The Citadel of Namur has seen centuries of history, but once a year, it becomes something else entirely. On June 7, 2025, the ancient fortress will once again echo with the sound of focused footsteps, buzzing bike tires, and climbing cheers as XTERRA Belgium returns for its ninth edition.
Set high above the city in the Wallonia region of Belgium, the Citadel offers a mix of steep wooded slopes, cobblestone climbs, and panoramic views over the Meuse River. Its proximity to downtown Namur brings in crowds, creating a lively, accessible race atmosphere that fuses nature and culture in one of the most scenic venues on the XTERRA World Tour.
This year’s program features eight race formats, including the Full Distance Triathlon with 28 World Championship slots and a €7,500 prize purse for Elites, Sprint and Super Sprint youth qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship, duathlons, and kids events. The action runs from first start to final finish, closing with a legendary after-party concert that lights up the Citadel.
First fortified in the 10th century and expanded over centuries, the Citadel of Namur is one of Europe’s most iconic strongholds. Overlooking the Meuse and Sambre rivers, it now serves as a public park and cultural site, with guided tunnel tours, museums, and the Terra Nova Visitor Center presenting 2,000 years of history.
As the tourism organization Visit Ardenne describes it, the Citadel is “a powerful gateway to the Ardennes,” a vast region of forests and hills stretching across southern Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France, celebrated for its raw beauty and outdoor appeal.
Since 2016, XTERRA Belgium has reimagined the Citadel as a proving ground for an off-road challenge like no other with striking views and deep heritage. The economic boost from hundreds of participants and their families coming to Namur each year has been noted by local businesses, and the global media exposure aligns with Namur’s efforts to promote itself as a dynamic, adventure-friendly destination.
XTERRA Belgium was born from a simple idea: to bring world-class off-road triathlon to one of the most historic venues in Europe. Organizers Denis Detinne and Florian Badoux, both XTERRA athletes themselves, saw the potential of the Citadel of Namur and set their vision in motion. “Namur is very accessible by car, by train, and by air with three international airports connecting all the big cities around the world,” said Detinne. “The combination of the three sports in nature is very exciting. The people are very open and the atmosphere is friendly. Racing around the world is a kind of small vacation where we can meet people and also do our sport.” Following the encouragement from XTERRA Global Technical Director and former XTERRA World Champion Nico Lebrun (FRA) with support from Namur’s tourism and government offices, the first edition launched in June 2016.
Kris Coddens (BEL) and Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) claimed victory at the inaugural event. By 2017, XTERRA Belgium had earned a place “in the pantheon of the sport,” with Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) outdueling Bradley Weiss (ZAF) in a tight finish and Erbenová repeating her victory. That same year, Maxime Chané (FRA) recalled having “tears in [his] eyes and goosebumps” from the crowds packed along the Citadel’s climbs. In 2018, French athletes swept the podium with François Carloni (FRA) and Morgane Riou (FRA) taking the Elite titles. Riou (FRA) returned in 2019 to defend her crown, while Yeray Luxem (BEL) delivered a breakthrough win on home soil, thrilling Belgian fans.
After a pandemic pause in 2020, Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) won the 2021 edition, with Serrières noting, “The atmosphere here in Belgium was really great with everyone cheering.” In 2022, Serrières (FRA) defended his title, and Marta Menditto (ITA) rose to the top in one of the most competitive Elite fields to date. The 2023 edition marked a major milestone as XTERRA Belgium hosted the XTERRA European Championship for the first time. Felix Forissier (FRA) took the men’s title ahead of his brother Arthur Forissier (FRA), while Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) won the women’s race after a tight battle with Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) and Alizée Paties (FRA). In 2024, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) claimed victory, edging out both Forissier brothers, and Mairhofer (ITA) powered her way to the top of the podium, finishing ahead of Paties (FRA) and Billouin (FRA).
The 1.5K swim in the river Meuse is straightforward, but subtle currents can shift throughout the day, requiring athletes to stay alert and adaptable. As Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR) noted, “The swim in the river Meuse can be unpredictable,” offering a dynamic start beneath the towering Citadel above.
The 35K mountain bike segment is where the course reveals its full complexity. Riders climb and descend the Citadel hill multiple times, crossing a mix of ancient cobbled paths, wooded singletrack, and open esplanade. Ced Smets (BEL) described it as a course that “gets serious” fast. “After lap one, you come back through the esplanade and T2 area, and that’s when the crowd really hits you. You’ll hear your name, feel the energy, and probably push a little too hard, but the next climb comes fast.” Upham called the bike “punchy and technical,” with steep climbs, tight descents, and the famous Citadel stairs adding both difficulty and flair.
