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Oak Mountain State Park hosted the second-ever XTERRA North American Championship from May 16-18, 2025, where athletes took on the red clay trails of one of the most respected off-road venues in the United States. With 17 years of XTERRA history at this location, the event brought together top elites, age groupers, youth athletes, and a dedicated local community in a place that has been a staple on the U.S. XTERRA calendar since 2006.
Félix Forissier (FRA) and Alizée Paties (FRA) earned top honors in Saturday’s Full Distance event at Stop 4 of the XTERRA World Cup, while Sullivan Middaugh (USA) edged out Forissier in a close Short Track finish on Sunday. Paties completed the sweep with another strong showing to close out the weekend. Middaugh also repeated as North American Elite Champion, and Suzie Snyder (USA) claimed her first continental title.
Age groupers showed up in full force, earning North American titles across their divisions, while the inaugural XTERRA North American Youth Championship gave Youth A, Youth B, and Junior athletes the chance to compete on the same legendary trails. With three days of competition, live music, family-friendly activities, and community connection, Oak Mountain once again proved why it’s one of the most iconic and downright fun venues for off-road and outdoor-loving explorers, challengers, and champions.
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Oak Mountain’s XTERRA story began in 2006, when Brent McMahon (CAN), a former Olympian, and Melanie McQuaid (CAN), a three-time XTERRA World Champion, took the top steps. Since then, few places have seen more repeat champions. Conrad Stoltz (ZAF) won here six times, Josiah Middaugh (USA) five, and Lesley Paterson (GBR) four.
The course itself is the result of decades of work by BUMP, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, who have spent more than 30 years shaping the trails in partnership with Shelby County and park staff. Their dedication turned the park into a nationally recognized destination for off-road adventure.
“This event brings together elite athletes and passionate competitors from across the globe,” said Kendall Williams, Director of Tourism and Events. “It’s a challenge and celebration we’re thrilled to take on with XTERRA athletes,” added Oak Mountain Event Coordinator Anna Jones.
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Saturday’s Full Distance race brought wet trails, tight battles, and decisive performances from two of the sport’s best. Félix Forissier (FRA) claimed the men’s win in 2:29:13, and Alizée Paties (FRA) delivered a dominant effort to take the women’s crown in 2:48:49.
Forissier was second out of the water with a 20:25 swim and held steady through the bike despite an early fall on the slippery red clay. “It was very difficult,” he said. “I swam well, but I crashed early on the bike. Sullivan Middaugh made it tough, especially on the run. I wasn’t sure I could hold him off.” Middaugh (USA) pushed the pace through the bike, led for long stretches, and ran hard to finish just behind in 2:29:43. “I led most of the bike and ran as hard as I could,” he said. “Felix was just a bit faster in the end. But defending the North American title and finishing second overall is a result I’m proud of. Every race teaches you something.” Middaugh’s effort secured him the North American Elite title for the second year in a row. Sebastian Neef (DEU) finished third in 2:31:34.
On the women’s side, Paties stayed controlled through the swim, then surged ahead on the bike and never looked back. “It was a bit tricky in the water with the rain, but the bike felt good even though it was slippery, but not too muddy,” she said. “I knew I had a gap off the bike, so I pushed again on the run.” Her 44:54 run split was the fastest of the day. Behind her, Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) stayed steady for second in 2:53:06, and Romy Spoelder (NLD) followed close behind in third at 2:53:24.
Suzie Snyder (USA), the top American finisher, added her first North American title to her 6 USA Championship wins with a 3:00:11 effort. “It felt smooth,” she said. “I had a relaxed mindset, which really helped in these conditions and I loved reconnecting with everyone here.”
Complete Results Here.
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Some of the most meaningful efforts of the weekend came from the women’s age group field. Leah Roberts (USA, 40–44) led the way, putting together the fastest overall time among age group women at 3:23:43. Tiffany Hill (USA, 30–34) and Tory Sigmond (USA, 35–39) each earned wins in their divisions, while Isabella Hyser (USA, 20–24) impressed with a strong result close to home. Amari Graber (USA, 25–29) stayed consistent throughout to come away with her first age group title.
The field extended beyond continental championship hopefuls. Maria Viviana Briggs (ARG, 45–49) delivered one of the day’s top international performances, winning her division with a steady and confident showing. Tricia Davis (USA, 55–59) secured her title, and Lucia Colbert (USA, 65–69) became the oldest female age group winner of the weekend, adding another chapter to her long XTERRA journey.
