29th XTERRA World Championship Preview: A United Global Gathering
XTERRA
|
September 18, 2025
Race Preview

29th XTERRA World Championship Preview: A United Global Gathering

XTERRA
|
September 18, 2025
Key Points

From 71 years young, Sheri Shrock (USA), who calls Molveno her “second home,” to 15-year-old Apolline Ramboux (BEL), the returning XTERRA Youth A World Champion — the XTERRA World Championship gathers generations on the same start line. More than 1,000 athletes from 54 nations come together here, proving that off-road triathlon’s greatest week belongs to every age, every background, every story.

Like Shrock, the quaint village of Molveno that sits beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites, has been a second home for XTERRA as well. After 25 years of racing in Maui, this year marks the 29th World Championship and the fourth and final edition in Italy.

Guided by inclusivity, nature, and community, the week in Molveno carries a collective purpose to honor the place, the culture, and the people who gather here from around the world, making it a World Championship for all. The schedule features the World Cup Short Track finale on September 25, the Full Distance World Championship on September 27, and the Youth World Championship on September 28, all livestreamed for fans around the world. An open Sprint Triathlon invites families and friends to take part, completing a global gathering beneath the Dolomites.

Global Participation and Growth Across Divisions

In 2025, more than 50 XTERRA World Tour events across 25 countries gave athletes the chance to qualify for the World Championship. While France, Italy, and the United States lead in participation, athletes are arriving from across five continents. New nations represented this year include Croatia, Israel, Sweden, and Panama, joining long-time contenders to create the most diverse field yet. Biggest increases this year go to Costa Rica, China, and Luxembourg, with strong gains from Slovakia, Estonia, Malaysia, Argentina, Colombia, and the United Kingdom.

Youth participation is on the rise, with more than 300 athletes aged 19 and under set to compete — an increase of over 50% from 2024. Now in its second year, the XTERRA Youth Tour was built to mirror the World Tour’s structure and spirit, giving athletes aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to compete on natural terrain worldwide and experience the global off-road community. With over 300 qualifiers from more than 20 countries, the Youth World Championship reflects steady growth and the promise of the next generation of XTERRA athletes.

A Week To Connect

Starting Tuesday, Community Course Sessions bring eager explorers together for rides, runs, swims, intended not only to learn the course but to connect with one another. “I’ve made wonderful friends at these races,” says Schrock. A hub for gathering, conversation, and connection, these moments also inspire athletes to push boundaries and embrace wild places.

The schedule keeps these gatherings central, alongside yoga sessions, Thursday’s Opening Ceremony and Saturday’s Awards Night and legendary afterparty. In the center of the race village, the expo and lounge offer another space to gather, relax, and share the experience.

Fernando Lopez (URY) adds: “To be honest I’m looking forward to being there not just racing, to pausing and taking it all in. It’s about gratitude, and saying goodbye together to one of the most beautiful race venues I’ve known.”

Roberto Failoni, Councillor for Sport and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Trento, noted: “This will be a special edition for the athletes and for everyone who experiences these days of sport and international friendship.”

Meet The Elites

As Thursday arrives, the race village becomes the place to gather as the festival begins as the highly anticipated Short Track race brings an end to the season-long pro series. The race plays out on a spectator-friendly course with clear sight lines, designed with reusable materials such as mesh course lining instead of tape, part of XTERRA’s sustainability initiatives throughout the week. With a €100,000 World Cup prize purse on the line for the top-10 overall in the series, the women start at 14:00 and the men at 15:00. Crowds have packed the course in recent years, highlighted by last year’s triple sprint finish among the top three men. Fans on site and around the world can watch live here. This race closes the 8-stop, 11-race XTERRA World Cup and will decide the men’s and women’s titles, with winners honored at the Opening Ceremony that night.

Friday continues with Trailside Talks with the Pros, an open Q&A at the Sala Congressi where fans can meet the athletes, hear their stories, and connect before race day. On Saturday morning the World Championship begins, with Elites taking off at 10:00 am, a little over an hour before the age groupers. Another €100,000 prize purse will be awarded in the World Championship, highlighting three decades of legacy and the honor of climbing the toughest podium in off-road triathlon.

While Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory to complete a four-year sweep of the World Championship in Molveno, the competition around them is fierce. Here’s what they have to say:

Arthur Serrières (FRA): “I hope to be a man of the moment at least one more time, and I also think what I did in Molveno and in the past years give something to people and XTERRA.”

Solenne Billouin (FRA): “Having been successful here before also brings positive energy, it’s a reminder that I did it already and I can do it again on this terrain, even if I still approach it with a fresh mindset each time.”

Felix Forissier (FRA): “High-level sport is extremely demanding; it requires a very strong personal commitment in daily training. The hardest part for me is maintaining discipline in my lifestyle, which often means seeing very little of my loved ones.”

Loanne Duvoisin (CHE): “Of course, winning this title is a big goal for me, and maybe this year it could happen — that would be amazing.”

Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK): “Sometimes I forget how privileged I am to do a sport I love and to be among the best in the world at it. For the past two years I’ve been knocking on that door — maybe this year I can be the best.”

Marta Menditto (ITA): “I’d like to finally prove to myself that the hard work pays off at the end. I’d like to make my friends, my family and my country proud of me too, but first, I want to be proud of my race.”

Arthur Forissier (FRA): “Consistency means showing up every day, no matter the conditions or how I feel. It’s about putting in the work step by step, trusting the process, and knowing that small, steady efforts add up to big results over time.”

Aneta Grabmüller (CZE): “I learned the hard way this year how important it is to pace, and I think this applies even more in Molveno. My goal will be to focus on myself and my own race and pace myself wisely.”

Michele Bonacina (ITA): “I really love the atmosphere — the ceremony before and after the race are absolutely amazing and the races as well.”

Hannah-Lee Young (AUS): “I have grown exponentially as an athlete this year and that is all thanks to my World Cup commitment and giving myself the opportunity to race in many different locations and different courses.”

Federico Spinazzè (ITA): “Hosting the World Championship here in Italy for four years has been a true joy for me, a unique event with athletes from all over the world that gave me the opportunity to race in front of my family and friends.”

World Championship Course Description

Swim (1.5K): The swim takes place in the cold, glassy waters of Lake Molveno, named Italy’s most beautiful lake ten times. Athletes complete two 750-meter laps, including an Australian exit where they briefly leave the water before diving back in from a pier. Wetsuits are mandatory in the alpine conditions, and the mass of splashing arms and legs quickly turns the lake into a world-class challenge for the very best in the world.

“Every time I line up at the start, I’m reminded that this journey is bigger than just me — it’s about passion, community, and showing that with dedication, dreams really do cross oceans.” — George Chanoumis (GRC, M50-54).

Bike (32K): The 32K bike course is split into two 16K loops, climbing more than 1,100 meters. The route starts flat along the lakeshore before rising sharply into gravel roads, roots, and rocky trails that demand both power and patience. From the top, riders plunge into the Paganella Bike Park’s signature mix of smooth berms, tricky switchbacks, and loose stone descents before winding through Molveno and the race village on wooden berms and bridges.

“I love the challenging riding in Molveno, which both scares me, tickles my nerves, and at the same time fills me with inspiration to push my limits.” — Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49).

Run (10K): The run is a 10K trail loop completed twice, with 288 meters of climbing. It begins with a stretch through the race village before heading into forested singletrack. The uneven elevation has created decisive moments in past championships, with steep climbs testing both elites and age groupers. After the second loop, the course flattens along the beach of Lake Molveno for a dramatic finish.

“I’m motivated by the challenge of pushing my own limits, both in fitness and my technical skills on the trails.” — Andrea Pember (CAN, F35-39).

