Ready to Rise at XTERRA Greece

A Historic Welcome

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Beyond its natural beauty, Vouliagmeni stands out globally as one of the few XTERRA venues situated within close proximity to a capital city—Athens—offering ease of access to historical attractions and transport connections. The support from local government, businesses, and residents has been nothing short of phenomenal, making XTERRA a proud tradition along its ancient shores. 

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Kostas Koumargialis, XTERRA EMEA Marketing & Business Development Director, who has been integral to the growth of this event states, "XTERRA Greece began its journey in 2013, first hosted at Lake Plastira before moving in 2016 to the magnificent coastal setting of Vouliagmeni, where it has thrived ever since. For twelve years now, XTERRA has not only celebrated athleticism but has embraced the rich heritage of this remarkable land. Vouliagmeni itself, nestled on the historic Athenian Riviera, carries a legacy dating back to ancient times when it was known for its therapeutic mineral waters, attracting visitors seeking rejuvenation.”

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Mayor Grigoris Konstantellos captures this local embrace: "These [events] are a golden opportunity for our city. We welcome people, we receive them, we host them, and we invite them to experience our beauty!” George Mavrotas, General Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Vouliagmeni's exceptional qualities: "The 12th XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni showcases the best part of the Athenian Riviera, both developmental and competitive. Our visitors will be thrilled by the ideal conditions for such a race.”

XTERRA Greece uniquely bridges local enthusiasm and international competition, creating opportunities for Greek athletes to compete at the highest levels and qualify for global championships. Christos Geitonas, President of the Hellenic Federation of Triathlon, emphasizes this point: "This particular event is one of the few international events in our country that attracts top athletes, offering a world-class racing experience to all participants and, of course, to the spectators as well. The kids’ race on Sunday is truly one of the most beautiful moments, and it is especially moving to see parents cheering and supporting the future triathletes in their efforts."

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The event’s heart lies not just in competition but in the shared experiences, friendships formed, and memories created. As XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni Organizer Constantinos Mitropapas proudly states, "Being one of the most beautiful XTERRA races in the world, it promises to thrill, excite, and inspire athletes, beginners, and aspiring mountain triathletes of all levels. They will have the chance to enjoy the course, face the challenges and adventures and create unforgettable memories.”

Course Insights – From the Athletes’ Eyes

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Athletes dive straight into Vouliagmeni Bay for two loops totaling 1.5K, enjoying what Kieran McPherson (NZL) calls “the cold but crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.” Visibility here is unmatched—Ced Smets (BEL) describes it vividly: “The swim is blue; you can see the bottom, the fish, and so on. In the morning around start time, the sea is always flat.”

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Emerging from the water, athletes hit a challenging two-loop, 30K mountain bike leg filled with dry Mediterranean trails, punchy climbs, and swift, technical descents. Michele Bonacina (ITA) eagerly anticipates “the fast downhill sections on the bike—especially with those big sweeping turns. I love that feeling of speed and control.” Balancing strategy and skill, Kaleb Sandås (NOR) warns that riders must be “mentally ready—punctures or mechanical issues can happen to anyone.”

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The course tests not only technical ability but also strength. For Aneta Grabmüller (CZE), it’s the perfect balance: “The bike course offers the perfect mix of technical and physical aspects with beautiful scenery,” while Hannah-Lee Young (AUS) highlights the unique terrain compared to home: “There’s a substantial amount of climbing and loose, technical trails. The passion of the Greek people will really show around the course.”

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Finally, it’s onto the demanding 11K trail run—described by Felix Forissier (FRA) as the race’s highlight: “It’s a real challenge due to its difficulty.” A steep climb at the start tests weary legs, followed by two loops of rocky, technical trails that reward endurance and grit. Kieran McPherson (NZL) appreciates the toughness, ranking it as “one of the tougher and more technical runs of the year.” Kaleb Sandås (NOR) summarizes it best: “It’s exhausting but perfect for runners who thrive on technical ground. The finish line is unforgettable—cheers from friends, family, and organizers, followed by traditional Greek food that makes every effort worth it.”

World Cup Stop #2 Preview

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After a thrilling opener in Australia, the XTERRA World Cup charges into Greece with many of the world's top Elite racers returning hungry for points, podiums, and bragging rights, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown.

