Mauritius Added to XTERRA World Tour

TEAM Unlimited LLC, owners and producers of the XTERRA World Tour, has added the XTERRA Mauritius off-road triathlon presented by Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa to the 2014 schedule of XTERRA World Championship qualifying events. The inaugural race on the island nation situated in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa is slated for 24 May, 2014, at the Bois Cheri Tea Estate bordering the mountainous Black River Gorges National Park. "We're excited to join forces with XTERRA to bring a World Tour event to the island of Mauritius," said Mark Simmons, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific for Outrigger. "The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is the premier resort on the island and uniquely equipped to welcome XTERRA's active adventure traveler."Tim and Marie Cartwright, local organizers for the event, described Mauritius as a tropical paradise, "famous for its spectacular beaches, turquoise lagoon and lush, green mountains." The race itself is set in a working tea plantation and the colonial gardens of the estate where deer and wildlife roam free. Mark Simmons Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific Download image here "The swim takes place in the crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by beautifully managed tropical gardens and overlooked by the tea rooms -- a popular tourist attraction," said Tim Cartwright. "The mountain bike course is a mix of jeep road and technical single tracks, taking in much of the Mauritius MTB Championship course. On the run athletes will find lots of ups and downs, a couple of water crossings, single track climbs and technical descents. For me it is the most varied, beautiful and challenging terrain I have had the pleasure to run upon." XTERRA Mauritius will offer prize money for professionals and 15 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championship at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii (26 October) for the top amateur finishers. There will also be relay team competitions and a kid's triathlon on offer. "Known primarily for her beaches and luxury hotels, this is a chance for everyone to discover the other side of Mauritius - and be welcomed by a passionate and friendly off-road community," said Cartwright, who organizes live bands, food and entertainment for the family friendly after-party gathering. The race supports the local non-profit organization Get Active! whose mission is to harness the proven power of sport to tackle social exclusion, physical inactivity and health issues. Travelers fly into the newly rebuilt SSR International Airport on Mauritius which greets flights from the U.S. via European hubs in Paris, London, and Frankfurt as well as a wide variety of options from across the Asia-Pacific region. For more information and to register visit www.xterra-mauritius.com.