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The Greek seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni came alive once again from April 25-27 in its 12th consecutive year of XTERRA off-road competition. The action-packed event seamlessly intertwined Elite, AG, and Youth contests with an all-out festival atmosphere at Stop #2 of the 2025 XTERRA World Cup series.
Defending World Cup champion Felix Forissier (FRA) delivered a statement victory in his season debut, showing the world that he’s back in full form as he shared the podium spotlight with his brother, Arthur, who took third place. On the women’s side, Alizée Paties (FRA) extended her undefeated run in 2025, edging out Anna Zehnder (CHE), who celebrated her career-best World Cup finish in second place.
The Full Distance Triathlon was also where age group athletes battled for 58 qualifying slots for the XTERRA World Championship in September. Youth competitors took center stage in the Sprint Triathlon, a critical event on the XTERRA Youth Tour, each chasing their own dreams of qualifying for the Youth World Championship.
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Ideal racing conditions greeted athletes on race day, with the air temperature sitting at a comfortable 20°C and the Aegean waters at 19°C. The Full Distance race challenged competitors with a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike, and 11K trail run, all set against the dramatic coastal backdrop of Vouliagmeni and the southern slopes of Mount Hymettus. Famous as the venue for the triathlon competition during the 2004 Athens Olympics, Vouliagmeni has since been reimagined as a playground for off-road adventurers, delivering a course that combines natural beauty with technical challenge.
Swim (1.5K): The race began with a two-loop 1.5K swim in the crystal-clear waters of Vouliagmeni Bay. While the sea was calm and visibility was excellent, the opening strokes proved chaotic for some. "I thought I would swim better today, but the start was pretty hectic—I got hit a few times in the water," said Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK), who would go on to finish second. Arthur Forissier (FRA) found his rhythm early, noting, "The swim was great—the water was clear and it felt really pleasant swimming in these conditions." Defending champion Felix Forissier (FRA) added, "The swim wasn't so fast, but I tried to manage my pace." Among the age group winners, Wenda Zuiddam (NLD, 30-34) described the start as "like being in a washing machine," but settled into her own pace, while Olivier Fellmann (LUX, 60-64) simply "enjoyed the beauty of the clear water."
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Bike (30K): Emerging from the bay, athletes tackled a two-loop, 30K mountain bike course filled with dry Mediterranean trails, punchy climbs, and technical descents. The fast, unforgiving nature of the route demanded precision and focus. "This course is fast and there’s no room for mistakes, so I really focused on riding clean," said Sloth Nielsen. Anna Zehnder (CHE) echoed the challenge, saying, "I love this course; it's technical and never boring." After winning her division, Maja Blümel (DEU, 20-24) said, "The bike was tough—I had low pressure in my tire—but I had so much fun on the course," while Fellmann (LUX, 60-64) marveled, "Taking the bike was fantastic—the course was unbelievable, with stunning views."
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Run (11K): Finally, the 11K trail run brought competitors onto rocky, technical loops that rewarded endurance and punished hesitation. A steep climb straight out of transition tested tired legs before athletes navigated loose, uneven terrain under the hot Greek sun. "My best moment was during the run," said Felix Forissier. "I felt good from the start, pushed hard, and by the second lap I knew I was strong." Sloth Nielsen admitted the climbs took a toll: "In Denmark, we don't have hills like these, and climbing hit me hard." Arthur Forissier battled the heat but found his rhythm: "The run was tough because of the heat, but I managed to keep a good pace, especially on the downhill sections, and really enjoyed that part." Zehnder thrived on the run, saying, "I really like the steep hills and the challenge here," while Fellmann summed it up perfectly: "The run was very hard, but the scenery made up for it."