On the men’s side, James McCurdy (USA, 40–44) turned in the fastest age group time of the day at 2:48:36. Just behind him was Martin Gallardo (ARG, 25–29), who posted the top time among international competitors. Spencer Martin (USA, 30–34) handled the course well to earn his own age group win, joining a long list of North American champions crowned across the divisions.
Trent Niemeyer (USA, 45–49) led his group with a confident performance, and Ezequiel Gatti (ARG, 50–54) added another win for Argentina. Cliff Milleman (USA, 65–69) stood out in his category with a strong result, while Frank George (USA, 75–79), the oldest man in the field, completed the course and earned well-deserved recognition at the finish line.
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The next generation of off-road talent took center stage at Oak Mountain for the first-ever XTERRA North American Youth Championship, featuring titles for Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Juniors (18–19). Youth A athletes raced Friday’s Super Sprint course (400M swim, 8K bike, 2K run), while Youth B and Juniors took on Saturday’s Sprint (750M swim, 14K bike, 4.5K run).
In Youth A, Dahlia Fillion (CAN), 15, from Saint-Hippolyte, Quebec, claimed the girls' crown. “My swim was perfect for me, and the bike went well too. The run wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough. It’s a great feeling and a big opportunity for me to be here and win the North American Youth Championship. XTERRA is a big part of the fun I have in my life. I think this race in Alabama is my favorite. The trails are really nice, and it’s just beautiful here.” On the boys’ side, Corbin Thompson (USA) of Birmingham, Alabama took top honors on the same course, powering through the final run to earn the Youth A crown.
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Saturday's Sprint brought out the Youth B contenders. Andrew Wales (USA), 16, from Springville, California, rode to victory in muddy conditions. “It was a little humid, and I was a bit surprised by the bike course. It was muddy, but it was so much fun. I never crashed and had a really good experience.” Mariam Jacobsen (USA), 16, of Montgomery, Alabama, topped the girls' field. “I love this community and all the work they put in so we can come here, see who can work the hardest, and take the win. I really loved the bike portion. It was really flowy. I had to be careful at some points because it was pretty slippery, but that just made it more fun. I’m glad my work paid off and I get to be the first North American Youth Champion in my category.”
In the Junior division, Lucas Wright (USA), 18, from Ellicott City, Maryland, delivered a fast and confident race to win the men's title. “It was a great race. It rained a little, but the swim was beautiful. The bike was super muddy but a lot of fun. There were lots of drops and places to play around. The run was beautiful too, with a couple of hills and a really fast, super fun trail. It is an epic bike course and it suits me perfectly. It feels amazing to be the first ever XTERRA North American Junior Champion. I worked really hard for this.”
Abigail Wales (USA), 18, also from Springville, secured the Junior women’s championship. “It feels really good. I’m glad I can carry this title, and I hope there are more wins to come. The bike was really fun. It was a nice, flowy course, and on the run I just had to take it home and avoid injury. It went really well. The vibe here is amazing. You get to meet a lot of people. Everyone is really friendly. You walk around and it just feels good.” Her father, Travis Wales, competed in Saturday’s Full Distance triathlon, making it a special family weekend. “It feels pretty sweet that my brother won the Youth B title too, and that we can share this moment together.”
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The weekend began with laughter and determination at Friday’s Kids Triathlon, setting up one of the most fun-filled XTERRA gatherings yet. Live music echoed through the trees, families shared food and made memories as the entire park came alive. Local students demonstrated their creativity through art and music, wildlife educators connected guests to nature, and volunteers kept things running smoothly. From early morning to late evening, Oak Mountain offered something for everyone.
Beyond championships, it was a celebration of nearly two decades with support from passionate community leaders, dedicated park staff, and incredible athletes. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it their favorite XTERRA yet. And while many earned titles, the true winner was Oak Mountain and Central Alabama whose trails and hospitality keep explorers coming back for more.
Catch the replay of the Short Track race on YouTube and follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram to witness key moments, stories, and highlights from the weekend.
Oak Mountain State Park hosted the second-ever XTERRA North American Championship from May 16-18, 2025, where athletes took on the red clay trails of one of the most respected off-road venues in the United States. With 17 years of XTERRA history at this location, the event brought together top elites, age groupers, youth athletes, and a dedicated local community in a place that has been a staple on the U.S. XTERRA calendar since 2006.
