Know before you go - AdventureSmart

Ironman Distance Champion, World renowned Multisport athlete and three-time Coast to Coast Champion, Richard Ussher, has confirmed he will be back to defend his title at the 2010 XTERRA Rotorua Festival.

Coming off a tough race in Abu Dhabi this month, Ussher is looking forward to some downtime before heading to Rotorua once again. "I had such a great time at the XTERRA race last year, I'm really looking forward to getting back back there and having a crack at defending the title."

Last years XTERRA event was Ussher's first experience at the off-road triathlon, he then went on to the World XTERRA Champs in Maui where he finished 11th.

While Ussher is still taking competing at Adventure Racing and Multisport races at a world class level - one of his main focuses is on the World Ironman Championships in October.

The experience Ussher brings to the start line will set him up well for a great race at The Blue Lakes, he won't have it all his own way, stay tuned for our other professional athletes in the coming weeks.