Fastest Splits of the Day
Elite Men
Swim – Michele Bonacina (ITA), 19:42
Bike – Sébastien Carabin (BEL), 1:20:34
Run – Felix Forissier (FRA), 37:42
Elite Women
Swim – Aneta Grabmüller (CZE), 20:54
Bike – Alizée Paties (FRA), 1:33:52
Run – Anna Zehnder (CHE), 45:26
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Michele Bonacina (ITA) led the field out of the water with a time of 19:42, just ahead of a tight chase group that included Felix Forissier (FRA) at 19:44, Elliot Labourdette (FRA) at 19:45, and Rory Strachan (GBR) at 19:47. Arthur Forissier (FRA) and Sebastian Neef (DEU) were not far behind, each clocking 20:28, setting up a fierce bike leg.
Out on the trails, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) made a powerful charge to the front after exiting the swim with a 21:36. "Catching the front guys isn't easy here, so I was excited when I made it up to Felix," said Sloth Nielsen. Felix Forissier played it smart on the bike, managing his effort carefully. "I tried something new—I used a Camelbak to drink a lot of water and control my pacing better," said Forissier. "These things helped me run faster, and that was my main goal." Arthur Forissier stayed right in the mix. "Coming out of the water, I was closer to the lead than I expected, so I was happy with that," said Arthur. "On the bike, I gave it everything I had, and reached T2 in third, just 15 to 20 seconds behind Jens Emil and Felix."
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The final 11K trail run delivered the decisive moments. Felix pushed early and opened a gap on the steep climbs. "By the second lap I knew I was strong," he said. Sloth Nielsen hung tough but admitted, "Felix took about 30 seconds on each uphill loop. He's just a great runner and definitely came in strong after some solid winter training. I'm looking forward to another chance to beat him." Despite the pressure, Arthur maintained his pace to secure a hard-fought third place.
In the end, Felix Forissier crossed the line first in 2:21:18, with Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen second in 2:22:13, and Arthur Forissier rounding out the podium in 2:24:14.
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The women’s race kicked off with Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) setting the early pace in the swim, exiting first in 20:54. Anna Zehnder (CHE) and Emma Ducreux (FRA) followed closely, with Zehnder staying on Ducreux’s feet to position herself strongly for the bike. Alizée Paties (FRA) and Marta Menditto (ITA) emerged slightly behind but well within striking range after a tough opening lap.
Onto the bike, Paties found her rhythm quickly. "Once I started the bike, my legs felt really strong, so I pushed hard," she said. Taking control on the second loop, Paties opened a significant gap over Zehnder and Menditto, riding with aggressive precision on the technical Greek trails. Marta Menditto battled through a rough start but began regaining ground. "I didn't feel myself during the swim or early bike, but after a while, I started feeling better," said Menditto. Meanwhile, Zehnder stayed composed despite a difficult T2, explaining, "Transition two was a bit messy—I lost a shoe, and my helmet bounced out of the box so I had to pick it up before chasing down third place"
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The run course demanded resilience. Paties, despite fatigue, kept her pace high. "By the run, I was tired but kept pushing. At one point, I thought I'd slow down a bit, but I'm so happy I kept it up," she said. Zehnder capitalized on her strength in the hills, closing the gap to Menditto to move into second place. "Once I caught Marta, I could relax a bit," said Zehnder. Menditto, acknowledging Zehnder’s strength, stayed steady to protect her podium spot. "Anna was really strong and caught me, but overall I'm happy with the race," said Menditto.
Alizée Paties crossed the finish line in 2:45:03 to extend her perfect 2025 World Cup season, followed by Anna Zehnder in 2:49:56. Marta Menditto rounded out the podium in third with a time of 2:50:28
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The energy of the age group races matched the beauty of Vouliagmeni’s rugged course, as athletes across divisions battled for podiums, personal victories, and XTERRA World Championship slots. In the women’s 20–24 division, Maja Blümel (DEU) captured the title with a finishing time of 4:14:30. "The swim went great, better than I expected. The run was amazing, too. My training really paid off," said Blümel.
Wenda Zuiddam (NLD) impressed in the 35–39 category, taking the win in 3:29:57. "The run is very different from my training in the flat Netherlands, but I liked it a lot," she shared, embracing the tough Greek trails. Among the men, Quentin Audo (FRA) dominated the 20–24 division with the fastest overall age group time of the day, finishing in 2:42:56. In the highly competitive 30–34 division, Simon Wery (BEL) took top honors with a 2:50:00 finish, while Simon Rambaud (FRA) claimed victory in the 35–39 division with a time of 2:52:14.
