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Early summer in the Neuchâtel mountains means long days, cool mornings, and clear lake reflections in the Vallée de la Brévine. On June 21–22, the 15th edition of XTERRA Switzerland marks the third straight year this off-road festival returns to Lac des Taillères, a high-alpine basin known for its quiet beauty and open terrain.
Just a few kilometers from Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the French border, this corner of western Switzerland has become a familiar stop on the XTERRA World Tour. Its mix of elevation, scenery, and close-knit community draws both international athletes and locals looking for a challenge close to home.
The schedule features 10 events, including the Full Distance Triathlon, which also crowns the Swiss National Cross Triathlon Champion. A €7,500 prize purse will be awarded to the Elite field, alongside 28 World Championship slots for age group athletes. Also serving as an XTERRA Youth Tour qualifier, with 20 Youth World Championship entries available in the Sprint race for Youth B and Juniors, and 10 more through the Super Sprint for Youth A.
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XTERRA Switzerland began in 2010 on the shores of Lake Geneva in Prangins, where Olivier Marceau (CHE) and Marion Lorblanchet (FRA) claimed the inaugural titles. They repeated their victories in 2011, and the event remained in Prangins through 2012 before relocating to the Vallée de Joux in the Jura Mountains from 2013 to 2019. This period saw champions such as Nico Lebrun (FRA), Helena Karásková (CZE), Victor Del Corral (ESP), and Kathrin Müller (DEU), while Arthur Forissier (FRA) established himself as a dominant force with five wins between 2015 and 2019. After a one-year hiatus in 2020, XTERRA Switzerland returned in 2021 with Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Eleonora Peroncini (ITA) earning victories. In 2022, Xavier Dafflon (CHE) and Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) secured their wins on home soil.
A major shift came in 2023, when the event moved for the first time to the Neuchâtel mountains at La Brévine, marking XTERRA’s debut in the region. Arthur Forissier (FRA) returned to win his sixth XTERRA Switzerland title, while Loanne Duvoisin (CHE), from nearby Val-de-Ruz, claimed back-to-back victories just one week after being crowned XTERRA European Champion. “Loanne Duvoisin won the only Swiss round of the XTERRA cross-triathlon in La Brévine [and] has become a world cross-triathlon specialist,” reported Neuchâtel Sports Press after naming her 2023 Neuchâtel Sportsperson of the Year. In 2024, despite cold rain and waterlogged conditions, Valentin Rouvier (FRA) and Bianca Morvillo (ITA) won the Elite categories, while the race was described as “still a great celebration” by ARCInfo.
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Lac des Taillères, a narrow, spring-fed lake surrounded by pastures and pine woods is just two kilometers long and seven meters deep, stays cool through summer and often calls for wetsuits even in June. The lake’s calm water and compact size create a sheltered swim course, easy for spectators to follow from shore. In winter, “The beautiful Lac des Taillères is transformed into a natural ice rink to the delight of skaters,” writes Neuchâtel Tourisme. This seasonal rhythm reflects the valley’s strong connection to the outdoors.
Unlike the dramatic peaks of the Alps, the Jura mountain range features rolling ridgelines, steady climbs, and open plateaus that still deliver real elevation gain. The region is known for long-distance Nordic skiing in winter and an expanding network of marked mountain bike routes in summer. The 195-kilometer Neuchâtel Bike trail connects towns like La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, and Vue-des-Alpes all the way to the lakeshore. As Peter Naegeli (CHE), a reigning two-time age group champion, put it: “The Jura region is ideal year-round for trail running, mountain biking, and especially Nordic skiing. It’s hilly, wide open, and sparsely populated, with easy access from French-speaking Switzerland and across the nearby French border.”
La Brévine’s endurance culture runs deep. Local swim clubs like Red-Fish Neuchâtel and triathlon teams from the region support a steady stream of athletes moving into cross-triathlon. Carole Perrot of Neuchâtel is one of them. A former road triathlete, she transitioned to off-road and finished second overall at XTERRA Switzerland in 2023 ahead of several Elite women while winning the 45–49 division. She continues to compete at the top of her age group in Europe and recently added another win at XTERRA Belgium, part of a broader display of off-road talent from this quiet valley.
