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Golegã is a place that understands tradition. For centuries, it’s been the beating heart of Portugal’s horse culture with Lusitano stallions parading through cobbled streets. But once a year in late spring, the rhythm shifts. The lagoon fills with wetsuits. Mountain bikes crackle through cork forests. And a rope waits at the riverbank, ready to pull the brave to the finish. This is XTERRA Portugal, where the race becomes part of the landscape and the landscape shapes everyone who is ready for the challenge.
From May 31-June 1, 2025, XTERRA returns to Golegã for its 11th edition, bringing world-class athletes, youth contenders, and age groupers together for two days of off-road festivities across one of the most immersive locations in Europe. The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday includes a 1,500m swim, a 35K ride across farmland and forest, and a 10K run through fields, tunnels, and thigh-deep river crossings. Sunday follows with the Sprint and Super Sprint triathlons as qualifier events for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship. All told, the weekend offers 28 World Championship slots across a full spectrum of age group competitors, a €7,500 Elite prize purse, and a finish line celebration worthy of the effort it takes to get there.
But what truly sets Golegã apart is the crowd. Locals line the lagoon in sun hats and sandals. Farmers turn out to marshal intersections. Volunteers run the aid stations like family reunions. It’s a town that doesn’t just host XTERRA. It lives it. And for those who are ready, it’s a rare opportunity to move through a landscape that’s both raw and welcoming, where every stroke, surge, and stride is met with the warmth of a town that shows up to support those who strive to live more.
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There’s a reason Golegã has become one of the most meaningful stops on the XTERRA World Tour. Known for its centuries-old traditions and equestrian heritage, this central Portuguese town has long been a gathering point, a place where people celebrate movement, mastery, and connection to the land. That same energy lives on in the modern era through XTERRA Portugal. Since its debut on June 1, 2014, the town has transformed into a core destination for off-road endurance. From the very beginning, local clubs, schools, families, and businesses made XTERRA part of their own story, and each edition since has been shaped by their care and commitment.
XTERRA Portugal's history speaks for itself. Three-time XTERRA World Champion Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) dominated the early years with a five-in-a-row streak from 2014 to 2018, even calling Golegã his “home away from home.” XTERRA Hall of Famer, Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) added her name to the winner’s list in 2016, followed by back-to-back victories for Brigitta Poór (HUN). In 2021, reigning XTERRA World Cup Champion, Félix Forissier (FRA) claimed his first XTERRA win here after chasing down Ruzafa on the run and outsprinting him by just 6 seconds for the win. That duel marked a new era, and in 2022, reigning three-time XTERRA World Champions Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) swept the top spots. The 2023 edition was a breakthrough moment for Portugal as François Vie (PRT) and Beatriz Ferreira (PRT) made hometown history with dual wins on home soil. In 2024, Ruzafa returned to extend his record to six victories, while Emma Ducreux (FRA) claimed her first Golegã title, cementing the next wave of contenders.
But perhaps the most striking thing about XTERRA Portugal is its reach. In 2025, over 20 nations will be represented, with athletes traveling from countries as far as the United States, Algeria, New Zealand, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and Argentina. Golegã’s central location, just 90 minutes from Lisbon, and its long-standing experience hosting major events make it an ideal venue for families and fans. With continued support from the Visit Golegã tourism board, and a growing reputation as an adventure destination, XTERRA Portugal offers a setting where tradition, effort, and history spark moments that last far beyond the finish.
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Swim: XTERRA Portugal opens with a 1.5K swim in the Lagoa da Alverca, a natural lagoon that wraps around the heart of Golegã. Athletes complete two 750 meter laps with an Australian exit in between, dashing across a short stretch of land before diving off a bridge to begin the second lap. It is a sequence that delivers close-up action for spectators and a surge of adrenaline for those in the water. Pauline Vie (FRA) describes it as “a current-free swim, which makes it very safe for people who might be less comfortable in the water.” While the lagoon itself is calm, the collective energy of the mass start, the run dives, and the cheers from the bridge creates one of the most engaging open water starts.
MTB: The 35K mountain bike segment is where Golegã truly reveals its character. Riders begin by navigating tight, cobbled streets in the village center, cheered on by curious locals and the occasional Lusitano horse. The course then breaks into open farmland and rolls out toward the Charneca hills, where it changes tone entirely. Steep climbs, rapid descents, and over 10K of technical singletrack twist through one of the world’s largest cork oak forests. “The bike course is very physically and technically demanding,” says Vie. “The terrain is usually dry with loose pebbles.” Riders must manage effort and hydration wisely, especially when the late spring heat pushes past 30 degrees Celsius. As race director Jaime Rosa puts it, the route was built to be unforgettable. “This course leaves even world champions with nothing left in the tank.”