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In the 40–44 division, Thomas Brunet (FRA) delivered a decisive performance, crossing the line in 2:48:41. "My favorite part is mountain biking, and that’s where I gained a lot of ground," said Brunet. "I had the best bike split in my age group. The race was tough, but I managed to keep my position and pace during the run."
In the 50–54 category, Guillaume Vaissie (FRA) used a strategic race plan to secure the win in 3:04:56. "My swim started slowly—I was around 40th out of the water—but I had a good transition and a great mountain bike segment. That’s my favorite part. On the run, I was in second place, but I managed to catch the leader in my age group and take the win," he said. Meanwhile, Christophe Bastie (FRA) claimed the 55–59 title with a time of 3:02:14, and Olivier Fellmann (LUX) led the 60–64 division home in 3:45:16. "I love Greece, and the race was perfect. The best part of the weekend was definitely meeting all my friends here," Fellmann reflected.
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Other notable champions included Maud Golsteyn (NLD), who won the women's 45–49 division in 3:14:37, and Maria Pantelaiou (GRC), who triumphed in the women's 40–44 category with a time of 3:36:53.
They came, they lined up, and they conquered. Vouliagmeni showed exactly what the XTERRA Community is all about: taking on the challenge, diving into the camaraderie, and fueling a burning passion for adventure.
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The next generation of XTERRA champions took over Vouliagmeni in the Sprint Triathlon (Swim 750M, Bike 15K, Run 6K), with talented young athletes battling the hills and technical trails for their chance at Youth World Championship qualification.
In the Youth B division (16–17 years), Adrian Zdrehus (ROU) delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first overall among youth competitors with a time of 1:31:21. "My swim was just okay,” said Zdrehus. “I came out sixth or seventh—but my first transition went really well. My favorite is the bike, and that's where I caught up with the leaders. The course suited me perfectly, and I got some good speed. The run was tough with the heat, but I kept a steady pace right to the finish."
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In the Junior division (18–19 years), Iris Alexandrina Samuila (ROU) also rose to the top, capturing the women's title with a time of 1:51:41. Hailing from the same hometown of Oradea as Zdrehus, Samuila shared her connection to the XTERRA spirit: "My hometown in Romania is Oradea, a really nice city with lovely people," she said. Reflecting on her race approach, she said her focus was to "hold my position, stay composed, and finish strong." Beyond results, she captured the essence of the weekend: "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."
In the Junior men's race, Samuel Dexe (SWE) captured the top step of the podium, winning the 18–19 division with a time of 2:14:30. His strong performance across swim, bike, and run earned him his first Youth Tour victory. From Romania to Sweden, the young athletes in Vouliagmeni proved that the future of XTERRA is filled with plenty of talent ready to take on the world.
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The weekend concluded with the Kids Triathlon featuring a 100M swim, 1K bike, and 400M run, filling Vouliagmeni with energy and smiles. Christos Geitonas, President of the Hellenic Federation of Triathlon, said, "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."
Maja Blümel (DEU) captured a special moment, saying, "The volunteers and spectators were incredible, cheering the whole way. The best moment was when the volunteers were running and cheering alongside me. Will definitely come back next year!"
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Anastatis Mitropapas (GRC) reflected on the local pride in hosting XTERRA, saying, "This place is perfect for us. It's our community, our neighborhood, and we love that international athletes come here to enjoy it too. We live here, we train here every day—this is our home. The organizers did a fantastic job setting up a great course, everything was perfect."
The success of the weekend was made possible thanks to the support of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni Municipality, Trimore, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Hellenic Republic’s Ministry of Education and Sports, and New Metropolitan Attica S.A. From start to finish, XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni reminded everyone that the greatest victories are those shared with community and nature.
Follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram to catch up on the action from the weekend.