The 10K trail run loops around the fortress, weaving through narrow passages, shaded trails, and sharp elevation changes. Smets described it as “full of character,” a route that brings the accumulated fatigue from the ride straight into the legs. Upham added, “It will definitely test the legs,” especially after the grind of the bike. Each kilometer is earned, but the final stretch toward the Citadel finish is lifted by crowd support, music, and the unmistakable energy that defines this event.
Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR): XTERRA Belgium is where everything started for Upham. In 2018, she showed up with little experience, a borrowed hardtail, and more nerves than confidence. “I wasn’t sure I could even make it through the course,” she said. But by the end of the day, she had won her age group — a result that changed her life. “I doubted everything, but that moment made me believe something more was possible.” Now, in 2025, she returns as an Elite eying the podium. “Maybe the Citadel stairs won’t look so scary this time. Maybe I’ll even fly down them.” For Kerri-Ann, this is where her XTERRA journey truly began.
Dieske Kruisselbrink (NLD): XTERRA Belgium has become a regular highlight for Kruisselbrink, who returns for her third time after finishing tenth in 2024. “I really like this event because of the tough course that includes quite a bit of climbing and has a lot of different features, such as riding down the stairs at the Citadel.” Traveling with a strong Dutch crew adds to the experience. “We're always with a big group of athletes, which makes it a lot of fun.” What makes XTERRA stand out to her is clear: “The community, the tough and unique races, and the places we go, where environmental, cultural, and societal aspects are always considered.”
Ryno Owen (ZAF): After winning XTERRA South Africa earlier this year, Owen is heading to Europe for a four-month campaign, and XTERRA Belgium is high on his list. “XTERRA Belgium has been a bucket list event of mine ever since I heard of it,” he said. “The atmosphere of endurance sports in Belgium seems unmatched by almost any other country, and I'm super keen to go experience it for myself. Racing at the iconic Citadelle de Namur seems too good.” With this being his first European event of the season, he’s keeping his mindset open. “A good result will be great, but I'm keen to test the body, see where the fitness and form is, and gain experience. The road to the top is long — it cannot be rushed.”
Sebastian Neef (DEU): With a strong start to the 2025 season, including a third place result at the XTERRA North American Championship, Neef arrives in Namur with momentum and intent. He’s raced here twice before and knows what makes it special. “I really like the course and the setting plus the finish at the Citadel. The crowd is also something of its own and really gets you going.” After consistent top-five finishes this season, Neef is targeting a breakthrough. “I hope I can secure my first XTERRA win there, chances might be pretty good also from what I have already shown this season.”
Sébastien Carabin (BEL): Few athletes know the Citadel of Namur like Carabin, the local favorite. In 2022, he finished third. In 2024, he placed fourth. This year, he returns not just as a contender, but as a host and a strong voice for the Belgian off-road community. “For all participants, from youth to age group and Elite, they’ll receive a warm welcome from Belgium,” he said. “The Citadel is a beautiful site, and the crew will be on fire to support everyone.” He believes the course is “demanding but accessible to everyone,” and that spectators will have every opportunity to follow the action. “Everyone will enjoy this top event in the heart of Wallonia.”
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Jehanne Hanon (BEL) returns as one of the most experienced competitors in the women’s 50–54 division. With wins at XTERRA Ardennes and top-ten finishes at the XTERRA World Championship in both 2023 and 2024, she continues to race at a high level. After placing third in her division at XTERRA Belgium last year, Hanon is focused on one goal: “I would like to reach a slot for Molveno,” she said. “It’s a longer compétition and I prefer to manage this kind of effort.”
Among the returning champions is Johanna Schmitt (DEU), who won the F35–39 division in 2024, and Véronique Garbe (FRA), who topped the F55–59 field. On the men’s side, a rematch is set in the M35–39 division, where defending champion Matthias Allegaert (BEL) will once again face Nicolas Raybaud (FRA), who finished just behind him last year. Both are back in 2025, and the Citadel course will decide if the order holds or shifts.