Trail Run: The 10K trail run may be relatively flat on paper, but it is full of rhythm and surprise. Set on a figure eight style loop through Ribatejo farmland, the route winds past rows of tomatoes, sunflowers, vineyards, and wheat fields. Fallen logs, an underpass tunnel, and rope assisted riverbanks add layers of variety, while the double lap format keeps athletes within view of each other, fueling head to head battles. The centerpiece is the river crossing, tackled twice. Athletes wade through chest deep water before scrambling up the slippery slope with the help of a fixed rope. “The run course is fun and motivating, especially since we are already tired from the bike,” says Vie. “It is relatively flat, which is deceptive. You still need to be in good shape to take advantage of it and go fast.” Between its natural challenges and the constant push to stay sharp, the Golegã run ends with a burst of energy as crowds pack the finish and the athletes home.
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Some of the most familiar names in XTERRA are returning to this famed course in 2025, ready to take on Golegã’s terrain once again and battle for the top step.
At the front of the field, François Vie (PRT) leads the charge after winning in 2023 and placing 2nd in 2024. António Barata (PRT), who finished just behind him in 2023, returns as a major threat once again. Rui Dolores (PRT), the 2019 winner, brings a deep understanding of the course and years of experience. On the international front, Petr Cmunt (CZE) enters as the reigning XTERRA World Champion in the 25-29 division, while Inês Raimundo (PRT) returns to defend both her 25-29 age group title and her impressive 3rd place overall finish from 2024.
Afonso Garcia (PRT: 25–29), who won XTERRA Portugal in 2023, is back to recapture his crown. Diogo Carvalhinho (PRT: 20–24), who took the XTERRA World Championship title in the 15–19 category in 2023 and won the 20–24 division in Golegã in 2024, continues his climb toward Elite ranks. Octávio Vicente (PRT), a former 35–39 podium finisher, adds even more depth to the men’s field as he returns to take on the course once again.
Among the rest of the defending champions in the age group divisions are Hugo Baluga (PRT: 25–29), Sergio Espejo (ESP: 40–44), Adriano Domingos (PRT: 35–39), José Peixoto (PRT: 55–59), and Diogo Carvalhinho (PRT: 20–24), all of whom return with unfinished business and hard-earned momentum. The women’s side is equally stacked, with Juliana Costa (PRT: 30–34), Brigitte Cardoso (PRT: 40–44), and Nathalie Olasagasti (FRA: 50–54) back to defend their titles. With athletes returning from across the Elite and age group ranks, the 2025 edition of XTERRA Portugal is ready for another chapter in one of Europe’s most storied venues.
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While the Sprint and Super Sprint races are open to all age groups, it is the youth divisions that take the spotlight. These two events serve as official qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy this September. The Super Sprint covers 300M of swimming, 9K of mountain biking, and a 2K trail run. The Sprint steps it up to 750M, 18K, and 5K, a tougher task and a bigger stage.
In 2024, Francisco Gomes (PRT), Tomé Sentieiro (PRT), Manuel Gomes (PRT), and António Alpalhão (PRT) made their mark in the Super Sprint as Youth A athletes. Now in 2025, they return as Youth B competitors, graduating to the full Sprint format. Each will take on the longer course with more experience and higher stakes, aiming to qualify for the biggest youth event in XTERRA.
The shift from Super Sprint to Sprint is more than just added distance. It is a step forward in development. These are the moments where young athletes test themselves against the next level, in front of a home crowd, on a course built to challenge every skill they have been building.
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XTERRA Portugal is a community gathering where every athlete, from seasoned age groupers to the youngest participants in the Kids Triathlon, is welcomed like family. The town of Golegã brings its traditions to life during race weekend, with local families hosting some of the athletes and offering home-cooked meals featuring regional dishes like Miguel soup and Ribatejo wines. The atmosphere feels like a village festival, filled with warmth, camaraderie, and pride.
Beyond the finish line, visitors find space to explore the quiet countryside or walk sun-drenched paths that stretch toward the horizon. Many stay longer to enjoy horseback rides or hike through the nearby Paul do Boquilobo Biosphere Reserve, a protected UNESCO site known for its biodiversity and birdlife. It is this blend of challenge, culture, and nature that makes Golegã a truly special stop on the XTERRA World Tour.
