Introducing XTERRA Nepal Amidst the Giant Himalayas

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POKHARA, NEPAL – Outdoor adventure event brand XTERRA announces the expansion of its global presence with the addition of XTERRA Nepal as the 7th stop on the 2024 APAC Tour. 

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Scheduled for November 15-17, 2024, off-road enthusiasts in open water swimming, mountain biking and trail running will be immersed in unparalleled experiences in the majestic Himalayas. XTERRA Nepal marks a significant milestone, bringing a fresh and challenging dimension to the global pursuit of competition in one of nature’s greatest arenas. 

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Situated in the stunning city of Pokhara, XTERRA Nepal promises an unforgettable mix of athletic challenge, natural beauty, and cultural immersion through the breathtaking landscapes that define this region. This meticulously planned event aims to offer competitors the essence of outdoor adventure with the accomplishment of personal milestones, amidst one of the top bucket-list destinations under Nepal's iconic Himalayan peaks. 

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Unveiling The Host City of Pokhara

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Pokhara, nestled at the foothills of the Annapurna Range in Nepal, serves as the scenic stage for XTERRA Nepal. Renowned for its tranquil lakes and the towering Annapurna peaks, Pokhara provides an idyllic yet challenging terrain for athletes. The city is a hub for adventurers seeking to explore the Himalayas, offering routes like the Annapurna Circuit. 

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Beyond its natural allure, Pokhara is a window into Nepal’s diverse cultural landscape, characterized by historic temples and rich traditions. XTERRA Nepal sets the stage in Pokhara, Nepal's "City of Lakes." The event takes place at Begnas, a tranquil yet majestic lake renowned for its pristine beauty, meticulously preserved by the local community.

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A Full Distance Himalayan Adventure

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The Full Distance Triathlon slated for Saturday, November 16 stands as the marquee event of the weekend serving as a qualifying gateway, with 28 slots available for the XTERRA World Championship in 2025.

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Competitors are invited to immerse themselves in the local environment earlier in the week and encouraged to run around Lake Begnas to join local Nepalese runners, gaining familiarity with the terrain that defines this iconic race.

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Swim - 1.5K: The triathlon kicks off with an 1.5K open water swim in the clear waters of Lake Begnas. Athletes will push to gain an advantage in the deceptively calm water, but will need to keep plenty in the tank for the two segments that lay ahead. 

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Bike - 30K: Following the swim, competitors will embark on a 30K bike segment. This intermediate course takes riders through epic landscapes, offering a rigorous test of endurance and skill on challenging terrains.

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Run - 10K: The final leg of the triathlon is a 10K run, categorized as difficult. This segment will push athletes to their limits as they traverse rugged trails, culminating in a rewarding finish where the after-party awaits. 

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In addition to the Full Distance Triathlon, XTERRA Nepal also hosts a Sprint Distance Triathlon (Swim 750M, Bike 16K, Run 5K), Team Relay, Duathlon and an XC Mountain Bike Race. The event concludes with music, drinks, and an after-party creating a festive environment to celebrate the camaraderie that XTERRA events are known for. 

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Voices of XTERRA Nepal Visionaries

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Dipesh Ghaley, Chairperson of XTERRA Nepal, reflects with a sense of nostalgia and ambition: "In the early spring of 2023, a spark ignited our collective enthusiasm for the perfect partnership," he shares. This journey led them to XTERRA, a discovery facilitated by Shyam Limbu, co-founder of XTERRA Nepal. Ghaley continues, "It became evident that XTERRA was made for our terrain, blending swimming, MTB, and trail running."

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Landry Benoit, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Technical Director, expresses his anticipation for the event. "Nepal is set to host the XTERRA community, offering a unique blend of adventure in the shadow of the Himalayas," he notes. Benoit emphasizes the inclusive nature of the event, "We are excited to invite athletes from around the world, both professional and amateur, along with their families, to experience the thrill of competition and the beauty of Nepal."

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Nico Lebrun, XTERRA’s Global Technical Director and a former XTERRA World Champion, highlights the collaborative effort behind bringing the event to life: "Collaborating closely with Shyam Limbu and Dipesh Ghaley in Nepal embodies the spirit of teamwork and shared enthusiasm for adventure sports," Lebrun states. He elaborates on the broader goals of the partnership, "This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a passion for the great outdoors." 

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As XTERRA Nepal lights up Lake Begnas under the Himalayas, athletes and spectators alike are invited to partake in a challenging and rewarding weekend. This gathering at the starting line in Pokhara is more than just a race; it's a celebration of endurance, culture, and the human spirit, promising to be an indelible addition to the 2024 XTERRA World Tour. 

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For more details and to register, visit the official XTERRA Nepal event page.