Youth World Championship

Sunday in Molveno belongs to the future. After a week of gatherings and celebrations, the focus shifts to the XTERRA Youth World Championship. The day begins with Youth A athletes in the Super Sprint at 10:30. (swim 400M, bike 8K, run 2.7K), followed at 12:30. by the Sprint for Youth B and Juniors (swim 750M, bike 16K, run 5K). Participation is up 26% from last year, showing how quickly the Youth World Championship continues to grow.

For Youth A, the focus is on testing themselves. Lasse Paul Rother (DEU) is motivated to face the best after two runner-up finishes this season. Apolline Ramboux (BEL), last year’s champion, looks forward to the “crazy atmosphere” and the chance to race athletes from around the world. Daisy Gildea (GBR) values “meeting other girls who do what I do,” while Tori Stancombe (AUS) says XTERRA has made her a more balanced athlete across all three disciplines.

In Youth B, ambition meets experience. Anděla Břenková (CZE) spoke of discovering her limits and finding joy in racing through nature. Euan Murphy (GBR) is excited for the bike course — and pizza in Italy. Hayden Vimpani (AUS) simply wants to “have a crack against everyone from around the world,” while Nathan Chase (NAM) is eager to ride Molveno’s muddy, root-filled trails again after last year’s podium.

The Juniors add maturity to the field. Till Altmann (DEU) looks forward to the “magical atmosphere” and remembers XTERRA as where his passion began. Lucas Wright (USA) credits XTERRA as the foundation of his career, from his first local race in Maryland to his first World Championship. Fabiana Ferreira (PRT) sees triathlon as a daily pursuit of resilience, while Mila Lantelme (FRA), last year’s Youth B winner, calls XTERRA a turning point in her sporting journey. Antony Clayton (ZAF), the 2025 Cross Triathlon Junior World Champion, is motivated to see how far he can push himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

These young athletes race not only for titles, but to carry memories forward and strengthen a passion that will shape their futures.

In Nature, We Grow and Discover

Age group athletes are the living expression of XTERRA — its soul, its identity, and the carriers of its history. Over 29 years, they have built not only a movement but also a way of life, one that continues to inspire across generations. Their journeys show that results are only part of the story; it is the connection, discovery, and community that define the true win.

For Annamaria Bako (ROU, F35-39), representing her country for the third time is not only about personal achievement but also about the juniors she guides at her club. “The main reason for my return is the new generation, the 3 qualified juniors from the sports club that I coordinate and guide with training.” It is through these connections that the championship becomes a bridge for the future.

XTERRA has the ability to change lives in profound ways. Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) describes how “XTERRA and cross triathlon completely changed my life – it made me stronger, more resilient, and above all, happier.” For her, the journey is proof that with passion and hard work, barriers fall away and new possibilities open. Alena Drahošová (SVK, F50-54) found that same spirit later in life, explaining that “XTERRA has given me more determination and endurance, I only discovered active movement after the age of 40.” Together, their stories remind us that discovery has no age limit.

For others, the path through XTERRA becomes a purpose larger than themselves. Sanja Steyn (ZAF, F35-39) shared, “XTERRA encouraged me to look beyond myself, and spurred me on to put purpose to passion.” Through her Race4Grace project, she will race in aid of orphaned children in Zimbabwe, turning competition into a channel of care.

The sense of family runs deep as well. Lars Hanschke (MEX, M45-49) looks forward to his first World Championship together with his son Diego: “Being able to share this experience and race side by side with him is something very special for me.” That bond shows how XTERRA continues to cross generations, blending family, competition, and adventure.

For others, the joy lies in the global community itself. “It gives me the opportunity to participate in beautiful sporting events with incredible people who have a beautiful outlook on life and who go for it with great determination,” said Martin Gallardo (ARG, M25-29). Rúben Ribeiro (PRT, M20-24) echoed that sentiment, calling XTERRA “fundamental in my journey as an athlete, not only because of the physical and mental challenge, but also because of the incredible community it brings together.” Jie Chang (CHN, M35-39) added, “XTERRA has given me the perfect competition experience, from Suzhou to Nepal to Italy. I’m willing to travel the world with XTERRA!”