Golegã is a place that understands tradition. For centuries, it’s been the beating heart of Portugal’s horse culture with Lusitano stallions parading through cobbled streets. But once a year in late spring, the rhythm shifts. The lagoon fills with wetsuits. Mountain bikes crackle through cork forests. And a rope waits at the riverbank, ready to pull the brave to the finish. This is XTERRA Portugal, where the race becomes part of the landscape and the landscape shapes everyone who is ready for the challenge.
From May 31-June 1, 2025, XTERRA returns to Golegã for its 11th edition, bringing world-class athletes, youth contenders, and age groupers together for two days of off-road festivities across one of the most immersive locations in Europe. The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday includes a 1,500m swim, a 35K ride across farmland and forest, and a 10K run through fields, tunnels, and thigh-deep river crossings. Sunday follows with the Sprint and Super Sprint triathlons as qualifier events for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship. All told, the weekend offers 28 World Championship slots across a full spectrum of age group competitors, a €7,500 Elite prize purse, and a finish line celebration worthy of the effort it takes to get there.
But what truly sets Golegã apart is the crowd. Locals line the lagoon in sun hats and sandals. Farmers turn out to marshal intersections. Volunteers run the aid stations like family reunions. It’s a town that doesn’t just host XTERRA. It lives it. And for those who are ready, it’s a rare opportunity to move through a landscape that’s both raw and welcoming, where every stroke, surge, and stride is met with the warmth of a town that shows up to support those who strive to live more.
There’s a reason Golegã has become one of the most meaningful stops on the XTERRA World Tour. Known for its centuries-old traditions and equestrian heritage, this central Portuguese town has long been a gathering point, a place where people celebrate movement, mastery, and connection to the land. That same energy lives on in the modern era through XTERRA Portugal. Since its debut on June 1, 2014, the town has transformed into a core destination for off-road endurance. From the very beginning, local clubs, schools, families, and businesses made XTERRA part of their own story, and each edition since has been shaped by their care and commitment.
XTERRA Portugal's history speaks for itself. Three-time XTERRA World Champion Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) dominated the early years with a five-in-a-row streak from 2014 to 2018, even calling Golegã his “home away from home.” XTERRA Hall of Famer, Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) added her name to the winner’s list in 2016, followed by back-to-back victories for Brigitta Poór (HUN). In 2021, reigning XTERRA World Cup Champion, Félix Forissier (FRA) claimed his first XTERRA win here after chasing down Ruzafa on the run and outsprinting him by just 6 seconds for the win. That duel marked a new era, and in 2022, reigning three-time XTERRA World Champions Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) swept the top spots. The 2023 edition was a breakthrough moment for Portugal as François Vie (PRT) and Beatriz Ferreira (PRT) made hometown history with dual wins on home soil. In 2024, Ruzafa returned to extend his record to six victories, while Emma Ducreux (FRA) claimed her first Golegã title, cementing the next wave of contenders.
But perhaps the most striking thing about XTERRA Portugal is its reach. In 2025, over 20 nations will be represented, with athletes traveling from countries as far as the United States, Algeria, New Zealand, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and Argentina. Golegã’s central location, just 90 minutes from Lisbon, and its long-standing experience hosting major events make it an ideal venue for families and fans. With continued support from the Visit Golegã tourism board, and a growing reputation as an adventure destination, XTERRA Portugal offers a setting where tradition, effort, and history spark moments that last far beyond the finish.
Swim: XTERRA Portugal opens with a 1.5K swim in the Lagoa da Alverca, a natural lagoon that wraps around the heart of Golegã. Athletes complete two 750 meter laps with an Australian exit in between, dashing across a short stretch of land before diving off a bridge to begin the second lap. It is a sequence that delivers close-up action for spectators and a surge of adrenaline for those in the water. Pauline Vie (FRA) describes it as “a current-free swim, which makes it very safe for people who might be less comfortable in the water.” While the lagoon itself is calm, the collective energy of the mass start, the run dives, and the cheers from the bridge creates one of the most engaging open water starts.
MTB: The 35K mountain bike segment is where Golegã truly reveals its character. Riders begin by navigating tight, cobbled streets in the village center, cheered on by curious locals and the occasional Lusitano horse. The course then breaks into open farmland and rolls out toward the Charneca hills, where it changes tone entirely. Steep climbs, rapid descents, and over 10K of technical singletrack twist through one of the world’s largest cork oak forests. “The bike course is very physically and technically demanding,” says Vie. “The terrain is usually dry with loose pebbles.” Riders must manage effort and hydration wisely, especially when the late spring heat pushes past 30 degrees Celsius. As race director Jaime Rosa puts it, the route was built to be unforgettable. “This course leaves even world champions with nothing left in the tank.”