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Swim (1.5K): The race begins with a single 1.5K loop in Lac des Taillères at 1,050 meters elevation. Known for its clarity and calm surface, the swim offers clean lines and strong visibility, with temperatures that often stay cool even in early summer.
Bike (34K): The MTB course across two loops, combines forest tracks, open meadows, and rolling ridgelines with over 950 meters of elevation gain. Athletes climb steadily through the valley and even cross briefly into France, with conditions ranging from fast and dry to slippery and unpredictable.
Run (9K): The trail run includes two laps along the lake and into the surrounding pine woods with a total elevation gain of around 270 meters. It’s scenic but not soft, with two extended climbs that demand patience and rhythm before looping back toward the finish and the cheers of the main venue.
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Several top athletes will be lining up in La Brévine for the Full Distance Triathlon, each with their own reason for choosing XTERRA Switzerland. Anna Wer (POL), who finished third among the Elites at XTERRA France this season, called the venue “truly unique” and said the new bike course profile looks great. “XTERRA is my passion,” she added. “It allows me to combine my love for nature, racing, and traveling.” Nicolas Raybaud (FRA), fourth at XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine this year, is returning to where it all started for him. “Switzerland reminds me why I started XTERRA,” he said. “La Brévine offers a mountainous and agricultural atmosphere. Nature lovers and those who love triple effort will appreciate the 'Siberia of Switzerland.’”
Nicolas Duré (FRA), runner-up at XTERRA Belgium and third in Switzerland last year, is also returning with clear intent: “I wanted to come back to try and do even better. I think it’s a truly idyllic course and location.” Martin Gebhard (DEU), who placed fourth at XTERRA Germany in 2024, sees the event as an opportunity to explore a new location with his wife Silvia. “Switzerland is always worth a trip to combine sport with a relaxed vibe and simply enjoy the time,” he said. “The open community and the courage to bring the events to the people. Together we grow through the challenges and can tell each other stories.”
Among the new and returning names in the age group ranks is Emma Pirodon (FRA), who placed second in her division at XTERRA Switzerland in 2024. “It’s in the middle of nowhere, but it brings people together through the same passion,” she said. “The course is fun, the terrain is always changing, and it’s a great way to create new bonds.” Alanis Siffert (CHE) will be racing her first-ever XTERRA after a season of training in China and transitioning from road to off-road triathlon. “XTERRA represents having fun out in nature, discovering new places, and using the beauty of the race course to get energy and enjoy yourself,” she said. Also among the starters is João Pinho (POR), racing in the 35–39 division. “Visiting Switzerland is a long-time dream,” he said. “Combining sport with travel is a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions. I’m looking forward to it.”
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XTERRA Switzerland will once again host two important Youth Tour qualifiers across the Sprint and Super Sprint distances. Open to all age groups, these races are especially meaningful for athletes in Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Junior (18–19) divisions who are hoping to qualify for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy this September. Twenty slots will be awarded to top Youth B and Junior finishers in the Sprint race (Swim 750K, Bike 18K, Run 4.5K), while ten additional slots will come from the Super Sprint (Swim 150M, Bike 4.4K, Run 1.5K) for Youth A competitors.
Lucas Burgdorfer (CHE), who raced at the inaugural Youth World Championship in 2024, returns to the trails with a new mindset and stronger preparation. “Initially passionate about badminton, I discovered triathlon through school and loved it. XTERRA brings the same challenge of combining three disciplines, but with the added dimension of nature. In 2024, the race ended with a final, impressive descent, and this year I’ve trained specifically in mountain biking and trail running. I’d love to return to the Youth World Championship, but above all I want to enjoy the magnificent trails and unique landscapes offered by XTERRA and my region.”
