2024 XTERRA Germany Preview: Zittau in the Zone

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ZITTAU, GERMANY — XTERRA Germany returns to Zittau Mountains Nature Park for the 18th stop on the 2024 XTERRA EMEA Tour, drawing nearly a thousand participants to one of Europe’s most challenging cross-triathlons. Set in the southeastern border triangle of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, the Full Distance Triathlon on August 17 is famous for its unique course features, including a wooden berm that extends over Lake Olbersdorf.

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Established in 2006, the event has grown significantly from its origins as the O-SEE Challenge, evolving into a major stop on the XTERRA World Tour. This year's race, also serving as the DTU Cross Triathlon German National Championships, will see elite competitors vying for a €15,000 prize purse with 58 slots available for the top age-groupers to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy.

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On August 18, the event will also highlight XTERRA Youth World Championship qualifiers to promote young athletes alongside elite competitors. With the German national title on the line, the competition promises intense battles among those prepared for the weekend ahead.

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Full Distance Course Preview:

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Swim (1.5K): The race begins with a 1.5K swim in the warm waters of Lake Olbersdorf (Olbersdorfer See). This old quarry lake, now a popular tourist spot, offers a spacious beachfront start and clear waters typically around 25°C or 26°C. Athletes will navigate a triangular course, consisting of two 750-meter laps with an Australian exit, providing a fast and spectator-friendly swim segment.

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Bike (37K): Transitioning from the swim, competitors take on a 37K bike ride that loops around the lake and extends into the surrounding rugged trails of the Zittau mountains. The course features over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, blending fast gravel roads with more technical sections. The initial part of the course is fast and relatively flat, allowing riders to build speed before hitting the mountains where the real test begins. Technical climbs and rock-strewn downhills demand precision and power, with the final 5K returning to a fast, flat finish that tests the athletes’ remaining reserves.

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Run (10K): The race culminates with a 10K trail run through the dense forests, consisting of two 5K loops with a total elevation gain of 190 meters. The course mixes fast trail sections with steep, challenging climbs and descents. Runners will push their limits on this varied terrain before ascending to the race’s high point, where the iconic finishers’ bell awaits.

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Elite Start List

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‍Women

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(World Ranking – Name, NAT)

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11 - Helena Karásková Erbenová, CZE

12 - Anna Zehnder, CHE

16 - Lizzie Orchard, NZL

32 - Kerri-Ann Upham, GBR

35 - Anna Wer, POL

36 - Lorena Erl, DEU

44 - Camille Jobard, FRA

76 - Annika Hartmann, DEU

92 - Michalina Bąk-Puchałka, POL

107 - Johandri Leicester, ZAF

NR - Maja Betz, DEU

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Men

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(World Ranking – Name, NAT)

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1 - Arthur Serrières, FRA

9 - Maxim Chané, FRA

14 - Sebastian Neef, DEU

22 - Scott Anderson, DEU

23 - Jens Roth, DEU

51 - Martin Gebhard, DEU

60 - Pierre Simeon, FRA

66 - Sam Teller, USA

85 - Quirijn Waaijenberg, NLD

108 - Bart Cooymans, NLD

128 - Robin Schüßler, DEU

157 - Alejandro Salmeron Tenorio, ESP

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Complete Start list here.

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Elite Insights and Aspirations:

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Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR): "The race in Germany has a bit of everything—flat power sections, long climbs, steep climbs, and rocky descents. Keeping cool will be critical. I’m really looking forward to getting my revenge on this race after last year."

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Quirijn Waaijenberg (NLD): "I just want to give it my all and race full gas. This year is special after my injury, and I’m excited to be back in Zittau."

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Sebastian Neef (DEU): "It’s a very fun but challenging course. I’m looking forward to the O-SEE vibes and the after-race party. My goal is to defend my title as German Champion and get a podium spot."

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Anna Zehnder (SUI): "Zittau’s demanding bike course is going to make for a hard day at the office. It’s a fun and challenging course with steep ups and difficult downs, and I’m excited to see where I end up against strong competitors."

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Pierre Simeon (FRA): "This track is quite difficult—you need to go full gas on all the climbs. I’m hoping to be at 100% on race day after a tough race in the Czech Republic."

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Jens Roth (DEU): "Zittau feels like home—more than just a race. My goal is to show the performance I’ve had all year, even with the recent injury from a bad crash."

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Lizzie Orchard (NZL): "Zittau has some fairly technical climbs and descents. With the elevation and distance, it’s one of the toughest courses on the circuit, and I’m aiming for a solid run this year."

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Key Contenders at XTERRA Germany

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Elite Women’s Race

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The women's field at XTERRA Germany features a competitive lineup, highlighted by Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) and Anna Zehnder (CHE). Karásková Erbenová, known for her strong performance on the bike, and Zehnder, who has excelled in the 2024 XTERRA World Cup, especially on the run, are leading contenders for the top spot.

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Lizzie Orchard (NZL), also in excellent form this season, is expected to challenge the frontrunners. Her consistent performance throughout the year, highlighted by the win at XTERRA Australia, makes her another strong competitor in the race.

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The contest for the German national title will see Lorena Erl and Annika Hartmann vying for supremacy. Both athletes will look to capitalize on local support in Zittau.

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Elite Men’s Showdown:

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Arthur Serrières (FRA), the two-time defending XTERRA World Champion and 2023 XTERRA World Cup champion, leads the men's field. Serrieres, the defending XTERRA Germany Champion, enters this race fresh from clinching the title of 2024 XTERRA European Champion at XTERRA Czech last weekend. His all-around form is impeccable, making him the athlete to beat.

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Close behind is Maxim Chané (FRA), who placed fifth at the XTERRA European Championship and second at XTERRA France. Chané's consistent performances make him a strong contender to challenge Serrières. 

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German athlete Jens Roth, known for his strong starts in the swim, will look to establish an early lead. The race will also feature a German national subplot with fellow Top 25 ranked XTERRA triathletes Scott Anderson and Sebastian Neef competing against Roth for the DTU Cross Triathlon German National Championship.

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Festival Highlights and Youth Competitions 

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XTERRA Germany extends beyond racing, offering a festival atmosphere weekend, complete with activities for all attendees and highlighted by the Open Air After Party on Saturday night. 

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On August 18, XTERRA Germany will feature a range of youth triathlons as part of the XTERRA Youth Tour, qualifying events for the XTERRA Youth World Championship. These races will cater to both new and experienced young athletes, providing an elevated experience for international off-road triathlon competition.