This weekend was the XTERRA Atlantic Cup, and what a weekend it was. Everyone was a little worried about the swim, as the James River was at a high 6 feet. Normally, life jackets are required to be on the river above 5 feet. But apparently rules don't apply to XTERRA, so the swim had some crazy current pushing the weak downstream into rapids of doom.
In order to avoid being swept downriver to a definite death, you had to swim at a 45 degree angle, and battle everyone else being washed downstream. In the first men's wave, an epic battle between Jordan Chang and Justin Morrison took place. Neck and neck the entire time, the ex and former presidents were swimming next to each other giving glares of hatred to one another on every breath. Halfway through the swim, athletes must jump out of the water and run about 100 yards up stream on Belle Isle, and jump back in the water to swim back to the start. Justin beat Jordan out of the water on this first bit, but running up the island, Jordan used his asian prowess to overcome Justin and get in the water first. However, with a great leap of faith, Justin dove 20 feet into the river and caught up swimming next to Jordan. Again swimming side by side, Jordan grew tired of this and sabotaged Justin by pushing him into a gigantic rock. This rock overcame Justin and caused him to drift downstream while Jordan continued on his normal path.
Luckily though, Justin was able to hop on his aluminum-steed and give Jordan a harty slap on the ass as he passed him on the first mile of the mountain bike course. More riding ensued, and then some excellent trail running.
Jordan making up time on the Run
Resident badass Jordan Chang who won a half-marathon on Saturday, ended up with the 3rd fastest run split of the day.
Drew and Sara on the Podium
Dan, Justin, and Jordan
And of course, VT went 1 (Justin Morrison), 2(Dan Villarreal), 3(Jordan Chang) in the collegiate division, despite hard fought efforts from VCU and the Merchant Marine Academy, and UVA who didn't show up. Chris Brown (tired from construction work and beating Rihanna) came in 5th for collegiate, making 4 out of the top 5 Hokies! This marks the second year in a row Virginia Tech has wont he Eastern Collegiate XTERRA.
We would like to thank all of the XTERRA crew for putting on a great race, Kahuna Dave for giving hours of hilarity and free drinks after the race, and all of the support from friends and family who came to watch the race!
