2025 Asia-Pacific Championship Preview

Historic Connections

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Back in 2014, driven by passion and an off-road hunger for adventure, New South Wales hosted the first-ever XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship. As XTERRA has expanded globally, its World Cup, Youth Tour, and Trail Run World Series called for a return to Australia, this time on a grander stage.

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Since 2023, Dunsborough has proudly taken the mantle as home to XTERRA Australia. Located just a three-hour scenic drive from Perth, this coastal town feels like a natural race village, its tight-knit community welcoming athletes with open arms. Trails marked for all abilities weave seamlessly from accommodation into Meelup Regional Park set against a sparkling turquoise ocean coastline.

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Rooted deeply in respect for the land, Dunsborough sits within the environment cherished and protected by the Noongar People, Traditional Custodians of the South West region. Janet Hayden, former Chairperson on Western Australia’s Aboriginal Advisory Council, explains, “We see ourselves as part of nature and all things natural as part of us.” Reflecting this spirit, the current exhibit Balancing Act at the Western Australia Museum explores the profound relationship local communities have with the land, echoing the XTERRA ethos of respectful exploration.

Catrin Allsop, CEO of Australia’s South West Regional Tourism Organization, invites visitors by saying: “We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the South West, the Noongar People, and their enduring connection to Boodja (environment). We invite visitors to respect and care for this ancient land and culture.”

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The trails themselves embody a legacy of resilience. Western Australia remembers the inspiring spirit of John Gilmour, who at age 99 celebrated by simply “going for a run.” A survivor of severe hardship as a WWII prisoner of war, Gilmour returned home weighing just 41 kilograms, yet he became a symbol of strength and renewal, founding local athletics clubs and breaking world records from 1,500 meters to the marathon. His story lives on in the region as one of perseverance, strength, and the relentless pursuit to live more.

Full Distance Course

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The Full Distance Triathlon at Dunsborough is a true test of versatility, combining ocean, forest, and coastline in one powerful punch. Athletes face a 1.5K swim, a 30.2K mountain bike segment, and a 10.5K trail run finale where spectators, families and friends cheer them on to the finish line.

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The swim begins with a two-lap course in Geographe Bay. Each 750-meter loop keeps athletes within 200 meters of the shoreline, offering clear views for fans. After the second lap, athletes exit via the boat ramp just 30 meters from Transition 1—quick, direct, and ready for the next test.

The mountain bike course through Meelup Regional Park is fast, loose, and unmistakably XTERRA. Spanning 30.2 kilometers and composed of nearly 90% hand-built singletrack, it weaves through native bush with berms, drops, and jumps designed to reward flow and precision. With plenty of climbs and rapid descents, it’s a leg that demands both fitness and finesse, providing ample opportunity to gain ground—or lose it.

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The final 10.5K trail run unfolds along Dunsborough’s iconic granite coastline. Redesigned into a two-loop format, it threads together bushland paths, soft sand, and rugged coastal rock sections. Moderate hills and exposed terrain keep the pressure high and rhythm hard to find, making this final stretch both a mental and physical battle to the finish line where the festival and celebration awaits every warrior.

Asia-Pacific Championship Preview

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With the 2025 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship doubling as a World Cup event, pros will compete fiercely for crucial series points, while regional contenders battle for the coveted Asia-Pacific crown. Defending Asia-Pacific champions Hannah-Lee Young (AUS) and Kieran McPherson (NZL) will look to retain their titles against strong challengers, including reigning XTERRA Australia champions Lizzie Orchard (NZL) and Ben Forbes (AUS), as well as the in-form Maeve Kennedy (AUS), who arrives fresh from a third consecutive XTERRA Wellington victory earlier this month.

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Young thrives in tough conditions and has her eyes set firmly on a breakthrough race at home, motivated by the unique challenge of the trails: “With pea gravel covering the trails it can be a bit slippery and adds an extra element to the race. Strong bike skills are key here—if you know how to whip around a berm with confidence, you’ll brake less and have more speed.” Yet despite aiming to defend her title, Young maintains perspective: “I won't let a result define me as an athlete. As long as I execute a good race, that's all I can control.” Then, with a touch of local pride, she says, “We also have kangaroos lining the trail to cheer you on as you whiz past. Can any other place offer that?”

Orchard returns to the course she conquered in 2024, welcoming the step up in competition: “I've put no pressure on myself to repeat this year. The Aussie trails were a lot of fun and that’s why I wanted to come back. I enjoy that you need to be focused during the ride—there’s so much singletrack, you need to be technically accurate even when fatigued.” She adds, “I look forward to the next level of competition that the World Cup events attract.”