In nature, we grow and discover. These are the athletes who are pioneering a new way of living, carrying forward the energy of the first 123 warriors in 1996 who lined the shores of Maui while living out their own stories across these championship trails.

Words of Encouragement from Around the World

XTERRA is camaraderie before competition, and the World Championship in Molveno helps bring together athletes who inspire and care for one another. Each in their own language, athletes share the phrases that drive them forward. 

Andrea Pember (CAN, F35-39) brings it straight from her homeland with Giver! Send it! while across the Atlantic, Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49) keeps it classic with Heja, heja! In Austria, Irina Fettinger (AUT, F30-34) cheers with Auf geht’s! Argentina’s Martin Gallardo (ARG, M25-29) adds flair with Daleeee máquinaa, vamos toritooo! while Fernando Lopez (URY, M50-54) shouts the rallying cry, ¡Vamo’ Arriba!

Iveta Řičánková (CZE, F40-44) says “pojď, přidej, do toho!”, a familiar call to push harder. Alena Drahošová (SVK, F50-54) offers “preteky pravdy!”, a reminder that every race is a test of truth. Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) shouts “Dawaj!”, the sharp command to go. Sheri Schrock (USA, F70-74) adds the beat of “Hup, Hup, Hup!”, echoing encouragement she has given and received through decades of experience.

Sanja Steyn (ZAF, F35-39) brings local rhythm with “Shap, Shap mileliepap!”, while George Chanoumis (GRE, M50-54) lifts the energy with “ΦΥΓΑΜΕ, ΠΑΜΕ ΔΥΝΑΤΑ!”, meaning we’re off, go strong. Finally, Jie Chang (CHN, M35-39) delivers the enduring push of “加油!最后一公里!”, urging athletes to keep going through the last kilometer. Together these voices from different languages and traditions unite to push, to endure, and to share the challenge as one global XTERRA family.

Watch all the action live and on replay on the XTERRA YouTube channel. Livestreams start with the Short Track on Thursday. Set notification reminders on YouTube and check the countdown timer for your region. For behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the week, follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram

From 71 years young, Sheri Shrock (USA), who calls Molveno her “second home,” to 15-year-old Apolline Ramboux (BEL), the returning XTERRA Youth A World Champion — the XTERRA World Championship gathers generations on the same start line. More than 1,000 athletes from 54 nations come together here, proving that off-road triathlon’s greatest week belongs to every age, every background, every story.

Like Shrock, the quaint village of Molveno that sits beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites, has been a second home for XTERRA as well. After 25 years of racing in Maui, this year marks the 29th World Championship and the fourth and final edition in Italy.

Guided by inclusivity, nature, and community, the week in Molveno carries a collective purpose to honor the place, the culture, and the people who gather here from around the world, making it a World Championship for all. The schedule features the World Cup Short Track finale on September 25, the Full Distance World Championship on September 27, and the Youth World Championship on September 28, all livestreamed for fans around the world. An open Sprint Triathlon invites families and friends to take part, completing a global gathering beneath the Dolomites.

Global Participation and Growth Across Divisions

In 2025, more than 50 XTERRA World Tour events across 25 countries gave athletes the chance to qualify for the World Championship. While France, Italy, and the United States lead in participation, athletes are arriving from across five continents. New nations represented this year include Croatia, Israel, Sweden, and Panama, joining long-time contenders to create the most diverse field yet. Biggest increases this year go to Costa Rica, China, and Luxembourg, with strong gains from Slovakia, Estonia, Malaysia, Argentina, Colombia, and the United Kingdom.

Youth participation is on the rise, with more than 300 athletes aged 19 and under set to compete — an increase of over 50% from 2024. Now in its second year, the XTERRA Youth Tour was built to mirror the World Tour’s structure and spirit, giving athletes aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to compete on natural terrain worldwide and experience the global off-road community. With over 300 qualifiers from more than 20 countries, the Youth World Championship reflects steady growth and the promise of the next generation of XTERRA athletes.

