The Nissan Xterra off-road triathlon series, with 90 races in 14 countries, including more than 55 U.S. races, has picked Milwaukee for the site of its Midwest Championship and accompanying festivities on July 23 and 24.

VISIT Milwaukee President Doug Neilson and Milwaukee County Parks Superintendent Sue Black said they expect to have athletes representing more than 30 states and a dozen countries racing in Milwaukee. The off-road triathlon is comprised of three disciplines including a 1.5K (.93 mile) swim in Lake Michigan at McKinley Beach, followed by a 30K (18.64 miles) mountain bike that follows Milwaukee River on the Oak Leaf Trail, and a 10K (6.2 miles) trail run that twists through Veterans Park.

'This is a great win for Milwaukee and another example of our ability to attract high-profile sporting events to the community," said VISIT Milwaukee's Neilson. 'Our urban outdoor recreational amenities from the lakefront to our vast network of parkland are second to none. Our continued success in booking these types of events is proof positive that Milwaukee knows how to throw out the welcome mat and attract amateur and professional sporting competitions of all kinds."

2005 marks the 10th consecutive year of expansion for XTERRA, and the 5th year of racing in the Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series. The competition, exposure, and enthusiasm for the sport have never been greater.

'We needed a venue for XTERRA in the Midwest, and found a great one in Milwaukee," said XTERRA Managing Director David Nicholas. 'Milwaukee provides a world-class course in a vibrant urban setting for our athletes, and a really fun place to visit for all their friends and family coming along for the ride. We also found that Milwaukee is a terrific place to promote a healthy, active, outdoors lifestyle for visitors and residents alike, and that's what we are all about."

The XTERRA Village is open on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, and admission is free. Professionals will compete in Milwaukee for a $20,000 prize purse and to earn points towards the U.S. series' $70,000purse. The USA championship is Oct. 2 in Lake Tahoe, Nev. followed by the World Championship in Makena, Maui Oct. 23.

For more information, check out www.xterraplanet.com