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Featured Elite Men

(Name, Country, World Cup Points)

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Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen, DNK, 175 pts.

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Fresh off a remarkable triple crown in Australia—capturing victories in the Full Distance, Short Track, and Trail Marathon—Sloth Nielsen arrives as the clear favorite and the strongest man to battle the Forrisier brothers.

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"XTERRA is great when you're close to a big city but still surrounded by nature. After my performance in Australia, it’s exciting to be back on the start line and see how things play out. Hopefully I can take another win and maybe even treat myself to a 'winner winner chicken dinner' after the race."

Michele Bonacina, ITA, 141 pts.

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Arguably XTERRA’s strongest swimmer and second-place finisher at Stop #1, Bonacina aims for another strong result, buoyed by memories of his breakout performance here in Vouliagmeni.

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"XTERRA Greece is really special to me because it was where I earned my very first XTERRA podium in a full distance race. That moment gave me so much confidence and motivation—it’s something I’ll never forget. The atmosphere, the course, the energy—it all came together perfectly that day."

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"What I love about the XTERRA World Cup is that it challenges me at every single race. No two courses are the same, and the level of competition is always high. It keeps me curious and focused—I’m always eager to see how my shape stacks up against the other athletes."

Arthur Forissier, FRA, 138 pts.

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Returning as last year's champion in Vouliagmeni, the older Forissier showed impressive form in Australia, narrowly missing the fastest run split and earning 3rd overall. He’s back and determined to defend his title.

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"Everything is going well with my training and I have great memories from last year, especially because I won the race. It’s a special place for me, and I love the atmosphere around the event."

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"The course is nice – the swim, bike, and run all have a good flow. I feel like I’m in a good place right now to race well. I’m excited to be back and to give my best."

Kieran McPherson, NZL, 136 pts.

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McPherson, who took second in the Short Track and fifth in the Full Distance at the opener, is eager to leverage his experience on Vouliagmeni’s technical trails.

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"Every race and destination has its highlights and Greece is no exception. The loose, rock and off-camber single track is polar opposite to what I experience back at home, and the run would have to be one of the tougher and more technical of the year (which I thoroughly enjoy)."

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"The World Cup this year, as with previous years, is a tough and demanding schedule. Travel, recovery, smart training, and a smart but adaptable plan are all key."

Federico Spinazzè, ITA, 124 pts.

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Spinazzè was impressive in Australia with strong swim, bike, and run performances and a 3rd place result in the first Short Track race of the series. Returning to a location he loves, he aims to repeat his podium success of 2022.

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"XTERRA Greece has a special connection for me. I always feel good in Vouliagmeni, and I hope it’ll be the same this year too. I reached my first XTERRA podium there back in 2022, and the course just suits me. The landscapes are amazing—you can stop during training and just enjoy the sea for a moment."

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"Racing the XTERRA World Cup is the main goal for me this year. Trying to stay in top shape across all 8 stops won’t be easy, but I think this is the moment to go all in and aim for a strong result."

Benjamin Forbes, AUS, 114 pts.

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Newly crowned Asia-Pacific Champion, Forbes steps into his second European race ever, determined to display his powerful biking against a stacked field.

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"Greece is a new and exciting place for me—it’s the 17th country I’ve raced mountain bikes in. The best part for me is soaking up the culture—racing is one thing, but immersing myself in the place makes it truly special."

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"The World Cup doesn’t just spice up my year—it’s become my sole focus. I’ve had to put it before everything else. I’m all in!"

Felix Forissier, FRA, N/R

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The defending World Cup Champion makes his season debut with unfinished business after narrowly missing victory in Greece last year.

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"XTERRA Greece is the first World Cup race for me this year. That’s what makes it so special. The first race of the season is always tricky after a long winter."

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"Reconnecting with the XTERRA atmosphere is one of my biggest motivations, right after the race itself. Besides that, I also really enjoy the location and its climate."

Featured Elite Women

(Name, Country, World Cup Points)

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Alizée Paties, FRA, 175 pts.

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Paties arrives in Greece atop the leaderboard after double victories in Australia. The 2023 World Cup winner is ready to defend her position against a fiercely competitive field.