A Week To Connect

Starting Tuesday, Community Course Sessions bring eager explorers together for rides, runs, swims, intended not only to learn the course but to connect with one another. “I’ve made wonderful friends at these races,” says Schrock. A hub for gathering, conversation, and connection, these moments also inspire athletes to push boundaries and embrace wild places.

The schedule keeps these gatherings central, alongside yoga sessions, Thursday’s Opening Ceremony and Saturday’s Awards Night and legendary afterparty. In the center of the race village, the expo and lounge offer another space to gather, relax, and share the experience.

Fernando Lopez (URY) adds: “To be honest I’m looking forward to being there not just racing, to pausing and taking it all in. It’s about gratitude, and saying goodbye together to one of the most beautiful race venues I’ve known.”

Roberto Failoni, Councillor for Sport and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Trento, noted: “This will be a special edition for the athletes and for everyone who experiences these days of sport and international friendship.”

Meet The Elites

As Thursday arrives, the race village becomes the place to gather as the festival begins as the highly anticipated Short Track race brings an end to the season-long pro series. The race plays out on a spectator-friendly course with clear sight lines, designed with reusable materials such as mesh course lining instead of tape, part of XTERRA’s sustainability initiatives throughout the week. With a €100,000 World Cup prize purse on the line for the top-10 overall in the series, the women start at 14:00 and the men at 15:00. Crowds have packed the course in recent years, highlighted by last year’s triple sprint finish among the top three men. Fans on site and around the world can watch live here. This race closes the 8-stop, 11-race XTERRA World Cup and will decide the men’s and women’s titles, with winners honored at the Opening Ceremony that night.

Friday continues with Trailside Talks with the Pros, an open Q&A at the Sala Congressi where fans can meet the athletes, hear their stories, and connect before race day. On Saturday morning the World Championship begins, with Elites taking off at 10:00 am, a little over an hour before the age groupers. Another €100,000 prize purse will be awarded in the World Championship, highlighting three decades of legacy and the honor of climbing the toughest podium in off-road triathlon.

While Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory to complete a four-year sweep of the World Championship in Molveno, the competition around them is fierce. Here’s what they have to say:

Arthur Serrières (FRA): “I hope to be a man of the moment at least one more time, and I also think what I did in Molveno and in the past years give something to people and XTERRA.”

Solenne Billouin (FRA): “Having been successful here before also brings positive energy, it’s a reminder that I did it already and I can do it again on this terrain, even if I still approach it with a fresh mindset each time.”

Felix Forissier (FRA): “High-level sport is extremely demanding; it requires a very strong personal commitment in daily training. The hardest part for me is maintaining discipline in my lifestyle, which often means seeing very little of my loved ones.”

Loanne Duvoisin (CHE): “Of course, winning this title is a big goal for me, and maybe this year it could happen — that would be amazing.”

Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK): “Sometimes I forget how privileged I am to do a sport I love and to be among the best in the world at it. For the past two years I’ve been knocking on that door — maybe this year I can be the best.”

Marta Menditto (ITA): “I’d like to finally prove to myself that the hard work pays off at the end. I’d like to make my friends, my family and my country proud of me too, but first, I want to be proud of my race.”

Arthur Forissier (FRA): “Consistency means showing up every day, no matter the conditions or how I feel. It’s about putting in the work step by step, trusting the process, and knowing that small, steady efforts add up to big results over time.”

Aneta Grabmüller (CZE): “I learned the hard way this year how important it is to pace, and I think this applies even more in Molveno. My goal will be to focus on myself and my own race and pace myself wisely.”

Michele Bonacina (ITA): “I really love the atmosphere — the ceremony before and after the race are absolutely amazing and the races as well.”

Hannah-Lee Young (AUS): “I have grown exponentially as an athlete this year and that is all thanks to my World Cup commitment and giving myself the opportunity to race in many different locations and different courses.”

Federico Spinazzè (ITA): “Hosting the World Championship here in Italy for four years has been a true joy for me, a unique event with athletes from all over the world that gave me the opportunity to race in front of my family and friends.”

