy Snyder, and Julia Cenvy to grace this weekend’s prestigious race.
During a practice run-through of the swimming course, many of the XTERRA participants expressed their strong awe in the waters of Saipan. “When we came around the bend, the ocean just sparkled.” said Saipan competitor Lewie Tenorio.
Triathletes who attended the practice admired Saipan for its beautiful waters. The race was a tank-to-tank swim off of the coastlines of Kilili Beach.
Most of the pros who are now on Saipan have previously joined the inaugural XTERRA Philippines competition held in Cebu last weekend. “The race was great. There were many side events and the coordinators prepared a huge opening ceremony,” said Austria’s Carina Wasle.
Wasle also participated in the XTERRA South Africa where placed at the top of her division and placing 6th in the XTERRA World competition as well. Wasle then flew to Cebu, Philippines to join the inaugural competition there.
When asked which competition was harder between the Philippines and Saipan, Wasle claimed that the Saipan course is by far harder. “The Saipan course has lots of uphill riding. The heat is also very present and will be present all day. After it rains the [course] gets slippery making it more difficult to ride through.” explained Wasle.
All of the racers expressed their concerns and hopes that the weather remains sunny from now until after the race.
There will be buoys and kayakers ready to aid any participant in danger or in need of help during the entire course as well as other stations to help out racers get through the grueling competition where matters of safety are concerned.
