[I-am-Specialized]

<p>Conrad Stoltz grabbed the win at the XTERRA Pacific Championships in Santa Cruz, CA and with it his second straight series win and 39th title total. But fellow South African and Specialized teammate Dan Hugo give him a very tough fight all day and the two friends topped the podium.</p><p>
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After a relatively cold swim Dan took an early lead on his Epic 29er but behind him Conrad was moving even faster. On a long downhill halfway into bike segment the 4-time XTERRA World Champion moved past his younger countryman on his Epic 29er and added a few more seconds by the time he reached the second transition.</p><p>
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With just about 40 seconds in hand it looked like it might be a very tight battle at the end, but both Conrad and Dan ran virtually identical 10k splits and in the end it was Conrad in first place and Dan in the runner-up position.</p><p>
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After the race Dan commented on the bike skills of Conrad. “He’s simply magical. So incredible to watch when he’s on his game, out of the saddle twisted to one side, and never a thought of touching the brakes.”</p><p>
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In the women’s race Melanie McQuaid was still a bit under the weather and fatigued after racing in Europe and traveling quite a bit, but the recent ITU Cross Tri Champion finished 5th in a very good field.</p><p>
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XTERRA Pacific Championship</p><p>
Santa Cruz, CA / May 15, 2011</p><p>
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Pro Men</p><p>
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1. Conrad Stoltz (RSA) 2:12:51</p><p>
2. Dam Hugo (RSA) 2:13:38 </p><p>
3. Seth Wealing (USA) 2:14:49 </p><p>
4. Josiah Middaugh (USA) 2:18:11 </p><p>
5. Branden Rakita (USA) 2:20:59 </p><p>
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Pro Women</p><p>
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1. Lesley Paterson (GBR) 2:33:13 </p><p>
2. Renata Bucher (SUI) 2:35:50 </p><p>
3. Emma Garrard (USA) 2:36:17 </p><p>
4. Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) 2:36:53 </p><p>
5. Melanie McQuaid (CAN) 2:37:43</p>

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