World Championship Course Description

Swim (1.5K): The swim takes place in the cold, glassy waters of Lake Molveno, named Italy’s most beautiful lake ten times. Athletes complete two 750-meter laps, including an Australian exit where they briefly leave the water before diving back in from a pier. Wetsuits are mandatory in the alpine conditions, and the mass of splashing arms and legs quickly turns the lake into a world-class challenge for the very best in the world.

“Every time I line up at the start, I’m reminded that this journey is bigger than just me — it’s about passion, community, and showing that with dedication, dreams really do cross oceans.” — George Chanoumis (GRC, M50-54).

Bike (32K): The 32K bike course is split into two 16K loops, climbing more than 1,100 meters. The route starts flat along the lakeshore before rising sharply into gravel roads, roots, and rocky trails that demand both power and patience. From the top, riders plunge into the Paganella Bike Park’s signature mix of smooth berms, tricky switchbacks, and loose stone descents before winding through Molveno and the race village on wooden berms and bridges.

“I love the challenging riding in Molveno, which both scares me, tickles my nerves, and at the same time fills me with inspiration to push my limits.” — Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49).

Run (10K): The run is a 10K trail loop completed twice, with 288 meters of climbing. It begins with a stretch through the race village before heading into forested singletrack. The uneven elevation has created decisive moments in past championships, with steep climbs testing both elites and age groupers. After the second loop, the course flattens along the beach of Lake Molveno for a dramatic finish.

“I’m motivated by the challenge of pushing my own limits, both in fitness and my technical skills on the trails.” — Andrea Pember (CAN, F35-39).

Youth World Championship

Sunday in Molveno belongs to the future. After a week of gatherings and celebrations, the focus shifts to the XTERRA Youth World Championship. The day begins with Youth A athletes in the Super Sprint at 10:30. (swim 400M, bike 8K, run 2.7K), followed at 12:30. by the Sprint for Youth B and Juniors (swim 750M, bike 16K, run 5K). Participation is up 26% from last year, showing how quickly the Youth World Championship continues to grow.

For Youth A, the focus is on testing themselves. Lasse Paul Rother (DEU) is motivated to face the best after two runner-up finishes this season. Apolline Ramboux (BEL), last year’s champion, looks forward to the “crazy atmosphere” and the chance to race athletes from around the world. Daisy Gildea (GBR) values “meeting other girls who do what I do,” while Tori Stancombe (AUS) says XTERRA has made her a more balanced athlete across all three disciplines.

In Youth B, ambition meets experience. Anděla Břenková (CZE) spoke of discovering her limits and finding joy in racing through nature. Euan Murphy (GBR) is excited for the bike course — and pizza in Italy. Hayden Vimpani (AUS) simply wants to “have a crack against everyone from around the world,” while Nathan Chase (NAM) is eager to ride Molveno’s muddy, root-filled trails again after last year’s podium.

The Juniors add maturity to the field. Till Altmann (DEU) looks forward to the “magical atmosphere” and remembers XTERRA as where his passion began. Lucas Wright (USA) credits XTERRA as the foundation of his career, from his first local race in Maryland to his first World Championship. Fabiana Ferreira (PRT) sees triathlon as a daily pursuit of resilience, while Mila Lantelme (FRA), last year’s Youth B winner, calls XTERRA a turning point in her sporting journey. Antony Clayton (ZAF), the 2025 Cross Triathlon Junior World Champion, is motivated to see how far he can push himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

These young athletes race not only for titles, but to carry memories forward and strengthen a passion that will shape their futures.

In Nature, We Grow and Discover

Age group athletes are the living expression of XTERRA — its soul, its identity, and the carriers of its history. Over 29 years, they have built not only a movement but also a way of life, one that continues to inspire across generations. Their journeys show that results are only part of the story; it is the connection, discovery, and community that define the true win.

For Annamaria Bako (ROU, F35-39), representing her country for the third time is not only about personal achievement but also about the juniors she guides at her club. “The main reason for my return is the new generation, the 3 qualified juniors from the sports club that I coordinate and guide with training.” It is through these connections that the championship becomes a bridge for the future.

