XTERRA Czech Carrying on Tradition
It‘s been 14 years since XTERRA was introduced in the Czech Republic by former XTERRA Pro Michal Pilousek. These days it’s Michal Pilousek Jr. carrying the torch, and here he brings us a preview on the show he and his Dad are putting together for the XTERRA Tribe in Prachatice on August 8th.
“For the first eight straight years XTERRA had its home in Hluboka nad Vltavou and became one of the “must do“ races on the XTERRA circuit. In 2010 the race moved to Spindleruv Mlyn, and in 2012 XTERRA Czech found it´s new home in Prachatice, an historical town in the Sumava mountains.
The village and surrounding nature are a spectacular location for XTERRA. Last year we made a weekend festival including a big XTERRA Kids race, relays and also what we called an XTERRA Easy (sprint distance race). There were concerts in the evening, pasta parties and a lot of other things.
New this year, we are making a comprehensive program for competitors. With one wristband athletes will have free entry to the swimming pool, athletic stadium, historical sights, discounts in restaurants and hotels. For those planning their holidays, consider spending more time in the Czech Republic. There are safe, quiet roads, nice people and the prices are very, very cheap so bring your family with you!
On Friday afternoon there is very big (250 competitors) XTERRA Kids duathlon race in the city center. For most of the children it is the first time they can race in a wonderful renaissance city center on closed roads with a full size transition area and finish under the official XTERRA finish arch! This race and all the attractions for children are for free. If your wife or husband are not so strong to do the big XTERRA Championship they can try our easy version (0,7k swim, 14k bike and 4,5k run). The start of the race is two hours prior to the main event, so they can support you during your race, too!
The main race has two transition areas. The Swim is located on wonderful pond called Kristanovicky Rybnik. It has the highest elevation of any pond in Czech and has very clear water because of the peat bottom. Athletes will swim 2 laps (each 750 meters). The bike sement of the race has two laps, but each is different! The first lap goes from the pond to Prachatice, and you will climb two steep hills and ride a few narrow singletracks with lot of mud. After 18K you will go through the Prachatice main square and start your second lap. It is more technical, but you will have wonderful views and you can enjoy a fast downhill back to the city. Transition 2 is located in the city center on the Great square. The run course is two laps of 5K. First part is on cobbles and tarmac, but middle part is steep and narrow singletrack. The second lap is real test of your confidence and endurance! The finish is a super celebration in the Great square.
XTERRA Czech is not only just a race, there are two pasta parties, and this year we will have something new for you! Our original race organizer Michal Pilousek is opening his own brewery in the city center called Pivovar Prachatice. They will have original beer from Prachatice and a restaurant. The after party in the brewery is something new in our program and will be unforgettable, for sure!
Join us in Prachatice next month!
Learn more at www.xterra.cz.