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Hugo Chaffanel (FRA), also in Youth B, will be racing XTERRA Switzerland for the first time, alongside his father, Steven, who is entered in the Sprint triathlon. “I wanted to qualify for the Youth World Championship, but also to experience the atmosphere and great courses,” Hugo shared. “XTERRA is unique in its natural side. Each race highlights the landscape of the competition site, and it's always a pleasure to ride and run on such beautiful trails.” His father, Steven, will also be competing in the Sprint triathlon. “I was able to see that it was really natural,” he said. “A magnificent setting.”
The Youth A field features rising athletes like Clément Beaubernard (FRA), Lasse Paul Rother (DEU), and William Lambert (GBR), all chasing their first Youth World Championship qualification. In the Junior ranks, Ninon Fournier (FRA) and Amelia Aquilino (USA) bring experience and ambition to the Sprint course as they race for one of the coveted final spots in Trentino.
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XTERRA Switzerland is a celebration beyond competition. The Neuchâtel Ministry of Sports described the region in 2023 as “an exceptional playground for outdoor sports,” while the Jura & Three-Lakes Tourism Board formally integrated the XTERRA weekend into its summer calendar. Local businesses have embraced the event, with farm stays, cafés, and restaurants offering everything from XTERRA-themed menus to regional specialties like Neuchâtel sausage and absinthe chocolates. As one resident of Le Locle shared on a community blog, “Here, we live in sync with nature. In summer we bike and run on the same trails we ski on come winter. Hosting events like XTERRA is a chance to share our playground with the world.”
During the 2023 race opening, Muriel Jeanneret, then President of the Community Council of La Brévine, welcomed participants by saying the valley “offers an authentic experience – we don’t have big grandstands, but we have open arms and beautiful landscapes for athletes to enjoy.” That authenticity has helped create an event where every athlete feels part of something larger. The weekend also includes an untimed Discovery Triathlon for newcomers, a 10K Trail Run through scenic valley terrain, and the Kids Triathlon and Duathlon. With the support of local institutions, tourism partners, and supporters such as Raiffeisen, Le Gruyère, Viteos, Swiss Triathlon, and many more, XTERRA Switzerland continues to reflect the spirit of a region proud to open its trails to the world.
Early summer in the Neuchâtel mountains means long days, cool mornings, and clear lake reflections in the Vallée de la Brévine. On June 21–22, the 15th edition of XTERRA Switzerland marks the third straight year this off-road festival returns to Lac des Taillères, a high-alpine basin known for its quiet beauty and open terrain.
Just a few kilometers from Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the French border, this corner of western Switzerland has become a familiar stop on the XTERRA World Tour. Its mix of elevation, scenery, and close-knit community draws both international athletes and locals looking for a challenge close to home.
The schedule features 10 events, including the Full Distance Triathlon, which also crowns the Swiss National Cross Triathlon Champion. A €7,500 prize purse will be awarded to the Elite field, alongside 28 World Championship slots for age group athletes. Also serving as an XTERRA Youth Tour qualifier, with 20 Youth World Championship entries available in the Sprint race for Youth B and Juniors, and 10 more through the Super Sprint for Youth A.
XTERRA Switzerland began in 2010 on the shores of Lake Geneva in Prangins, where Olivier Marceau (CHE) and Marion Lorblanchet (FRA) claimed the inaugural titles. They repeated their victories in 2011, and the event remained in Prangins through 2012 before relocating to the Vallée de Joux in the Jura Mountains from 2013 to 2019. This period saw champions such as Nico Lebrun (FRA), Helena Karásková (CZE), Victor Del Corral (ESP), and Kathrin Müller (DEU), while Arthur Forissier (FRA) established himself as a dominant force with five wins between 2015 and 2019. After a one-year hiatus in 2020, XTERRA Switzerland returned in 2021 with Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Eleonora Peroncini (ITA) earning victories. In 2022, Xavier Dafflon (CHE) and Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) secured their wins on home soil.