XTERRA has the ability to change lives in profound ways. Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) describes how “XTERRA and cross triathlon completely changed my life – it made me stronger, more resilient, and above all, happier.” For her, the journey is proof that with passion and hard work, barriers fall away and new possibilities open. Alena Drahošová (SVK, F50-54) found that same spirit later in life, explaining that “XTERRA has given me more determination and endurance, I only discovered active movement after the age of 40.” Together, their stories remind us that discovery has no age limit.

For others, the path through XTERRA becomes a purpose larger than themselves. Sanja Steyn (ZAF, F35-39) shared, “XTERRA encouraged me to look beyond myself, and spurred me on to put purpose to passion.” Through her Race4Grace project, she will race in aid of orphaned children in Zimbabwe, turning competition into a channel of care.

The sense of family runs deep as well. Lars Hanschke (MEX, M45-49) looks forward to his first World Championship together with his son Diego: “Being able to share this experience and race side by side with him is something very special for me.” That bond shows how XTERRA continues to cross generations, blending family, competition, and adventure.

For others, the joy lies in the global community itself. “It gives me the opportunity to participate in beautiful sporting events with incredible people who have a beautiful outlook on life and who go for it with great determination,” said Martin Gallardo (ARG, M25-29). Rúben Ribeiro (PRT, M20-24) echoed that sentiment, calling XTERRA “fundamental in my journey as an athlete, not only because of the physical and mental challenge, but also because of the incredible community it brings together.” Jie Chang (CHN, M35-39) added, “XTERRA has given me the perfect competition experience, from Suzhou to Nepal to Italy. I’m willing to travel the world with XTERRA!”

In nature, we grow and discover. These are the athletes who are pioneering a new way of living, carrying forward the energy of the first 123 warriors in 1996 who lined the shores of Maui while living out their own stories across these championship trails.

Words of Encouragement from Around the World

XTERRA is camaraderie before competition, and the World Championship in Molveno helps bring together athletes who inspire and care for one another. Each in their own language, athletes share the phrases that drive them forward. 

Andrea Pember (CAN, F35-39) brings it straight from her homeland with Giver! Send it! while across the Atlantic, Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49) keeps it classic with Heja, heja! In Austria, Irina Fettinger (AUT, F30-34) cheers with Auf geht’s! Argentina’s Martin Gallardo (ARG, M25-29) adds flair with Daleeee máquinaa, vamos toritooo! while Fernando Lopez (URY, M50-54) shouts the rallying cry, ¡Vamo’ Arriba!

Iveta Řičánková (CZE, F40-44) says “pojď, přidej, do toho!”, a familiar call to push harder. Alena Drahošová (SVK, F50-54) offers “preteky pravdy!”, a reminder that every race is a test of truth. Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) shouts “Dawaj!”, the sharp command to go. Sheri Schrock (USA, F70-74) adds the beat of “Hup, Hup, Hup!”, echoing encouragement she has given and received through decades of experience.

Sanja Steyn (ZAF, F35-39) brings local rhythm with “Shap, Shap mileliepap!”, while George Chanoumis (GRE, M50-54) lifts the energy with “ΦΥΓΑΜΕ, ΠΑΜΕ ΔΥΝΑΤΑ!”, meaning we’re off, go strong. Finally, Jie Chang (CHN, M35-39) delivers the enduring push of “加油!最后一公里!”, urging athletes to keep going through the last kilometer. Together these voices from different languages and traditions unite to push, to endure, and to share the challenge as one global XTERRA family.