Kevin Sexton (GBR), competing in the 65–69 duathlon category, adds another chapter to his XTERRA season with his first international race. After age group wins at Matterley and Weston Park in 2025, he now turns to Namur. “I’ve heard so many good reports about Belgium,” he said. “XTERRA excel themselves time and time again, leading the way, encouraging all age groups and families to be involved.”
XTERRA Belgium hosts two key youth events that serve as qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino. The Super Sprint (250M swim, 6.4K bike, 3.2K run) is open to Youth A (14–15), while the Sprint Triathlon (500M swim, 19K bike, 5K run) is the format for Youth B (16–17) and Junior (18–19) athletes. Both are designed to challenge rising stars and give them a pathway to represent their country on the global stage.
Apolline Ramboux (BEL) leads the field as the reigning Youth A World Champion. Undefeated in 2024, she also holds the title at XTERRA Belgium. “I don’t like swimming that much,” she said, “but I’m a fast rider.” Alexis Hainaut (BEL) rises up after winning the Super Sprint in Namur last year and now moves into the Sprint format. Corentin Willem (BEL) returns to Youth B following his third place finish in the Sprint last year.
In the Junior division, Tom Dambroise (BEL) is looking for the top spot this year, after placing third in Namur in 2024. Among the girls, Lou-Anne Dautun (BEL) will look to climb up the Junior ranks after bringing a Youth B win in 2024 at XTERRA Ardennes and third in Belgium. She’ll be joined by Romy Schmeling (NZL), based in Paris, who previously raced XTERRA Rotorua in 2025. “The atmosphere is friendly,” she said. “Everyone shares the same passion, and that creates such a great vibe.”
Namur’s residents have embraced the celebration by bringing the Citadel to life, lining the trails, cheering for kids races, and allowing for a legendary after-party concert on Saturday night that echoes through the historic walls.
Over the years, this course has tested the best with storms, heat, and mud. It has crowned both first-time winners and returning champions. As reigning XTERRA World Cup Champion Felix Forissier (FRA) said after his 2023 victory, “The Citadel is such a special place to race.” It’s a venue where history, nature, and sport coexist, and it continues to inspire athletes and fans from around the world.
This collective experience is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Namur, Infrasports, and Visit Wallonia, alongside many other organizations, volunteers, supporters, and most importantly, the local community.
The Citadel of Namur has seen centuries of history, but once a year, it becomes something else entirely. On June 7, 2025, the ancient fortress will once again echo with the sound of focused footsteps, buzzing bike tires, and climbing cheers as XTERRA Belgium returns for its ninth edition.
Set high above the city in the Wallonia region of Belgium, the Citadel offers a mix of steep wooded slopes, cobblestone climbs, and panoramic views over the Meuse River. Its proximity to downtown Namur brings in crowds, creating a lively, accessible race atmosphere that fuses nature and culture in one of the most scenic venues on the XTERRA World Tour.
This year’s program features eight race formats, including the Full Distance Triathlon with 28 World Championship slots and a €7,500 prize purse for Elites, Sprint and Super Sprint youth qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship, duathlons, and kids events. The action runs from first start to final finish, closing with a legendary after-party concert that lights up the Citadel.
First fortified in the 10th century and expanded over centuries, the Citadel of Namur is one of Europe’s most iconic strongholds. Overlooking the Meuse and Sambre rivers, it now serves as a public park and cultural site, with guided tunnel tours, museums, and the Terra Nova Visitor Center presenting 2,000 years of history.
As the tourism organization Visit Ardenne describes it, the Citadel is “a powerful gateway to the Ardennes,” a vast region of forests and hills stretching across southern Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France, celebrated for its raw beauty and outdoor appeal.
Since 2016, XTERRA Belgium has reimagined the Citadel as a proving ground for an off-road challenge like no other with striking views and deep heritage. The economic boost from hundreds of participants and their families coming to Namur each year has been noted by local businesses, and the global media exposure aligns with Namur’s efforts to promote itself as a dynamic, adventure-friendly destination.
XTERRA Belgium was born from a simple idea: to bring world-class off-road triathlon to one of the most historic venues in Europe. Organizers Denis Detinne and Florian Badoux, both XTERRA athletes themselves, saw the potential of the Citadel of Namur and set their vision in motion. “Namur is very accessible by car, by train, and by air with three international airports connecting all the big cities around the world,” said Detinne. “The combination of the three sports in nature is very exciting. The people are very open and the atmosphere is friendly. Racing around the world is a kind of small vacation where we can meet people and also do our sport.” Following the encouragement from XTERRA Global Technical Director and former XTERRA World Champion Nico Lebrun (FRA) with support from Namur’s tourism and government offices, the first edition launched in June 2016.