A major shift came in 2023, when the event moved for the first time to the Neuchâtel mountains at La Brévine, marking XTERRA’s debut in the region. Arthur Forissier (FRA) returned to win his sixth XTERRA Switzerland title, while Loanne Duvoisin (CHE), from nearby Val-de-Ruz, claimed back-to-back victories just one week after being crowned XTERRA European Champion. “Loanne Duvoisin won the only Swiss round of the XTERRA cross-triathlon in La Brévine [and] has become a world cross-triathlon specialist,” reported Neuchâtel Sports Press after naming her 2023 Neuchâtel Sportsperson of the Year. In 2024, despite cold rain and waterlogged conditions, Valentin Rouvier (FRA) and Bianca Morvillo (ITA) won the Elite categories, while the race was described as “still a great celebration” by ARCInfo.
Lac des Taillères, a narrow, spring-fed lake surrounded by pastures and pine woods is just two kilometers long and seven meters deep, stays cool through summer and often calls for wetsuits even in June. The lake’s calm water and compact size create a sheltered swim course, easy for spectators to follow from shore. In winter, “The beautiful Lac des Taillères is transformed into a natural ice rink to the delight of skaters,” writes Neuchâtel Tourisme. This seasonal rhythm reflects the valley’s strong connection to the outdoors.
Unlike the dramatic peaks of the Alps, the Jura mountain range features rolling ridgelines, steady climbs, and open plateaus that still deliver real elevation gain. The region is known for long-distance Nordic skiing in winter and an expanding network of marked mountain bike routes in summer. The 195-kilometer Neuchâtel Bike trail connects towns like La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, and Vue-des-Alpes all the way to the lakeshore. As Peter Naegeli (CHE), a reigning two-time age group champion, put it: “The Jura region is ideal year-round for trail running, mountain biking, and especially Nordic skiing. It’s hilly, wide open, and sparsely populated, with easy access from French-speaking Switzerland and across the nearby French border.”
La Brévine’s endurance culture runs deep. Local swim clubs like Red-Fish Neuchâtel and triathlon teams from the region support a steady stream of athletes moving into cross-triathlon. Carole Perrot of Neuchâtel is one of them. A former road triathlete, she transitioned to off-road and finished second overall at XTERRA Switzerland in 2023 ahead of several Elite women while winning the 45–49 division. She continues to compete at the top of her age group in Europe and recently added another win at XTERRA Belgium, part of a broader display of off-road talent from this quiet valley.
Swim (1.5K): The race begins with a single 1.5K loop in Lac des Taillères at 1,050 meters elevation. Known for its clarity and calm surface, the swim offers clean lines and strong visibility, with temperatures that often stay cool even in early summer.
Bike (34K): The MTB course across two loops, combines forest tracks, open meadows, and rolling ridgelines with over 950 meters of elevation gain. Athletes climb steadily through the valley and even cross briefly into France, with conditions ranging from fast and dry to slippery and unpredictable.
Run (9K): The trail run includes two laps along the lake and into the surrounding pine woods with a total elevation gain of around 270 meters. It’s scenic but not soft, with two extended climbs that demand patience and rhythm before looping back toward the finish and the cheers of the main venue.
Several top athletes will be lining up in La Brévine for the Full Distance Triathlon, each with their own reason for choosing XTERRA Switzerland. Anna Wer (POL), who finished third among the Elites at XTERRA France this season, called the venue “truly unique” and said the new bike course profile looks great. “XTERRA is my passion,” she added. “It allows me to combine my love for nature, racing, and traveling.” Nicolas Raybaud (FRA), fourth at XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine this year, is returning to where it all started for him. “Switzerland reminds me why I started XTERRA,” he said. “La Brévine offers a mountainous and agricultural atmosphere. Nature lovers and those who love triple effort will appreciate the 'Siberia of Switzerland.’”
Nicolas Duré (FRA), runner-up at XTERRA Belgium and third in Switzerland last year, is also returning with clear intent: “I wanted to come back to try and do even better. I think it’s a truly idyllic course and location.” Martin Gebhard (DEU), who placed fourth at XTERRA Germany in 2024, sees the event as an opportunity to explore a new location with his wife Silvia. “Switzerland is always worth a trip to combine sport with a relaxed vibe and simply enjoy the time,” he said. “The open community and the courage to bring the events to the people. Together we grow through the challenges and can tell each other stories.”
