Photos: 2012 Xterra World Championship

Lesley Paterson on her way to a second consecutive world title.

Gomez capping off a career year with the 2012 Xterra World Title.

The reigning world champ was wide eyed and ready for the day.

XTERRA isn't just for the birds.

Mighty Magali Tisseyre had her nutrion top tube ready.

The Caveman gets all sorted with the big S mechanics.

War paint, a near must for any age-group XTERRA athlete.

Paterson taking in some last minute hydration just before the start.

One of the best U.S. swimmers on the XTERRA tour, Craig Evens takes in some final deep breaths.

Mood changer anyone?

A blessing before the start.

Pro men exit the water after their first lap of the swim.

ITU super star Tim Don leads Leonardo Chacon on some early benders.

Felix Schumann of Germany keeping pace.

Olympic Silver Medalist Javier Gomez leads the bike up Raptor Ridge.

Conrad Stoltz gives a focused chase to Gomez.

Josiah Middaugh working his way up Raptor Ridge and the front of the race.

Kona fourth-place finisher Sebastien Kienle giving Xterra Worlds a shot.

Barbara Riveros of Chile chases Paterson.

Marion Lorblanchet riding the ridge.

Caveman Stoltz doing what he does best, descending.

Victor Del Corral negotiates the low lying trees.

Stoltz loses ground on the run, but was able to hang on for third.

Middaugh chased, but could not catch the flying Spaniard.

Javier Gomez: Xterra World Champion.

Josiah takes second and displays his country pride.

Brent McMahon hit the beach just as a rain storm covered the race.

Riveros hits the beach and heads home for second.

Fifth-place finisher Jacqui Slack on the run.

Will Ross negotiates a fallen tree.

Future XTERRA athlete in the making.

The bad and the good of XTERRA.