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McPherson, known for his aggressive racing style, approaches the season opener with quiet confidence: “Pressure is only what you decide to put on yourself. XTERRA racing is unpredictable, and results are never guaranteed. Consistency and recovery have been my priority, and I'm looking forward to exploring the coastal scenery and a new trail system.”

"XTERRA racing is unpredictable, and results are never guaranteed."

Forbes, an Australian mountain bike specialist, will seek redemption on home soil after an unfortunate DSQ at last year’s 2024 XTERRA World Championship. He sees the home crowd as inspiration rather than pressure: “Having the first World Cup on home soil is going to be super special. Racing in front of Aussies on Aussie terrain adds to my big list of reasons to empty the tank on race day. I'd call this a mountain biker’s course—it’s important to maintain speed through the thousand pea gravel corners.”

With seasoned champions returning, rising stars in top form, and World Cup points on the line—who will master the technical Aussie trails and claim the title 2025 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Elite Champion?

Age Group Full Distance Preview

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Hundreds of age group athletes from around the globe are descending on Dunsborough, each chasing their own epic adventure through the trails and ocean waters of Southwest Australia, and for those from the region, the stakes are even higher with divisional Asia-Pacific Championship titles up for grabs. The following athletes have come so close to tasting victory, they’re driven to step up to the top this weekend.

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Rebecca Speirs (NZL), last year's runner-up in the women’s 45-49 division, returns ready to race smart and strong. “Last year I had a truly awesome race, pulling out all the stops on the run,” she said. “It’ll be hard to top that performance, but I’ll race my best and see what happens.” Familiarity is key for Speirs, who spent extra weekends practicing technical sections and local trails. She added, “I'm reasonably quick in the swim with a fast transition, and a good climber on the bike. It’s about playing these strengths to the max.”

Local athlete Dean MacGregor (AUS), who placed second in the men’s 40-44 last year, feels well-prepared heading into the race. “I’ve put in the training, so I’m confident I can go quicker,” he explained. For MacGregor, pacing is essential on the demanding terrain. “Go hard on the uphills and recover on the way down. It can also be hot, so hydration is key.” Racing at home adds motivation: “As a local, it’s exciting to have a race in my backyard. It’s a stunning part of the world.”

“As a local, it’s exciting to have a race in my backyard. It’s a stunning part of the world.”

Poppy Crouch (GBR, 30-34) is eager for her return to Dunsborough, aiming to surpass last year’s second-place result amid a stronger field. “I have absolutely no idea how I’ll compare, but I’ve kept fit over the summer and hope to beat last year's time,” she said. Regular course visits have helped her confidence, and she praised the community atmosphere, adding, “We’ve done quite a few events in the South West region, and I don’t know if many places do events better.”

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2024 XTERRA Japan Marunuma age group winner, Naoto Kato (JPN, 30-34) also arrives with clear ambitions: “I was 3rd in my age group in Taiwan last year at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Championship, so I'm hoping to be able to get top of the podium this time.”

World Cup Preview

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The 2025 XTERRA World Cup begins with its fastest start ever, as Elites dive into the season-long points chase with the Short Track Triathlon on Thursday, followed by the Full Distance race on Saturday. Results from both races will determine who leaves Australia atop the leaderboard. With a condensed, spectator-friendly format, Short Track is a rapid-fire race—two explosive 400m swim laps, three intense bike loops totaling 8K, and a final two-lap, 3K sprint on foot.

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Featured Elites

(Name, Country, World Ranking)

Solenne Billouin, FRA, 1

Reigning World Champion Solenne Billouin (FRA) headlines the women's race, coming off an extensive training block in Australia. "This year it’s not too important for me to start strong," says Billouin. After battling injuries in 2024, she sees this season as one of exploration: "I am feeling happy mentally and already strong physically, so I will give it a try like always."

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Known for her adaptability, she is fully prepared for Australia's conditions: "I have raced some local events and the off-road national championship here in Australia. I flew to Australia in January for 3 months to have good weather conditions and catch up on training. I had the most amazing experience and I am thriving in this environment.”

Alizée Paties, FRA, 4

Also in contention is Alizée Paties (FRA), the 2023 World Cup Champion. Unlike last year, Paties enters the season healthy and ready to race: “I’ll start the World Cup without injury and that’s a good start.” She embraces the challenge of kicking things off with a high-intensity format: “I think starting the season with a Short Track can be fun, even if the body will be shocked for sure!”