Kris Coddens (BEL) and Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) claimed victory at the inaugural event. By 2017, XTERRA Belgium had earned a place “in the pantheon of the sport,” with Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) outdueling Bradley Weiss (ZAF) in a tight finish and Erbenová repeating her victory. That same year, Maxime Chané (FRA) recalled having “tears in [his] eyes and goosebumps” from the crowds packed along the Citadel’s climbs. In 2018, French athletes swept the podium with François Carloni (FRA) and Morgane Riou (FRA) taking the Elite titles. Riou (FRA) returned in 2019 to defend her crown, while Yeray Luxem (BEL) delivered a breakthrough win on home soil, thrilling Belgian fans.
After a pandemic pause in 2020, Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) won the 2021 edition, with Serrières noting, “The atmosphere here in Belgium was really great with everyone cheering.” In 2022, Serrières (FRA) defended his title, and Marta Menditto (ITA) rose to the top in one of the most competitive Elite fields to date. The 2023 edition marked a major milestone as XTERRA Belgium hosted the XTERRA European Championship for the first time. Felix Forissier (FRA) took the men’s title ahead of his brother Arthur Forissier (FRA), while Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) won the women’s race after a tight battle with Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) and Alizée Paties (FRA). In 2024, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) claimed victory, edging out both Forissier brothers, and Mairhofer (ITA) powered her way to the top of the podium, finishing ahead of Paties (FRA) and Billouin (FRA).
The 1.5K swim in the river Meuse is straightforward, but subtle currents can shift throughout the day, requiring athletes to stay alert and adaptable. As Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR) noted, “The swim in the river Meuse can be unpredictable,” offering a dynamic start beneath the towering Citadel above.
The 35K mountain bike segment is where the course reveals its full complexity. Riders climb and descend the Citadel hill multiple times, crossing a mix of ancient cobbled paths, wooded singletrack, and open esplanade. Ced Smets (BEL) described it as a course that “gets serious” fast. “After lap one, you come back through the esplanade and T2 area, and that’s when the crowd really hits you. You’ll hear your name, feel the energy, and probably push a little too hard, but the next climb comes fast.” Upham called the bike “punchy and technical,” with steep climbs, tight descents, and the famous Citadel stairs adding both difficulty and flair.
The 10K trail run loops around the fortress, weaving through narrow passages, shaded trails, and sharp elevation changes. Smets described it as “full of character,” a route that brings the accumulated fatigue from the ride straight into the legs. Upham added, “It will definitely test the legs,” especially after the grind of the bike. Each kilometer is earned, but the final stretch toward the Citadel finish is lifted by crowd support, music, and the unmistakable energy that defines this event.
Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR): XTERRA Belgium is where everything started for Upham. In 2018, she showed up with little experience, a borrowed hardtail, and more nerves than confidence. “I wasn’t sure I could even make it through the course,” she said. But by the end of the day, she had won her age group — a result that changed her life. “I doubted everything, but that moment made me believe something more was possible.” Now, in 2025, she returns as an Elite eying the podium. “Maybe the Citadel stairs won’t look so scary this time. Maybe I’ll even fly down them.” For Kerri-Ann, this is where her XTERRA journey truly began.
Dieske Kruisselbrink (NLD): XTERRA Belgium has become a regular highlight for Kruisselbrink, who returns for her third time after finishing tenth in 2024. “I really like this event because of the tough course that includes quite a bit of climbing and has a lot of different features, such as riding down the stairs at the Citadel.” Traveling with a strong Dutch crew adds to the experience. “We're always with a big group of athletes, which makes it a lot of fun.” What makes XTERRA stand out to her is clear: “The community, the tough and unique races, and the places we go, where environmental, cultural, and societal aspects are always considered.”
Ryno Owen (ZAF): After winning XTERRA South Africa earlier this year, Owen is heading to Europe for a four-month campaign, and XTERRA Belgium is high on his list. “XTERRA Belgium has been a bucket list event of mine ever since I heard of it,” he said. “The atmosphere of endurance sports in Belgium seems unmatched by almost any other country, and I'm super keen to go experience it for myself. Racing at the iconic Citadelle de Namur seems too good.” With this being his first European event of the season, he’s keeping his mindset open. “A good result will be great, but I'm keen to test the body, see where the fitness and form is, and gain experience. The road to the top is long — it cannot be rushed.”