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"XTERRA Greece reminds me of my victory in 2022, which came after a year of burnout. I didn’t expect it, and it was so special to win in that place."

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"Seriously, the swim, bike, and run are all really cool. It’s such a lovely place for triathlon."

Marta Menditto, ITA, 146 pts.

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After a strong second place in Australia, Menditto arrives confident and balanced, determined to produce her best result yet on Vouliagmeni’s technical bike trails.

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"The sea is clear and the vibes are positive, so I’d really like to have a good race this year—to make some good memories in Greece."

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"The World Cup fully covers all my goals. Now I feel in balance, in shape, and more confident. For the women’s race, the difference will be made on the bike."

Hannah-Lee Young, AUS, 116 pts.

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Young, fresh from a strong performance at home, embraces her first international stop of the series with excitement for both competition and culture.

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"I haven’t explored Vouliagmeni before, so I’m excited to race in a new location. I’m also excited to be immersed in the clear, cooler waters of the Aegean Sea!

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"Being part of the XTERRA World Cup means I get to travel the world and race the best. It’s never lost on me how lucky I am."

Aneta Grabmüller, CZE, 51.pts.

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Despite a difficult start to her season where Grabmüller had to pull out of the first stop of the World Cup due to asthma-like symptoms, she hopes to channel the magic that brought her first World Cup podium here last year.

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"Last year I had my first XTERRA World Cup podium in Greece, so the race has special meaning to me. The swim in the sea is beautiful, and I’ve been feeling really well in the water lately so I am looking forward to it. But I also like the bike course—it has the perfect balance."

Bianca Morvillo, ITA, N/R

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Morvillo enters the World Cup in Greece as a versatile athlete ready to showcase her biking strength and adaptability. Her 2024 successes include a dominant win at XTERRA Switzerland and a strong second in France.

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"I think the best part of XTERRA Greece for me will be the mountain bike section—maybe because it’s the part I generally enjoy the most."

The stage is set and fresh battles are ready to unfold in Vouliagmeni. This weekend promises plenty of memorable moments to add to XTERRA’s World Cup history.

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Complete Elite Start List Can be Found Here. 

Heart & Soul – Age Group Adventures

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Beyond the elite battles, XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni pulses with passion and camaraderie of the Age Group athletes. With 58 qualification slots to September’s XTERRA World Championship in Trentino at stake, athletes from across the globe converge on Vouliagmeni, each driven by dreams of glory or simply eager to test themselves in a stunning natural arena.

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For some, it’s a triumphant return. Ced Smets (BEL), reigning champion of the men's 45-49 division, is back on familiar ground, proudly declaring, "XTERRA Greece is my most loved race of the season." He celebrates every aspect of the event—from the culture and cuisine to the ever-evolving trails. "The bike becomes year after year cooler and cooler—more technical, more demanding, more single-track, more fun," he enthuses. But beyond the racing itself, it’s the community connection that resonates most deeply: “The friendship, the camaraderie—training, relaxing, dining together, enjoying nature. But once the flag drops, it’s hard racing.”

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Sharing that competitive fire is Alexandre Besson (FRA), who secured the top step of the 30-34 podium last year. Though eager to repeat his success, his approach remains grounded in enjoyment: "I’d love to get back on the podium, but above all, I just want to have fun in all three disciplines and enjoy the amazing playground XTERRA offers." Alexandre thrives in the Mediterranean landscape, especially savoring the bike segment. "I'm a cyclist at heart," he explains, "even though the swim in that clear, translucent water is really pleasant too. The run is physically tough, especially with that long climb through the rocks."

For Eva Mlčáková (CZE), runner-up in last year’s women's 40-44 division, redemption and friendship are intertwined. Returning to Vouliagmeni motivated by memories of last year's course, Eva aims simply to surpass herself: "After finishing second last year, I’ll just be trying my best to improve my time and result." She fondly recalls the clear, lagoon-like waters and dry, dusty bike trails. But perhaps most cherished is reconnecting with the XTERRA family: "What I enjoy most about XTERRA events is meeting old friends and making new ones within the XTERRA community."

