RUBEN RUZAFA – THE CHAMPION IS BACK!

No one feels more proud to be racing XTERRA Spain 2014 than the defending champion himself.

Rubén Ruzafa made his come back to XTERRA last year, showing that he was forced to be reckoned with by beating the best and clinching the title in a strategic race. The year ended on a high note for this supreme athlete when he was crowned XTERRA World Champion 2013 in Maui, Hawaii. We asked the defending champion, who is already hard at training, to tell us more about his plans for the 2014 race season.

How you are feeling about this opportunity to defend your title as XTERRA Spain Champion in Cieza?
Of course, I’m feeling very proud and honoured to be back. During the winter I have been training with one goal in mind: to improve my technique and performance in swimming and running. So far, I’m happy with the changes. No doubt, an improvement in my swimming will impact positively on my bike and running, and my overall results.

Where are you training in this moment?
I am training in Rincón de la Victoria. Life, and the weather here is fantastic all year round! Besides, I have everything I need for developing and building my maximum performance.

Your special message to other age group athletes who want to race XTERRA but feel hesitant because they think the race is too hard…

Of course! I encourage everyone to compete in XTERRA! XTERRA brings a great personal challenge on both the physical as well as the mental level. Yes, XTERRA races are tough but the atmosphere is fantastic. As an added bonus, it offers the opportunity to enjoy nature and feel part of the XTERRA family. To my mind, these are the factors that make XTERRA races such an unbelievable experience.

Your training tips for the first time XTERRA athlete?
Pre-ride the tracks and adjust your training accordingly. Remain calm during the race with the goal to finish and enjoy the race. XTERRA is an adventure; you never know what’s going to happen around the corner. This is what makes XTERRA such fun!

Join THE CHAMPION in Cieza, Saturday, 24 May 2014

Let’s have fun together!

See you there! 

THIS IS XTERRA

LIVE MORE / VIVE MAS

www.xterraspain.com 

www.xterraspaintour.com 

http://www.xterramadrid.org 

Training Plan For XTERRA Spain: Week 13 (with videos)

Only 13 weeks until XTERRA Spain.
This training plan contains the "core set" of the workout.

Warm ups for all workouts are the same:

Warm up for swim workouts:
100m reverse individual medley as follows: 25m freestyle, 25m breast stroke, 25m back stroke, 25m butterfly. A slow and relaxed pace.

200m of technique drills:
50m Kick, 50m catch up drill, 50m fists (swim with closed fists), 50m alternating side drill (see the video below).

Warm up for bike workouts:
10min spinning a light gear.

Warm up for run workouts:
5min light jogging.

Video: Ben Allen - Second place XTERRA Spain 2013.

  
See you in Cieza!

XTERRA Spain Championship:

Monday 24 February 2014
Swim: 5x250m with 30sec rest between each 200m
Bike: 25km MTB or 50km road bike

Tuesday 25 February 2014
Swim: 1x1500m with pull buoy. Easy pace.
Run: 50min at conversational pace.

Wednesday 26 February 2014
Bike: 25km MTB or 50km road bike

Thursday 27 February 2014
Swim: 5x300m with 30sec rest between each 200m
Run: 40min at conversational pace

Friday 28 February 2014
Rest day

Saturday 01 March 2014
Run: 70min at conversational pace

Sunday 02 March 2014
Bike: 45km MTB or 90km road bike. At least half of the time uphill.
Run: 15min transition run straight off the bike.

This is XTERRA
LIVE MORE / VIVE MAS

www.xterraspain.com 
www.xterraspaintour.com 
 http://www.xterramadrid.org 

BEN AND JACQUI – BACK FOR MORE XTERRA SPAIN

Look who is back to race their second XTERRA in Spain – Yes, it’s the XTERRA Warriors - Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack will soon be back here in Spain, one of their favourite race locations.

The golden couple was awarded the prestigious "XTERRA Warriors 2012" award. This award is in recognition of their achievements both on and off the race circuit, for their ability to face adversity, as well as showing their support for the community and being a living example of the XTERRA slogan, "Live More, Live More."
 

They live a life devoted almost entirely committed to the sport, traveling around the world following the XTERRA World Tour most of the year. Last year, Ben finished in a strong second position behind Rubén Ruzafa, who was crowned the first XTERRA Spain Champion. Jackie Slack finished 4th in the woman’s race.

We ask the two Warriors to share their feelings on racing XTERRA Spain for the second time.

Ben:

Jacqui and I are very excited to take part in the second edition of the Spanish Xterra World Championship Tour Race in Cieza, Murcia. It is a wonderful city with amazing churches, twisty streets and great food and drinks. My favourite, tapas and sangria... Yum!

Not only will the race provide you with a challenging and unique experiences, it’s the people of Cieza that open their hearts and homes to provide you with the best opportunity to relax and enjoy the Spanish culture. I’m looking forward to seeing all my Spanish Amigo’s.

Jacqui:

I’m so excited to get back to the beautiful town of Cieza. I absolutely love the beautiful climate and can’t wait to get back out on the very hilly and challenging course. It will be great to see so many of my Spanish friends and enjoy the delicious Spanish cooking. See you all on 24th May...

DO YOU WANT TO RUB SHOULDERS WITH THE TWO WARRIORS IN ACTION? 
ENTER NOW! !
XTERRA SPAIN, SATURDAY 24 MAY 2014

XTERRA MADRID, SATURDAY 12 JULY 2014

THIS IS XTERRA
LIVE MORE / VIVE MAS
www.xterraspain.com 
www.xterraspaintour.com 
http://www.xterramadrid.org