Honolulu, HI (January 21, 2002)....Saipan, a tropical island paradise and adventure capital of the Northern Pacific, will host the Xterra Saipan Championship on Saturday, April 13. The event will be a qualifier for the 2002 Nissan Xterra World Championship, with 33 slots offered to top age group finishers. It will also kick-off this year's Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series by awarding points to amateurs vying for a slot at the prestigious Nissan Xterra USA Championship to be held in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in September.

Xterra is the world's fastest growing multisport competition, with forty events in ten countries. It is considered the leading form of off-road multisport and the Saipan race will consist of a 1.5-kilometer ocean swim, 30-kilometer mountain bike, and 10-kilometer trail run. The race course will take in a variety of terrain from jeep trail and single track featuring screaming descents from the highest point on Saipan, to jungle trails winding through deep forest, past historic World War II ruins and through hidden caves.

Amateur competition is open to both individuals and two to three person teams. In addition, the Saipan Championship will offer a US$15,000 pro purse and attract leading pro athletes from around the globe. Pros confirmed for the event include the reigning Xterra World Champion, Anke Erlank from South Africa, and Xterra Canada Champion Mike Vine along with Xterra Australia runner-up Jason Chalker.

A special two-day Xterra University Camp will be held on the island on April 10 and 11, and will be a chance for competitors to hone their racing skills under the leadership of leading professional athletes. Hosting the camp will be reigning Xterra Japan Champion Yu Yumato, along with Xterra Australia champion, Jody Mielke, and one of Japan's most accomplished professional triathlete and experienced Xterra competitor, Taro Shirato. The camp will include lectures and hands-on sessions focusing on mountain biking, ocean swimming, trail running, transition, nutrition, goal setting and other racing tips.

The Pacific Island Club has been named host hotel, and will offer competitors, friends and family a special rate that includes access to the property's extensive facilities, activities, and lessons. The hotel is mecca to outdoor enthusiasts - featuring tennis, beach volleyball, a climbing wall, golf putting course, archery, a water park with Asia's only point break wave machine, and more. For reservations, call telephone 1-670-234-6592 and ask for the Xterra rate.

Runners and cyclists will join Xterra competitors' friends and family in a variety of events surrounding the April 13 Xterra Saipan Championship. A Sunset Trail Run will be scheduled on Friday, April 12 offering both 5K and 10K distances, and an action-packed criterium for mountain bikes and road bikes will be scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, April 13.

Saipan's spectacular natural environment will provide a unique and adventure-filled experience for event participants. Saipan, and the nearby islands of Tinian and Rota, are rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and offer a wealth of recreational activities from fishing, scuba and skin diving, to jet skiing, hiking and biking.

The race action and its scenic backdrop, will be televised for a half hour feature show for Outdoor Life Network in the U.S. and Japan television audiences.