The Greek seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni came alive once again from April 25-27 in its 12th consecutive year of XTERRA off-road competition. The action-packed event seamlessly intertwined Elite, AG, and Youth contests with an all-out festival atmosphere at Stop #2 of the 2025 XTERRA World Cup series.
Defending World Cup champion Felix Forissier (FRA) delivered a statement victory in his season debut, showing the world that he’s back in full form as he shared the podium spotlight with his brother, Arthur, who took third place. On the women’s side, Alizée Paties (FRA) extended her undefeated run in 2025, edging out Anna Zehnder (CHE), who celebrated her career-best World Cup finish in second place.
The Full Distance Triathlon was also where age group athletes battled for 58 qualifying slots for the XTERRA World Championship in September. Youth competitors took center stage in the Sprint Triathlon, a critical event on the XTERRA Youth Tour, each chasing their own dreams of qualifying for the Youth World Championship.
Ideal racing conditions greeted athletes on race day, with the air temperature sitting at a comfortable 20°C and the Aegean waters at 19°C. The Full Distance race challenged competitors with a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike, and 11K trail run, all set against the dramatic coastal backdrop of Vouliagmeni and the southern slopes of Mount Hymettus. Famous as the venue for the triathlon competition during the 2004 Athens Olympics, Vouliagmeni has since been reimagined as a playground for off-road adventurers, delivering a course that combines natural beauty with technical challenge.
Swim (1.5K): The race began with a two-loop 1.5K swim in the crystal-clear waters of Vouliagmeni Bay. While the sea was calm and visibility was excellent, the opening strokes proved chaotic for some. "I thought I would swim better today, but the start was pretty hectic—I got hit a few times in the water," said Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK), who would go on to finish second. Arthur Forissier (FRA) found his rhythm early, noting, "The swim was great—the water was clear and it felt really pleasant swimming in these conditions." Defending champion Felix Forissier (FRA) added, "The swim wasn't so fast, but I tried to manage my pace." Among the age group winners, Wenda Zuiddam (NLD, 30-34) described the start as "like being in a washing machine," but settled into her own pace, while Olivier Fellmann (LUX, 60-64) simply "enjoyed the beauty of the clear water."
Bike (30K): Emerging from the bay, athletes tackled a two-loop, 30K mountain bike course filled with dry Mediterranean trails, punchy climbs, and technical descents. The fast, unforgiving nature of the route demanded precision and focus. "This course is fast and there’s no room for mistakes, so I really focused on riding clean," said Sloth Nielsen. Anna Zehnder (CHE) echoed the challenge, saying, "I love this course; it's technical and never boring." After winning her division, Maja Blümel (DEU, 20-24) said, "The bike was tough—I had low pressure in my tire—but I had so much fun on the course," while Fellmann (LUX, 60-64) marveled, "Taking the bike was fantastic—the course was unbelievable, with stunning views."
Run (11K): Finally, the 11K trail run brought competitors onto rocky, technical loops that rewarded endurance and punished hesitation. A steep climb straight out of transition tested tired legs before athletes navigated loose, uneven terrain under the hot Greek sun. "My best moment was during the run," said Felix Forissier. "I felt good from the start, pushed hard, and by the second lap I knew I was strong." Sloth Nielsen admitted the climbs took a toll: "In Denmark, we don't have hills like these, and climbing hit me hard." Arthur Forissier battled the heat but found his rhythm: "The run was tough because of the heat, but I managed to keep a good pace, especially on the downhill sections, and really enjoyed that part." Zehnder thrived on the run, saying, "I really like the steep hills and the challenge here," while Fellmann summed it up perfectly: "The run was very hard, but the scenery made up for it."