Trail Run: The 10K trail run may be relatively flat on paper, but it is full of rhythm and surprise. Set on a figure eight style loop through Ribatejo farmland, the route winds past rows of tomatoes, sunflowers, vineyards, and wheat fields. Fallen logs, an underpass tunnel, and rope assisted riverbanks add layers of variety, while the double lap format keeps athletes within view of each other, fueling head to head battles. The centerpiece is the river crossing, tackled twice. Athletes wade through chest deep water before scrambling up the slippery slope with the help of a fixed rope. “The run course is fun and motivating, especially since we are already tired from the bike,” says Vie. “It is relatively flat, which is deceptive. You still need to be in good shape to take advantage of it and go fast.” Between its natural challenges and the constant push to stay sharp, the Golegã run ends with a burst of energy as crowds pack the finish and the athletes home.
Some of the most familiar names in XTERRA are returning to this famed course in 2025, ready to take on Golegã’s terrain once again and battle for the top step.
At the front of the field, François Vie (PRT) leads the charge after winning in 2023 and placing 2nd in 2024. António Barata (PRT), who finished just behind him in 2023, returns as a major threat once again. Rui Dolores (PRT), the 2019 winner, brings a deep understanding of the course and years of experience. On the international front, Petr Cmunt (CZE) enters as the reigning XTERRA World Champion in the 25-29 division, while Inês Raimundo (PRT) returns to defend both her 25-29 age group title and her impressive 3rd place overall finish from 2024.
Afonso Garcia (PRT: 25–29), who won XTERRA Portugal in 2023, is back to recapture his crown. Diogo Carvalhinho (PRT: 20–24), who took the XTERRA World Championship title in the 15–19 category in 2023 and won the 20–24 division in Golegã in 2024, continues his climb toward Elite ranks. Octávio Vicente (PRT), a former 35–39 podium finisher, adds even more depth to the men’s field as he returns to take on the course once again.
Among the rest of the defending champions in the age group divisions are Hugo Baluga (PRT: 25–29), Sergio Espejo (ESP: 40–44), Adriano Domingos (PRT: 35–39), José Peixoto (PRT: 55–59), and Diogo Carvalhinho (PRT: 20–24), all of whom return with unfinished business and hard-earned momentum. The women’s side is equally stacked, with Juliana Costa (PRT: 30–34), Brigitte Cardoso (PRT: 40–44), and Nathalie Olasagasti (FRA: 50–54) back to defend their titles. With athletes returning from across the Elite and age group ranks, the 2025 edition of XTERRA Portugal is ready for another chapter in one of Europe’s most storied venues.
While the Sprint and Super Sprint races are open to all age groups, it is the youth divisions that take the spotlight. These two events serve as official qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy this September. The Super Sprint covers 300M of swimming, 9K of mountain biking, and a 2K trail run. The Sprint steps it up to 750M, 18K, and 5K, a tougher task and a bigger stage.
In 2024, Francisco Gomes (PRT), Tomé Sentieiro (PRT), Manuel Gomes (PRT), and António Alpalhão (PRT) made their mark in the Super Sprint as Youth A athletes. Now in 2025, they return as Youth B competitors, graduating to the full Sprint format. Each will take on the longer course with more experience and higher stakes, aiming to qualify for the biggest youth event in XTERRA.
The shift from Super Sprint to Sprint is more than just added distance. It is a step forward in development. These are the moments where young athletes test themselves against the next level, in front of a home crowd, on a course built to challenge every skill they have been building.
XTERRA Portugal is a community gathering where every athlete, from seasoned age groupers to the youngest participants in the Kids Triathlon, is welcomed like family. The town of Golegã brings its traditions to life during race weekend, with local families hosting some of the athletes and offering home-cooked meals featuring regional dishes like Miguel soup and Ribatejo wines. The atmosphere feels like a village festival, filled with warmth, camaraderie, and pride.
Beyond the finish line, visitors find space to explore the quiet countryside or walk sun-drenched paths that stretch toward the horizon. Many stay longer to enjoy horseback rides or hike through the nearby Paul do Boquilobo Biosphere Reserve, a protected UNESCO site known for its biodiversity and birdlife. It is this blend of challenge, culture, and nature that makes Golegã a truly special stop on the XTERRA World Tour.
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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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