Photo Gallery: 2011 XTERRA West Championships

Current world champion, Conrad Stoltz, dials in the pressure of his rear shock shortly before the start. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Shonny Vanlandingham gets marked up with a sweet "61", the number reserved for the current women's world champion. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Just before the cannon, the pros float with anticipation. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

The pros make some waves early in the swim. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Branden Rakita from Colorado Springs navigates a ridge line early in the bike. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Seth Wealing had an early lead on the bike as he flew down on of the more tame descents. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Karsten Madsen from Canada kept it aggressive on the bike. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Craig Evans, who has a full-time job and two kids, kept the lead riders in his sights on one of the more challenging sections of the course. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Josiah Middaugh looked strong on his Felt 29er. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Jim Thijs from Belgium road a strong bike leg on a beautiful day in the desert. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Mr. XTERRA Will Kelsay battled a broken front derailleur for the entire bike leg. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Reigning women's world champion, Shonny Vanlandingham, spent the day playing catch up. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Taylor Seavey from Alaska chose to run his bike over the crazy terrain of Lake Las Vegas. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

New pro, Jessica Noyola, shoulders her bike mid way through the first lap. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Josh Vaughn from Colorado smiles after he gets through the more technical part of the bike course. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

XTERRA Ambasador, Hannah Rae, flies through the last corner right at the lakes edge. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Conrad led most of the bike leg, pushing the pace through the "fingers" of Lake Las Vegas. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Josiah Middaugh did his best to keep Stoltz within reach during the bike leg. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Melanie McQuaid had a stellar day on the bike, taking the lead early and never looking back. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Conrad leads early in the run. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Josiah Middaugh used his winter training of snow shoeing to push the pace early in the run. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

On the steepest climb, Josiah catches the Caveman and would lead the rest of the way. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Taking on water became very important as the temp climbed quickly with the sun. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Josiah Middaugh wins the XTERRA West Championship at Lake Las Vegas. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS

Melanie McQuaid finishes off her great effort with the win. Photo: XTERRA PHOTOS