Fastest Splits of the Day
Elite Men
Swim – Michele Bonacina (ITA), 19:42
Bike – Sébastien Carabin (BEL), 1:20:34
Run – Felix Forissier (FRA), 37:42
Elite Women
Swim – Aneta Grabmüller (CZE), 20:54
Bike – Alizée Paties (FRA), 1:33:52
Run – Anna Zehnder (CHE), 45:26
Michele Bonacina (ITA) led the field out of the water with a time of 19:42, just ahead of a tight chase group that included Felix Forissier (FRA) at 19:44, Elliot Labourdette (FRA) at 19:45, and Rory Strachan (GBR) at 19:47. Arthur Forissier (FRA) and Sebastian Neef (DEU) were not far behind, each clocking 20:28, setting up a fierce bike leg.
Out on the trails, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) made a powerful charge to the front after exiting the swim with a 21:36. "Catching the front guys isn't easy here, so I was excited when I made it up to Felix," said Sloth Nielsen. Felix Forissier played it smart on the bike, managing his effort carefully. "I tried something new—I used a Camelbak to drink a lot of water and control my pacing better," said Forissier. "These things helped me run faster, and that was my main goal." Arthur Forissier stayed right in the mix. "Coming out of the water, I was closer to the lead than I expected, so I was happy with that," said Arthur. "On the bike, I gave it everything I had, and reached T2 in third, just 15 to 20 seconds behind Jens Emil and Felix."
The final 11K trail run delivered the decisive moments. Felix pushed early and opened a gap on the steep climbs. "By the second lap I knew I was strong," he said. Sloth Nielsen hung tough but admitted, "Felix took about 30 seconds on each uphill loop. He's just a great runner and definitely came in strong after some solid winter training. I'm looking forward to another chance to beat him." Despite the pressure, Arthur maintained his pace to secure a hard-fought third place.
In the end, Felix Forissier crossed the line first in 2:21:18, with Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen second in 2:22:13, and Arthur Forissier rounding out the podium in 2:24:14.
The women’s race kicked off with Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) setting the early pace in the swim, exiting first in 20:54. Anna Zehnder (CHE) and Emma Ducreux (FRA) followed closely, with Zehnder staying on Ducreux’s feet to position herself strongly for the bike. Alizée Paties (FRA) and Marta Menditto (ITA) emerged slightly behind but well within striking range after a tough opening lap.
Onto the bike, Paties found her rhythm quickly. "Once I started the bike, my legs felt really strong, so I pushed hard," she said. Taking control on the second loop, Paties opened a significant gap over Zehnder and Menditto, riding with aggressive precision on the technical Greek trails. Marta Menditto battled through a rough start but began regaining ground. "I didn't feel myself during the swim or early bike, but after a while, I started feeling better," said Menditto. Meanwhile, Zehnder stayed composed despite a difficult T2, explaining, "Transition two was a bit messy—I lost a shoe, and my helmet bounced out of the box so I had to pick it up before chasing down third place"
The run course demanded resilience. Paties, despite fatigue, kept her pace high. "By the run, I was tired but kept pushing. At one point, I thought I'd slow down a bit, but I'm so happy I kept it up," she said. Zehnder capitalized on her strength in the hills, closing the gap to Menditto to move into second place. "Once I caught Marta, I could relax a bit," said Zehnder. Menditto, acknowledging Zehnder’s strength, stayed steady to protect her podium spot. "Anna was really strong and caught me, but overall I'm happy with the race," said Menditto.
Alizée Paties crossed the finish line in 2:45:03 to extend her perfect 2025 World Cup season, followed by Anna Zehnder in 2:49:56. Marta Menditto rounded out the podium in third with a time of 2:50:28
The energy of the age group races matched the beauty of Vouliagmeni’s rugged course, as athletes across divisions battled for podiums, personal victories, and XTERRA World Championship slots. In the women’s 20–24 division, Maja Blümel (DEU) captured the title with a finishing time of 4:14:30. "The swim went great, better than I expected. The run was amazing, too. My training really paid off," said Blümel.
Wenda Zuiddam (NLD) impressed in the 35–39 category, taking the win in 3:29:57. "The run is very different from my training in the flat Netherlands, but I liked it a lot," she shared, embracing the tough Greek trails. Among the men, Quentin Audo (FRA) dominated the 20–24 division with the fastest overall age group time of the day, finishing in 2:42:56. In the highly competitive 30–34 division, Simon Wery (BEL) took top honors with a 2:50:00 finish, while Simon Rambaud (FRA) claimed victory in the 35–39 division with a time of 2:52:14.
