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LA GUINGUETA D'ÀNEU, CATALONIA, SPAIN – XTERRA continues to expand its global landscape by adding XTERRA Pirineu as the 9th stop out of 21 dates on the 2024 EMEA Tour. On June 1, 2024, off-road triathletes will be introduced to a Full Distance Race through the famed Catalan Pyrenees. 

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The municipality of La Guingueta d'Àneu serves as the destination host venue for this historic debut event. The course itself passes through the town of Pallars, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with the natural wilderness adjacent to the Aiguestortes National Park and the Alt Pirineu Natural Park. These parks are noted for their elevated mountainous terrains, along with a rich biodiversity of wildlife and vegetation. 

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Event Overview

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Open to age groups athletes and elite professionals, the Full Distance Triathlon will encompass a 1.5K swim, 27K MTB segment and a 7.5K trail run to the finish. Athletes at La Guingueta d'Àneu will check-in during the morning and afternoon hours while the race is set to commence at 4pm amidst the evening sun over the Pyrenees.

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Course Description

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The swim start is a 1.5K distance through the peaceful mountain lake of Pantà de la Torrassa known for its water activities that can be enjoyed throughout the weekend. 

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Following the first transition into the 27K MTB segment, the course will not be for the faint of heart with a challenge that suits anyone who is prepared to pedal. 3 loops of 9.8, 7.8 and 9.8K are in store with elevations reaching 2,356 ft. 

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All trails are tried and tested by the XTERRA Team and the 7.5K trail run segment is meant to capture some hard climbs featuring elevations of 1,401 ft all the way back to La Guingueta d'Àneu. 

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Global Platform

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The XTERRA World Tour is renowned for its commitment to offering elite and amateur racers the chance to conquer the most challenging terrains across continents. As a part of the EMEA Tour, XTERRA Pirineu serves as a gateway for athletes striving to compete against the world's best. 28 coveted slots will be awarded to age group athletes who will take on global challengers for the top spot at the 2024 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy later this September. 

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XTERRA Pirineu is only a 70K distance from the French border at the Pont de Rei bridge connecting the Aran Valley of Spain with the Haute-Garonne department of France. XTERRA supporters, fans and participants from the Southwest of France will also be well represented.

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Voices of Enthusiasm

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Nico Lebrun, XTERRA’s Global Technical Director and former XTERRA World Champion, shares his excitement: "XTERRA Pirineu is a milestone for us, marking our first race in the Pyrenees. With Spain's rich history in triathlon, mountain biking, and trail running, we're optimistic about the future of cross triathlon and XTERRA in this region. Following the success of XTERRA Costa Brava, we're eager to continue exploring this magnificent country with our partners at Ocisport."

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Albert Balcells, CEO of Ocisport, also expressed his anticipation: "XTERRA Pirineu offers an event in a spectacular mountain environment that will delight off-road triathlon lovers who will discover demanding routes with the reward of progressing in places close to the Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu and the Aigüestortes National Park."

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A Return to Spain

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XTERRA Pirineu follows the successful XTERRA Costa Brava event in 2023, which saw multitudes of international triathletes compete in Calonge. With registrations now open, this event promises to be a highlight on the XTERRA calendar, offering a unique opportunity to experience the splendor of the Pyrenees while engaging in the sport's ultimate challenge.

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Secure your spot in this pioneering event and be part of XTERRA's ongoing adventure in Spain. Visit the official XTERRA Pirineu event page for more information and registration details.