American Rom Akerson, used a solid bike and run combo to surprise the field with his victory at the 2007 Agua Brisa Portobelo International Triathlon.

Akerson, last year’s XTERRA Amateur World Champion, was a last-minute entry, making the trip from his home in neighboring Costa Rica. He surprised a field which included the 2004 XTERRA Amateur World Champion and 3rd place overall finisher at the 2006 Ironman Florida, Jim Vance, as well as XTERRA veterans Ben Travis of the US, and Ronan Pavoni of Argentina.

THIS WEEK: An international field of adventurers and rock solid group of female pros gather in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for the sixth annual XTERRA Saipan Championship on Saturday. The race – appropriately dubbed the Crown Jewel of the XTERRA Global Tour – pits man vs. Mother Nature in a voyage through the Islands pristine tropical jungle.

Athletes Registering by March 15 Will Receive 50 Percent Off Entry Fee

Athletes wishing to participate in the May 6 Triathlon One O One Bradenton being held in Bradenton, FL, have just a few days left to take advantage of the 50 percent registration discount offer which expires on March 15.

The newly announced Triathlon One O One series extended the discount on the $300 registration fee as part of the series kick-off and its “Athletes First” mission.

THIS WEEK: GU rejuvenates the relay team, XTERRA’s all-time winningest athlete – Jamie Whitmore – talks about the aftermath of her crash in Maui, looks back on her 2006 season and forward to XTERRA Saipan, Andrew Noble is the latest addition to Saipan’s pro start list, and the XTERRA USA show is on in Southern and Northern Nevada.