In the 40–44 division, Thomas Brunet (FRA) delivered a decisive performance, crossing the line in 2:48:41. "My favorite part is mountain biking, and that’s where I gained a lot of ground," said Brunet. "I had the best bike split in my age group. The race was tough, but I managed to keep my position and pace during the run."
In the 50–54 category, Guillaume Vaissie (FRA) used a strategic race plan to secure the win in 3:04:56. "My swim started slowly—I was around 40th out of the water—but I had a good transition and a great mountain bike segment. That’s my favorite part. On the run, I was in second place, but I managed to catch the leader in my age group and take the win," he said. Meanwhile, Christophe Bastie (FRA) claimed the 55–59 title with a time of 3:02:14, and Olivier Fellmann (LUX) led the 60–64 division home in 3:45:16. "I love Greece, and the race was perfect. The best part of the weekend was definitely meeting all my friends here," Fellmann reflected.
Other notable champions included Maud Golsteyn (NLD), who won the women's 45–49 division in 3:14:37, and Maria Pantelaiou (GRC), who triumphed in the women's 40–44 category with a time of 3:36:53.
They came, they lined up, and they conquered. Vouliagmeni showed exactly what the XTERRA Community is all about: taking on the challenge, diving into the camaraderie, and fueling a burning passion for adventure.
The next generation of XTERRA champions took over Vouliagmeni in the Sprint Triathlon (Swim 750M, Bike 15K, Run 6K), with talented young athletes battling the hills and technical trails for their chance at Youth World Championship qualification.
In the Youth B division (16–17 years), Adrian Zdrehus (ROU) delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first overall among youth competitors with a time of 1:31:21. "My swim was just okay,” said Zdrehus. “I came out sixth or seventh—but my first transition went really well. My favorite is the bike, and that's where I caught up with the leaders. The course suited me perfectly, and I got some good speed. The run was tough with the heat, but I kept a steady pace right to the finish."
In the Junior division (18–19 years), Iris Alexandrina Samuila (ROU) also rose to the top, capturing the women's title with a time of 1:51:41. Hailing from the same hometown of Oradea as Zdrehus, Samuila shared her connection to the XTERRA spirit: "My hometown in Romania is Oradea, a really nice city with lovely people," she said. Reflecting on her race approach, she said her focus was to "hold my position, stay composed, and finish strong." Beyond results, she captured the essence of the weekend: "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."
In the Junior men's race, Samuel Dexe (SWE) captured the top step of the podium, winning the 18–19 division with a time of 2:14:30. His strong performance across swim, bike, and run earned him his first Youth Tour victory. From Romania to Sweden, the young athletes in Vouliagmeni proved that the future of XTERRA is filled with plenty of talent ready to take on the world.
The weekend concluded with the Kids Triathlon featuring a 100M swim, 1K bike, and 400M run, filling Vouliagmeni with energy and smiles. Christos Geitonas, President of the Hellenic Federation of Triathlon, said, "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."
Maja Blümel (DEU) captured a special moment, saying, "The volunteers and spectators were incredible, cheering the whole way. The best moment was when the volunteers were running and cheering alongside me. Will definitely come back next year!"
Anastatis Mitropapas (GRC) reflected on the local pride in hosting XTERRA, saying, "This place is perfect for us. It's our community, our neighborhood, and we love that international athletes come here to enjoy it too. We live here, we train here every day—this is our home. The organizers did a fantastic job setting up a great course, everything was perfect."
The success of the weekend was made possible thanks to the support of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni Municipality, Trimore, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Hellenic Republic’s Ministry of Education and Sports, and New Metropolitan Attica S.A. From start to finish, XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni reminded everyone that the greatest victories are those shared with community and nature.
Follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram to catch up on the action from the weekend.
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