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Local pride shines brightly through Maria Pantelaiou (GRE), who triumphed in the Sprint Distance last year and now steps up bravely to the Full Distance. Living in the scenic village of Lefkes on Paros, Maria emphasizes the purity of her intentions: "For me, participation is the most important thing—and second is to enjoy the race." Her debut last year sparked an instant passion: "It was a very well-organized race, and I enjoyed the mountain bike route the most."

Newcomers too have their own story of anticipation and excitement. Adele Baker (GBR), originally from the UK but now calling Skopje, North Macedonia home, eagerly steps into her first XTERRA experience in the 45-49 division. A seasoned marathoner with trails right outside her door, Adele can't wait to soak in XTERRA’s unique energy: "I absolutely love the atmosphere when a race like XTERRA rolls into town—it gives me such a buzz. Traveling to a new place with friends who are also racing is one of my favorite things to do." After years of anticipation, Adele’s bucket-list moment has arrived: "This is my first XTERRA and I’m very excited to finally try it."

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For these age group athletes and countless more like them, Vouliagmeni is a proving ground, a reunion, and a celebration of the journey itself. This weekend is about individual journeys coming together, with adventure, sport, and community forming the heart and soul of the festival ahead.

Youth Tour – Defending Dreams, Forging Futures

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The XTERRA Youth Tour arrives in Vouliagmeni as a key qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy—its final year before the global finale moves to Ruidoso, New Mexico in 2026. It’s here, on Greece’s storied coast, where rising talent and returning champions meet the moment. In the Youth B division, the story centers around two athletes: one defending his title with sharpened focus, and one chasing a breakout performance on the European stage.

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For Kaleb Sandås (NOR), the trails of Vouliagmeni are personal. "Racing through rugged trails and open water is where I feel most alive. I started as a downhill rider and middle-distance runner, but over time, I found my passion in triathlon—especially in the natural landscapes of XTERRA."

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After his win in 2024, Kaleb knew exactly where to improve: "This offseason, I’ve dedicated myself to improving my swimming—the part of the race where I needed the most growth. It’s paid off, and I’m confident I’ll be stronger in the water this year."

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His description of the course is poetic and precise: "The XTERRA Greece Sprint Triathlon course offers a mix of calm and chaos—starting with a warm, obstacle-free 750M swim that flows naturally with the current. The 15K bike course is dry and rocky with constant ups and downs. Then comes the 6K run: a rocky trail with three climbs and some descents. It’s exhausting but perfect for runners who thrive on technical ground."

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But beyond the climbs and split times, Kaleb finds something more: "For me, XTERRA is about more than just racing. It’s about exploring new places, meeting people from around the world, and finding community through a shared passion. I feel like every race I do brings me closer to who I want to be—not just as an athlete, but as a person." 

On the other side of the race is Iris Alexandrina Samuila (ROU), proudly representing her hometown of Oradea, Romania. After a strong 2024 season that included a second place finish at XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Slovakia along with a top-five finish at the Youth World Championship, she’s back in form—and with purpose.

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With a calm mindset, Iris focuses on execution: "To win this race, I’d love to have a good swim and a good bike—especially getting through all the technical zones smoothly. On the run, I just want to hold my position, stay composed, and finish strong."

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Her outlook reflects the community that surrounds XTERRA: "Personally, I think the XTERRA events are awesome—insane and all-out. The organization is really good, the people are amazing and friendly, and the atmosphere is like no other."

Kids & Family Finale

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XTERRA Greece concludes on April 27 with its heartwarming Kids Triathlon featuring a 100M swim, 1K bike, and 400M run. Designed for pure fun and friendly competition, it's a perfect ending to a weekend that celebrates sport, community, and family.

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Throughout the day, engaging activities like Kids Fun & Bike, creative crafts, and a playful "Stress Run" keep families entertained. The music, food and cultural enrichment, brings everyone together to applaud these young adventurers. It's a day that balances outdoor fun, creativity, and bonding.

The event's success is made possible by dedicated local partners including Vari Voula Vouliagmeni Municipality, Trimore, Greek National Tourism Organization, the Hellenic Republic’s Ministry of Education and Sports, and New Metropolitan Attica S.A.

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From fierce elite competition to heartfelt age-group triumphs, passionate youth races, and unforgettable family moments, XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni encapsulates the essence of off-road triathlon with a community bound by adventure, celebrating together after achieving new goals by reminding each other to live more and continuing to explore.

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