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While this will be her first time racing in Australia, she’s no stranger to the conditions down under: “I never came to Australia, but I’m prepared and I tried to train specifically for this kind of race.” And of course, she’s hoping for a couple of special bonuses: “I would like to see a koala and kangaroo, of course! Please, if you can bring them to the race, it would be nice!”

Aneta Grabmüller CZE, 5

Aneta Grabmüller (CZE), one of XTERRA’s strongest swimmers, plans to leverage her advantage in the water. “I had a good winter preparation and I am looking forward to kick off the season,” she says, adding, “I love the Short Track, and I love that we will open and end the World Cup season with it.”

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Training through a European winter isn’t easy, but Grabmüller made sure to adapt after learning from past experience. “I believe I’m much better prepared than I was by this time last year. But I’ll also keep in mind that my biking skills will be improving throughout the season.” Beyond racing, she’s eager for the full XTERRA experience: “I’ve only been to Australia once, so I’m excited to explore a new place and culture—and finally meet my XTERRA friends after a long off-season.”

Marta Menditto ITA, 6

Italy’s Marta Menditto returns optimistic, despite Short Track’s explosive demands: "Over the last two years, I’ve struggled with Short Track since fast, explosive racing isn’t a natural strength of mine. But I’ve worked hard on it. Maybe this year I’ll be a bit better—even though my main focus remains on Full Distance,” she says. “We’ll see! Every year I make progress, but so do the other girls, so you never know.”

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Menditto admits she doesn’t know the Dunsborough course well, but she’s already thinking about how to adapt. “I think I’ll use fast tires for the race. Once I arrive, I’ll spend a lot of time on the bike track to gain confidence—Australian trails are so different from Europe’s. Since I’m not a natural biker, I’ll need to adapt.”

Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen, DNK, 3

On the men’s side, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) enters 2025 aiming to build on last year’s World Cup success. Known for his exceptional bike strength and ever-improving run, he’s eager to kick things off in Dunsborough. “First stop is always exciting—we’ve made it halfway around the sun since the last time I raced these guys,” he says. “Furthermore, it’s a new location, so I’m just excited to see what the weekend will bring.”

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He’s well aware of the stakes that come with the opening round. “The Short Track races will definitely be important for the overall standings. It’s a thriller for the first race!”

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Though it’s his first time racing on these trails, Sloth Nielsen is ready to embrace the unknown. “It’s a new course for me, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the MTB trails around there. The more technical, the better for me—and I’m up to having a new fastest bike split.”

Arthur Forissier, FRA, 4

Arthur Forissier (FRA) is ready to push hard from the outset on Thursday: "Starting strong is crucial. Coming back from injury last year, I know how important it is to build confidence early. You can’t win the series in the first race, but you can definitely make your life harder if you start slow." He appreciates the challenge of adapting to Australia's diverse terrain: "Sandy trails require specific skills, rocky sections demand precision, and the ocean swim can be unpredictable. The key is to stay smooth and efficient."

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“Australia is an amazing place to race,” Forissier adds. “I love the outdoor lifestyle and the energy here. The people are passionate about sports, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Whether it’s the beaches, the wildlife, or just the atmosphere, there’s something special about competing in a place that makes you feel connected to nature.

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In Dunsborough, Elite athletes will face two dramatically different tests, each equally critical in shaping the race toward the 2025 XTERRA World Cup title.

Asia-Pacific Youth Championship Preview

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Dunsborough will proudly host the inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Youth Championship, continuing XTERRA Australia’s tradition of empowering young athletes. After a successful debut season, the XTERRA Youth Tour expands globally with three regional championships, beginning right here in Australia before moving on to North America and Europe. Athletes aged 14–19 will compete across three divisions—Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Junior (18–19)—each tailored to provide age-appropriate challenges for newcomers and experienced competitors alike.

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Local standout Tori Stancombe, last year’s winner in the Youth A category, is excited about the opportunity ahead: “Qualifying for The XTERRA Youth World Championship would be amazing! Italy would be an incredible place to travel to and compete. I hope to do well.”

A strong runner, Stancombe plans strategic adjustments: “Most of my training is on flat, sealed paths, so for this event I need to ensure I get some trail runs in. I spend a lot of time in the ocean living in Perth; however, the swim is my weakest leg, and I often find myself having to catch people on the ride and run,” Stancombe adds. “I’m a WA local, so I get to experience this incredible place every day. Sunshine and beaches — it’s quite the life!”

