$105K Purse Up for Grabs at 2013 XTERRA World Championship at Kapalua

Barely a week to go until XTERRA World Championship returns to West Maui for the third time in as many years. Though difficult to imagine what more could be done to improve upon the success of the off road triathlon at Kapalua, it's no surprise the organizers continue to strive for perfection.

As the routine entails before important race days, the organizers have been busy fine tuning the running course and bike trails for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship to ensure everything is ready for the athletes competing and fans attending next weekend. We'll let the organizers surprise you with the particulars of the official schedule as updates happen. With the XTERRA athletes and fans already arriving and picking up bike rentals on Maui, we'll be keeping our ears to the coconut wireless to let you know the latest info. In the mean time, enjoy a few images from last year, watch the video showcasing XTERRA World Championship and then catch Specialized team rider Conrad Stoltz video from the XTERRA bike course at Kapalua. And, take a look at our tips for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship too.

Theres plenty of opportunity to participate even if you aren't competing for the World Championship on Sunday! Saturday, thanks to the 4 Maui TS Restaurants, the following XTERRA Trail Runs are open to the public:

• Hula Grill XTERRA Kapalua 5km at 9 am
• Duke's Beach House XTERRA 10km at 9:20 am
• Kimo's XTERRA Keiki Run at 11 am (FREE for kids 10 and under)

Onsite registration is available at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua beginning Weds and Thurs from 9 am to 2 pm or on Friday between 9 am to 5 pm. Or, sign up at the race start area on between 7 and 8 am just before the events get underway on Saturday. Check XTERRA Trail Run Kapalua for more details. For those in the races on Sunday, remember to go for the Leilani's Run Prime Awards for the fastest time on the Leilani's XTERRA Run Course.

Which athlete do you think is the favorite to win the race this year? Look no further than to "Kahuna Dave" Nicholas, managing director of the XTERRA World Tour, for his in-depth analysis with prognostications based on his more than twenty years of attending World Championships. Share your favorite and keep your eye on xterraplanet.com/maui or follow the event with @XTERRAOffroad using the #xterramaui hashtag on Twitter. Watch a short 4 min 23 sec XTERRA highlights video and then read on for my picks:

XTERRA World Championship from XTERRA TV on Vimeo.

As promised, my 2013 XTERRA World Championship predictions: On the local side of the XTERRA World championship, we are rooting for the inspirational family competition between Kim Mufalli and her son Tony. On the women's side, I think Heather Jackson has a great chance to win at Kapalua and looking forward to see Specialized Team Rider Conrad Stoltz earn his fifth XTERRA World Championship. Watch this short bike video of Conrad 'Caveman' Stoltz riding the bike course at Kapalua last year:

Ready to go for the 2013 XTERRA? Stop by the bike shop in Lahaina and talk story about Maui bike rides or pickup a new bike jersey and water bottle. Get last minute details in our 2013 XTERRA World Championship tips. We also have hydration gear and nutrition needs at our Lahaina bike store. Our professional bike mechanics are ready to tuneup or make last minute bike adjustments for XTERRA racers. Need a bike rental for XTERRA? Don't wait to reserve a bike rental for XTERRA World Championship on Maui! Make a bicycle rental reservation now: