I am a sponsored racer for the incredible Phoenix Multisport and recently just returned to the USA from Sardenga, Italy, where I competed in the Xterra European Championship. I race full time on the Xterra circuit here in the states and this was the first time to get to toe the line on foreign soil. What an incredible experience. The race organization was top notch and didn't miss a beat. The festivities and set-up were one of the most amazing I have ever seen. Let me note that I have been to the world championships on Maui several times and this was right up on that stage as well.
The race started with a 1500 meter swim in the most beautiful aqua green and very clear Mediterranean sea. A mass start, as always, made it intense right from the get-go. Out of the water and into transition 1 was quick and off to the trails of Cala Ginepro. Italian support was all over the course and grew as the race tightened. Lots of climbing and fast descents dominated this 2-lap course. The highlight of the race was probably the beginning of the second lap where you made a quick drop onto a 40-foot long bridge. A large tree blocked view of the drop and when I came around it there must have been 200 people screaming with excitement. To say it pumped me up is an understatement as I aired onto the bridge with all the amplitude I could muster up. The roars of the crowd blew me away and it will be forever in my mind. The run was a 2-loop 10k sand fest. Most of this course was in some sort of loose terrain, basically sand running. As I neared my second lap my girlfriend handed me a flag that I would hold up as I ran down the final chute to the finish. It came out a bit earlier than I thought when I came off the final beach stretch to at least 100 supporters cheering my quick speed. Without a second thought I pulled the flag and waved the red, white and blue high. The final chute was another 500 meters and as I approached I raised the stars and stripes high over my head to what seemed like a 1000 more supporters screaming. Being the only American maybe they decided to bring me home loudly. Regardless it was an incredible high as I finished. I was second in my age-group which is great because it gave me my qualifier for world championships for the 4th year in a row.
All of this probably would not have been possible without my sobriety and the great support that I have received along the way. Phoenix Multisport has given me the opportunity to really represent something that is so powerful and meaningful at the same time. I am grateful for all that has come into my life through becoming a sober person and hopefully this is a little inspiration for those still searching for that new way. live more, Rife Hilgartner

Posted on: June 22nd, 2010 @ 6:59PM