Sebastian Neef (DEU): With a strong start to the 2025 season, including a third place result at the XTERRA North American Championship, Neef arrives in Namur with momentum and intent. He’s raced here twice before and knows what makes it special. “I really like the course and the setting plus the finish at the Citadel. The crowd is also something of its own and really gets you going.” After consistent top-five finishes this season, Neef is targeting a breakthrough. “I hope I can secure my first XTERRA win there, chances might be pretty good also from what I have already shown this season.”
Sébastien Carabin (BEL): Few athletes know the Citadel of Namur like Carabin, the local favorite. In 2022, he finished third. In 2024, he placed fourth. This year, he returns not just as a contender, but as a host and a strong voice for the Belgian off-road community. “For all participants, from youth to age group and Elite, they’ll receive a warm welcome from Belgium,” he said. “The Citadel is a beautiful site, and the crew will be on fire to support everyone.” He believes the course is “demanding but accessible to everyone,” and that spectators will have every opportunity to follow the action. “Everyone will enjoy this top event in the heart of Wallonia.”
Jehanne Hanon (BEL) returns as one of the most experienced competitors in the women’s 50–54 division. With wins at XTERRA Ardennes and top-ten finishes at the XTERRA World Championship in both 2023 and 2024, she continues to race at a high level. After placing third in her division at XTERRA Belgium last year, Hanon is focused on one goal: “I would like to reach a slot for Molveno,” she said. “It’s a longer compétition and I prefer to manage this kind of effort.”
Among the returning champions is Johanna Schmitt (DEU), who won the F35–39 division in 2024, and Véronique Garbe (FRA), who topped the F55–59 field. On the men’s side, a rematch is set in the M35–39 division, where defending champion Matthias Allegaert (BEL) will once again face Nicolas Raybaud (FRA), who finished just behind him last year. Both are back in 2025, and the Citadel course will decide if the order holds or shifts.
Kevin Sexton (GBR), competing in the 65–69 duathlon category, adds another chapter to his XTERRA season with his first international race. After age group wins at Matterley and Weston Park in 2025, he now turns to Namur. “I’ve heard so many good reports about Belgium,” he said. “XTERRA excel themselves time and time again, leading the way, encouraging all age groups and families to be involved.”
XTERRA Belgium hosts two key youth events that serve as qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino. The Super Sprint (250M swim, 6.4K bike, 3.2K run) is open to Youth A (14–15), while the Sprint Triathlon (500M swim, 19K bike, 5K run) is the format for Youth B (16–17) and Junior (18–19) athletes. Both are designed to challenge rising stars and give them a pathway to represent their country on the global stage.
Apolline Ramboux (BEL) leads the field as the reigning Youth A World Champion. Undefeated in 2024, she also holds the title at XTERRA Belgium. “I don’t like swimming that much,” she said, “but I’m a fast rider.” Alexis Hainaut (BEL) rises up after winning the Super Sprint in Namur last year and now moves into the Sprint format. Corentin Willem (BEL) returns to Youth B following his third place finish in the Sprint last year.
In the Junior division, Tom Dambroise (BEL) is looking for the top spot this year, after placing third in Namur in 2024. Among the girls, Lou-Anne Dautun (BEL) will look to climb up the Junior ranks after bringing a Youth B win in 2024 at XTERRA Ardennes and third in Belgium. She’ll be joined by Romy Schmeling (NZL), based in Paris, who previously raced XTERRA Rotorua in 2025. “The atmosphere is friendly,” she said. “Everyone shares the same passion, and that creates such a great vibe.”
Namur’s residents have embraced the celebration by bringing the Citadel to life, lining the trails, cheering for kids races, and allowing for a legendary after-party concert on Saturday night that echoes through the historic walls.
Over the years, this course has tested the best with storms, heat, and mud. It has crowned both first-time winners and returning champions. As reigning XTERRA World Cup Champion Felix Forissier (FRA) said after his 2023 victory, “The Citadel is such a special place to race.” It’s a venue where history, nature, and sport coexist, and it continues to inspire athletes and fans from around the world.
This collective experience is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Namur, Infrasports, and Visit Wallonia, alongside many other organizations, volunteers, supporters, and most importantly, the local community.
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