Karsten Madsen runs the fastest split to finish third at Xterra Beaver Creek

Cam Mitchell July 21, 2019

On Saturday, July 20th, Canadian Karsten Madsen, who was racing his third Xterra event in 20 days, ran the fastest split of the day – a 36:35 10K on trails – to take his third podium finish in as many weeks. “I’m super elated because I never thought I would see myself on the podium here at Beaver Creek,” said Madsen as he tried to catch his breath at 2,250m above sea level. It was a significant result for the Canadian, an even bigger result considering his health scare from earlier in the year.

Karsten Madsen runs the fastest to finish third at Xterra Beaver Creek. Photo: @backlightphoto

At the ITU World Cross Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, Madsen passed out at the end of the bike due to a heart arrhythmia. After a few weeks off consumed with testing and rest, Madsen began the process of getting race-ready once he got the clear from Triathlon Canada doctors. On July 7th, the Canadian finished third at Xterra Victoria, and a week later he finished second at Xterra Quebec.

Karsten Madsen on the bike at Xterra Beaver Creek.

On Saturday, Madsen used his run to make up the lost time on the bike take his third Xterra podium of the season. Finishing ahead of Madsen was Josiah Middaugh (USA) in first and Sam Osborne (NZL)in second. For Middaugh, it was his seventh win in nine years at Beaver Creek and the 36th major victory in his 20-year Xterra career.

Josiah Middaugh made his move on the bike.

In the women’s race, Suzie Snyder (USA) took her second in three races this season and her 14th elite win since capturing the Xterra New Zealand crown in 2015. She beat out Julie Baker (USA) and Maria Ignatz (USA).