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Beyond titles and trophies, current XTERRA Elite athletes shared valuable advice for the rising stars. Solenne Billouin urges, “Don’t change your habits, have fun, be happy to be on the straight line, use sunscreen.” Kieran McPherson encourages enjoyment above all: “The most important piece of advice is to have fun. Fun will ensure longevity in the sport.” Aneta Grabmüller echoes this sentiment: “See every race as an award for all the training and preparation that went into it.”

“The most important piece of advice is to have fun. Fun will ensure longevity in the sport.”

Arthur Forissier offers wisdom for navigating challenges: “Embrace challenges. Setbacks are part of the journey. They make you stronger if you use them as fuel.” Ben Forbes highlights the joy in daily preparation: “99% of our sport is the training. Learn to love every aspect of it to the point of seeing that it's a privilege.” And Lizzie Orchard reminds young competitors to “Stay focused and have fun, plan when to have your nutrition during the race so you can keep riding fast and your energy levels up.”

These lessons set the tone for a groundbreaking event, launching young XTERRA athletes into a journey of discovery, growth, and adventure.

APAC Trail Run Championship Preview

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The 4-day festival wraps up Sunday with the Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship, featuring two races that explore Southwest Australia’s wild coastal terrain. Both the 38K Trail Marathon and the 21K Trail Half Marathon will crown regional champions, while top finishers from all regions compete to qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia, Wales.

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The Trail Marathon offers an intense challenge through Meelup Regional Park, stretching to Cape Naturaliste and back. Last year's 21K winner in the 25-29 age group, Joel Gray (AUS), steps up to the longer distance, eager for the test ahead:

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“The course is one of the more difficult but scenic races on the calendar, with great single tracks leading into fire trails. Throw in a handful of sand and some rock hopping right at the end, which really makes you focus and knuckle down.”

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Also moving up to 38K is another Half Marathon age group winner, Natasha Pertwee (AUS, 50-54), who returns to the trails she loves most: “Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste is my favourite place to run in the world! Who doesn't want to run the length of Bunkers Bay, scrabble across the rocks at Rocky Point, and see the amazing views around the lighthouse?”

In the Half Marathon, local standout Pearce Brezmen (AUS, 20-24), fresh off a podium finish at last year’s XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, returns more confident than ever as the returning winner on this course in his age group: “XTERRA has given me a great excuse to visit and run in amazing places around the world, appearing in my life at the perfect time in my early 20s. I have learned so much about myself and my potential in the past year—seizing opportunities and following through with goals. Dunsborough is among my favourite local holiday destinations, and is certainly worthy of hosting the offroad XTERRA triathlons and trail runs.”

These are only a few of many trail runners who will push their limits across technical trails, coastal sand, and rocky headlands, driven by the allure of becoming Asia-Pacific Champions.

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Rapid Ascent’s General Manager Sam Maffett captures the spirit of the final day perfectly: “Sunday especially is always a fan-favourite. It gives everyone a taste of the XTERRA action, creating a welcoming, cheerful, family-friendly, and inclusive environment.”

A Coastal Celebration

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The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship in Dunsborough is an immersive experience and much more than a series of races. Local elite Kristen Gardner captures it perfectly:

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“When XTERRA comes to town, the streets fill with fit-looking people, mountain bikes take over, and bakeries are packed. At the race village, there’s always something happening, from race commentary to vendors and food trucks. You see kids, parents, professional athletes, and groups of friends all out there having a go. And you’re never alone on the course—kangaroos live right there, so you’ll be riding and running alongside them. It doesn’t get more Aussie than that!”

Beyond Elite competition, the festival offers races for everyone. The Sprint and Super Sprint events are perfect entry points for newcomers, while relay teams can join the action in both Sprint and Full Distance races. Trail runners can choose from marathon distances or a shorter, fast-paced 10K. The youngest athletes steal the show during the Groms Race, tackling an 800m run and 1.2K bike ride with unmatched enthusiasm.

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Off the trails, athletes can enjoy swim, bike, and run clinics all week, a bustling expo village, Elite press conference, and a celebratory awards dinner followed by an afterparty Saturday night. Live music, DJs, delicious local food, and activities from vendors add to the vibrant festival atmosphere. Strong support from local partners—including the Government of Western Australia, Tourism WA, City of Busselton, and Rapid Ascent—ensures a professional and welcoming environment.

Whether chasing a podium, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the excitement, the 2025 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship encapsulates off-road adventure. For those following along from afar, stay connected with XTERRA Asia-Pacific and XTERRA Trail Run on social media for live updates, race information, and behind-the-scenes action all weekend long.