Meet Juan

Cancun athlete brings his passion for community and competition to the Midwest

Written by Stephanie Hardi

Juan Antonio Casarrubias has always been involved in outdoor sports – both as a competitor and as a business owner. Juan moved to Wausau in December 2018 from Cancun, Mexico where he owned a sports and events company that ran more than 200 events in his 10 years as the owner, ranging from marathons to triathlons and everything in between. Juan’s first race in the Midwest was the 2020 Red Granite Grinder, where he raced in challenging snow conditions and in freezing temperatures. Despite the challenging experience, Juan returned to the Red Granite Grinder in 2021.  

“I raced in IRONBULL’s 2020 Red Granite Grinder, but I didn’t finish,” Juan said. “I froze! I don’t think I dressed adequately. It was my first time that I had ever participated in anything like it—not only gravel bike riding but riding in those conditions. It was very interesting and challenging.” 

But despite not being a seasoned cold-weather competitor, Juan came to Wausau knowing he would get involved in the active parts of the Wausau community. Sports have always been a part of his and his family’s lifestyle.

“Being surrounded by nature with so many parks, trails, rivers, lakes, skiing, snowmobile, biking, etc. makes Wausau an incomparable outdoors destination and a very inviting place to spend time while enjoying all kinds of activities year around,” Juan said.

A commitment to positivity    
“When I came to Wausau I came with a very positive attitude,” said Juan. “I said to myself that I was going to enjoy the experience, and that is what I have been doing , I actually enjoy the weather – I love to explore and adventure. Warm weather races are certainly different,  you need to hydrate more, you dress with less clothes, and of course I like them, but now I live here and I enjoy it very much – I love having seasons and getting to explore the outdoors in each season.”

 And Juan has stuck to his commitment to enjoy his new home and remain active, signing up and completing the 50-mile 2021 Red Granite Grinder race.

Discovering and returning to gravel riding

“I signed up for the 2021 race the very first moment the registrations were open. I love a challenge, and wanted another shot after not finishing in 2020. And, mostly because of the conditions and I was better prepared, the 2021 race was much better. I finished, not at my expected time but I was very happy to make the finish line – it was an extraordinary experience, I loved racing in a completely different environment compared to Mexico—the scenery, the routes, the people – it was all different in a great way. When you make your debut in something, it’s always satisfying in my experience.

Juan’s not kidding about loving the race– he’s already signed up for the 2022 race!

“Yes, I already signed up, I do several races a year to stay motivated and keep in shape, but in 2022 I want to be even more active and participate in more events, “Juan said. “I also want to get a proper gravel bike for the 2022 race. Eventually I will do the long distance.”

Staying active and involved in his community
In addition to wanting to stay motivated, Juan also says he wants to support the community he’s living in now, which he does both personally and professionally. Juan and his wife, Lesli Iverson, operate several Airbnb properties in Wausau and are about to open Onora Suites, a small boutique hotel in downtown Wausau. Juan’s son, Nick Casarrubias, also decided to move to Wausau and owns his own business as a contractor. Juan’s daughter Carly Casarrubias stayed in Cancun and owns and manages the sports and events organization with Juan.

“I think it’s important that athletes support their local community events,” Juan said. “Especially organizations like IRONBULL where their investment goes back into the community, and their mission is to continue to provide sporting events and meaningful experiences to the community – that’s good for everyone in Wausau: businesses, families…everyone.”

And finally, what does “Find Your Tough” mean to Juan?

“It means to go out there and do what you like with all the intensity, your body, your soul and your heart.”  Rain, shine, or snow.