Among the new and returning names in the age group ranks is Emma Pirodon (FRA), who placed second in her division at XTERRA Switzerland in 2024. “It’s in the middle of nowhere, but it brings people together through the same passion,” she said. “The course is fun, the terrain is always changing, and it’s a great way to create new bonds.” Alanis Siffert (CHE) will be racing her first-ever XTERRA after a season of training in China and transitioning from road to off-road triathlon. “XTERRA represents having fun out in nature, discovering new places, and using the beauty of the race course to get energy and enjoy yourself,” she said. Also among the starters is João Pinho (POR), racing in the 35–39 division. “Visiting Switzerland is a long-time dream,” he said. “Combining sport with travel is a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions. I’m looking forward to it.”
XTERRA Switzerland will once again host two important Youth Tour qualifiers across the Sprint and Super Sprint distances. Open to all age groups, these races are especially meaningful for athletes in Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Junior (18–19) divisions who are hoping to qualify for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy this September. Twenty slots will be awarded to top Youth B and Junior finishers in the Sprint race (Swim 750K, Bike 18K, Run 4.5K), while ten additional slots will come from the Super Sprint (Swim 150M, Bike 4.4K, Run 1.5K) for Youth A competitors.
Lucas Burgdorfer (CHE), who raced at the inaugural Youth World Championship in 2024, returns to the trails with a new mindset and stronger preparation. “Initially passionate about badminton, I discovered triathlon through school and loved it. XTERRA brings the same challenge of combining three disciplines, but with the added dimension of nature. In 2024, the race ended with a final, impressive descent, and this year I’ve trained specifically in mountain biking and trail running. I’d love to return to the Youth World Championship, but above all I want to enjoy the magnificent trails and unique landscapes offered by XTERRA and my region.”
Hugo Chaffanel (FRA), also in Youth B, will be racing XTERRA Switzerland for the first time, alongside his father, Steven, who is entered in the Sprint triathlon. “I wanted to qualify for the Youth World Championship, but also to experience the atmosphere and great courses,” Hugo shared. “XTERRA is unique in its natural side. Each race highlights the landscape of the competition site, and it's always a pleasure to ride and run on such beautiful trails.” His father, Steven, will also be competing in the Sprint triathlon. “I was able to see that it was really natural,” he said. “A magnificent setting.”
The Youth A field features rising athletes like Clément Beaubernard (FRA), Lasse Paul Rother (DEU), and William Lambert (GBR), all chasing their first Youth World Championship qualification. In the Junior ranks, Ninon Fournier (FRA) and Amelia Aquilino (USA) bring experience and ambition to the Sprint course as they race for one of the coveted final spots in Trentino.
XTERRA Switzerland is a celebration beyond competition. The Neuchâtel Ministry of Sports described the region in 2023 as “an exceptional playground for outdoor sports,” while the Jura & Three-Lakes Tourism Board formally integrated the XTERRA weekend into its summer calendar. Local businesses have embraced the event, with farm stays, cafés, and restaurants offering everything from XTERRA-themed menus to regional specialties like Neuchâtel sausage and absinthe chocolates. As one resident of Le Locle shared on a community blog, “Here, we live in sync with nature. In summer we bike and run on the same trails we ski on come winter. Hosting events like XTERRA is a chance to share our playground with the world.”
During the 2023 race opening, Muriel Jeanneret, then President of the Community Council of La Brévine, welcomed participants by saying the valley “offers an authentic experience – we don’t have big grandstands, but we have open arms and beautiful landscapes for athletes to enjoy.” That authenticity has helped create an event where every athlete feels part of something larger. The weekend also includes an untimed Discovery Triathlon for newcomers, a 10K Trail Run through scenic valley terrain, and the Kids Triathlon and Duathlon. With the support of local institutions, tourism partners, and supporters such as Raiffeisen, Le Gruyère, Viteos, Swiss Triathlon, and many more, XTERRA Switzerland continues to reflect the spirit of a region proud to open its trails to the world.
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XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure.
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