Watch all the action live and on replay on the XTERRA YouTube channel. Livestreams start with the Short Track on Thursday. Set notification reminders on YouTube and check the countdown timer for your region. For behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the week, follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram

2023 XTERRA ELITE SERIES RESULTS & UPCOMING RACES
Dates
Event
Location/Winners
Prize Purse
Feb 25
XTERRA Wellington Festival
XTERRA Wellington Festival
Wellington
,
New Zealand
S. Osborne/M. Kennedy
$10,000NZL
Mar 11
XTERRA Rotorua Festival
XTERRA Rotorua Festival
Rotorua
,
New Zealand
J. Moody/M. Kennedy
$10,000NZL
Mar 16-18
XTERRA Oman
XTERRA Oman
Musandam
,
Oman
M. Chane/M. Menditto
$16,000USD
Apr 1-2
XTERRA Australia
XTERRA Australia
Dunsborough
,
Australia
S. Osborne/S. Kingsford
$7,500USD
Apr 15-16
XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship
XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship
Kenting National Park
,
Taiwan
A. Forissier/A. Paties
$25,000USD
Apr 15-16
XTERRA Puerto Rico
XTERRA Puerto Rico
Fajardo, PR
,
Puerto Rico
A. Plouffe/B. Swicegood
$7,500USD
Apr 22-23
XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni
XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni
,
Greece
P. Soukap/E. Ducreux
€7,500
May 13
XTERRA Weston Park
XTERRA Weston Park
Staffordshire
,
United Kingdom
A. Brownlee/E. Orchard
€7,500
May 18-21
XTERRA Oak Mountain
XTERRA Oak Mountain
Pelham, AL
,
United States
A. Serrieres/A. Paties (A. Serrieres/L. Duvoisin)
$15,000 + $5,000 (Short Track)
May 20-21
XTERRA Portugal
XTERRA Portugal
Golegã
,
Portugal
F. Vie/B. Ferreira
€7,500
May 27-28
XTERRA Lake Garda
XTERRA Lake Garda
Toscolano-Maderno
,
Italy
A. Serrières/H. Karásková
€7,500
Jun 10-11
XTERRA European Championship
XTERRA European Championship
Namur
,
Belgium
F. Forissier/L. Duvoisin (A. Forissier/S. Mairhofer)
€25,000 + €5,000 (Short Track)
Jun 17-18
XTERRA Switzerland
XTERRA Switzerland
Vallée de la Brévine
,
Switzerland
A. Forissier/L. Duvoisin
€7,500
Jul 1-2
XTERRA France
XTERRA France
Xonrupt, Vosges
,
France
A. Forissier/S. Mairhofer
€15,000
Jul 8-9
XTERRA Victoria
XTERRA Victoria
Victoria
,
Canada
K. McPherson/C. Drever
$3,000CDN
Jul 14-16
XTERRA Quebec
XTERRA Quebec
Manoir du Lac Delage
,
Canada
K. McPherson/S. Kingsford
$7,500USD
Jul 22-23
XTERRA Lake Scanno
XTERRA Lake Scanno
Lake Scanno
,
Italy
M. Bonacina/C. Wasle
€7,500
Aug 11-13
XTERRA Czech
XTERRA Czech
Prachatice
,
Czech Republic
A. Serrières/S. Billouin (A. Serrières/S. Billouin)
€15,000 + €5,000 (Short Track)
Aug 18-19
XTERRA Germany
XTERRA Germany
Zittau
,
Germany
A. Serrières/A. Paties (A. Serrières/A. Paties)
€15,000 + €5,000 (Short Track)
Aug 25-26
XTERRA USA Championship
XTERRA USA Championship
Avon, CO
,
United States
S. Middaugh/L. Paterson
$25,000USD
Aug 25-26
XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine
XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine
Moliets-et-Villemartin
,
France
J. Dumas/S. Marnoni
€7,500
Sep 16-17
XTERRA Whistler
XTERRA Whistler
Whistler
,
Canada
N. Killiam/C. Drever
$3,000CAD
Sep 21-24
XTERRA World Championship
XTERRA World Championship
Trentino
,
Italy
A. Serrières/S. Billouin
€100,000 + €5,000 (Short Track)
Oct 21-22
XTERRA Tahiti
XTERRA Tahiti
Tahiti
,
French Polynesia
R. Ruzafa/S. Billouin
$7,500USD

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