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SAGE ADVICE: This week XTERRA caught up with Sage Grossi, an all-star XTERRA age group competitor and all-around happening ambassador for the sport, to talk about the upcoming XTERRA West Championship in Temecula. Her resume includes division (25-29) wins at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in ’05 (on her birthday no less) and in Temecula last year. This past Saturday she was the top female amateur at the XTERRA Arizona Xtreme, and she holds a masters degree in atmospheric science so is clearly qualified to speak on all matters related to the XTERRA Planet.
XT: Does Temecula suit a full-suspension or hard-tail bike?
Sage: I think with the lightweight technology now everyone should be riding a full suspension bike. Now, coming from a 118-pound girl I am sure big guys might disagree. Temecula is a rolling course (big rollers) but not technically rocky so a hard tail will work great. I would suggest gears; looks like single speeders are finding XTERRA – more power to them - that is tough!
XT: What type of tires work best? How technical is the bike course? Is it fast or slow?
Sage: I ride Hutchinson Piranhas; a lightweight semi-slick tire. Perfect for hard packed conditions like in Temecula. The bike course is not technical like hike-a-bike, rather it is a series of long rollers – with great views – and little short steep downhills that can be dusty. I would say the course is fast. The hills are steep so it can be slow going but there are no obstacles to hold you back.
XT: How would you rate the Temecula course in terms of difficulty?
Sage: XTERRA is like an analogy for “difficult triathlon”. Yes it is hard! Aren’t they all? Again, in Temecula you aren’t battling high elevation or “the wild thing” (tech. section from old Keystone course) all you have to do is scrunch forward on your saddle and burn up your quads for 5 minutes at a time.
XT: At what point in the race were you suffering the most?
Sage: The run. I love to run as it is one of my strengths but the new run course last year put me to the test. A lot more hills and one right out of transition just like on the bike.
XT: Most memorable part of your race last year?
Sage: The campground party! I am not a big camper so I think I was fighting to the end. But all the hotels in town sell out really fast. For something like $10 per night, a fun group of people and some beer the campground lights up with XTERRA fun!
XT: How should a first timer approach Temecula? From the swim, the bike, etc.
Sage: Run and hide…No, just kidding I love first timers because they are trying. No matter what Regional XTERRA event you choose as your first one you will be brought to your knees. These races drive you way past what you ever thought you could do or was legal by a race director. It is that challenge that keeps bringing your back though. First timers – go hard, stay safe and please, please have fun!
XT: Is heat a problem?
Sage: Last year a storm blew in, it was cloudy and windy – great conditions for racing. I don’t remember the heat ever being a problem but I am from the desert and like it hot.
XT: From the pictures on the website it looks like the run course is just a series of rolling hills, is this the case? What’s the best approach for the run?
Sage: The run course, as with the bike course, is a series of rolling hills. My general approach to a hilly run is finding a good pace to get yourself up the hill and then fly down the backside. The downhills are very steep as well but it gives you a nice recovery if you just let your legs go.
XT: Any cool things to see or do, or good places to eat that you remember?
Sage: The town of Temecula is very unique. I liked it very much and have since been back to see more. Temecula is Southern California’s vineyards so there are wine tastings to go to and there are shops and restaurants for great food and last minute needs – like a sleeping bag if you decide to join to campground party at the last minute!
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