maui 2009 press guide - Xterra

MELANIE McQUAID
Victoria, B.C., Canada
‘08/09 XTERRA USA & Pro Series Champ
2003, ‘05 & ‘06 XTERRA World Champ
Melanie
FINAL 2009 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 1
PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1973 in Victoria, BC,
Canadahas a degree in biochemistryraced with
Canada’s National Cycling team for six years...started up
the MelRad racing team in 2009.
WEBSITE: racergirl.com
SPONSORS: Specialized, Avia, GU, Sundog Eyewear,
Shimano, MAXXIS, Titec, Profile Design, Lazer Helmets,
Pactimo, Saris, Genuine Innovations, Saltstick, Suunto.
XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 8th year.
2002: Finished in the runner-up position in both the
XTERRA East and Central Championships before winning
the West title at Half Moon Bay. Finished 4th at the USA
Championship and was the runner-up in Pro Series.
2003: Second at Big Bear and Richmond, won in Canada,
and was 2nd in Tahoe. Finished 2nd in Pro Series.
2004: Won in Richmond, then finished runner-up to
Whitmore in Keystone, Big Bear, and Tahoe. Also finished
second in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Won XTERRA
Canada and placed second at XTERRA Worlds.
2005: Won in Temecula, finished 7th at XTERRA Czech,
won XTERRA Italy, placed 2nd in Richmond and
Milwaukee, won Keystone to tie Whitmore for the Series
lead heading into Tahoe. Placed second in Tahoe and 2nd
in the Pro Series. Was 9th in the XTERRA European Tour
standings. Became the first female to win her second
XTERRA World Championship in Maui.
2006: 2nd in Temecula, won inaugural XTERRA Southeast
Championship, 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, won the
Mountain Championship to create a virtual tie with
Whitmore for Pro Series lead, then won in Tahoe to capture
her first Pro Series crown after three runner-ups. Followed
with 2nd straight & unprecedented 3rd XTERRA World Title.
2007: Won in California, was second in Alabama,
Richmond, and Utah. Placed 5th at USA Champs, 2nd in
Pro Series, and was the runner-up at XTERRA Worlds.
LAST YEAR: Won West Champs for second straight year,
8th at Southeast, won the East, Mountain, USA Champs,
and US Pro Series crown. DNF’d at XTERRA Worlds.
THIS YEAR: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, Southeast,
Northwest, and Atlantic Cup races, was 2nd at South Central
and Northeast Cups, then won XTERRA USA Championship
and XTERRA US Pro Series title for the second straight year
(her third overall - also won in 2006).
45
MAUI PASTS: Did not finish last year, and either won or
finished 2nd in previous five years. Placed 2nd in 2007,
eight minutes behind Dibens, won her 3rd world title by
more than 7 minutes in ‘06. Finished 44 seconds in front of
Sibylle Matter for her second world title in 2005. Had the
7th best swim, 2nd fastest bike, and 6th best run. Placed
2nd in 2004 and won it in 2003. Was 9th in 2002, dnf in
2001, and was the runner-up in 2000.