Félix Forissier (FRA) and Alizée Paties (FRA) earned top honors in Saturday’s Full Distance event at Stop 4 of the XTERRA World Cup, while Sullivan Middaugh (USA) edged out Forissier in a close Short Track finish on Sunday. Paties completed the sweep with another strong showing to close out the weekend. Middaugh also repeated as North American Elite Champion, and Suzie Snyder (USA) claimed her first continental title.
Age groupers showed up in full force, earning North American titles across their divisions, while the inaugural XTERRA North American Youth Championship gave Youth A, Youth B, and Junior athletes the chance to compete on the same legendary trails. With three days of competition, live music, family-friendly activities, and community connection, Oak Mountain once again proved why it’s one of the most iconic and downright fun venues for off-road and outdoor-loving explorers, challengers, and champions.
Oak Mountain’s XTERRA story began in 2006, when Brent McMahon (CAN), a former Olympian, and Melanie McQuaid (CAN), a three-time XTERRA World Champion, took the top steps. Since then, few places have seen more repeat champions. Conrad Stoltz (ZAF) won here six times, Josiah Middaugh (USA) five, and Lesley Paterson (GBR) four.
The course itself is the result of decades of work by BUMP, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, who have spent more than 30 years shaping the trails in partnership with Shelby County and park staff. Their dedication turned the park into a nationally recognized destination for off-road adventure.
“This event brings together elite athletes and passionate competitors from across the globe,” said Kendall Williams, Director of Tourism and Events. “It’s a challenge and celebration we’re thrilled to take on with XTERRA athletes,” added Oak Mountain Event Coordinator Anna Jones.
Saturday’s Full Distance race brought wet trails, tight battles, and decisive performances from two of the sport’s best. Félix Forissier (FRA) claimed the men’s win in 2:29:13, and Alizée Paties (FRA) delivered a dominant effort to take the women’s crown in 2:48:49.
Forissier was second out of the water with a 20:25 swim and held steady through the bike despite an early fall on the slippery red clay. “It was very difficult,” he said. “I swam well, but I crashed early on the bike. Sullivan Middaugh made it tough, especially on the run. I wasn’t sure I could hold him off.” Middaugh (USA) pushed the pace through the bike, led for long stretches, and ran hard to finish just behind in 2:29:43. “I led most of the bike and ran as hard as I could,” he said. “Felix was just a bit faster in the end. But defending the North American title and finishing second overall is a result I’m proud of. Every race teaches you something.” Middaugh’s effort secured him the North American Elite title for the second year in a row. Sebastian Neef (DEU) finished third in 2:31:34.
On the women’s side, Paties stayed controlled through the swim, then surged ahead on the bike and never looked back. “It was a bit tricky in the water with the rain, but the bike felt good even though it was slippery, but not too muddy,” she said. “I knew I had a gap off the bike, so I pushed again on the run.” Her 44:54 run split was the fastest of the day. Behind her, Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) stayed steady for second in 2:53:06, and Romy Spoelder (NLD) followed close behind in third at 2:53:24.
Suzie Snyder (USA), the top American finisher, added her first North American title to her 6 USA Championship wins with a 3:00:11 effort. “It felt smooth,” she said. “I had a relaxed mindset, which really helped in these conditions and I loved reconnecting with everyone here.”
Complete Results Here.
Some of the most meaningful efforts of the weekend came from the women’s age group field. Leah Roberts (USA, 40–44) led the way, putting together the fastest overall time among age group women at 3:23:43. Tiffany Hill (USA, 30–34) and Tory Sigmond (USA, 35–39) each earned wins in their divisions, while Isabella Hyser (USA, 20–24) impressed with a strong result close to home. Amari Graber (USA, 25–29) stayed consistent throughout to come away with her first age group title.
The field extended beyond continental championship hopefuls. Maria Viviana Briggs (ARG, 45–49) delivered one of the day’s top international performances, winning her division with a steady and confident showing. Tricia Davis (USA, 55–59) secured her title, and Lucia Colbert (USA, 65–69) became the oldest female age group winner of the weekend, adding another chapter to her long XTERRA journey.
On the men’s side, James McCurdy (USA, 40–44) turned in the fastest age group time of the day at 2:48:36. Just behind him was Martin Gallardo (ARG, 25–29), who posted the top time among international competitors. Spencer Martin (USA, 30–34) handled the course well to earn his own age group win, joining a long list of North American champions crowned across the divisions.
Trent Niemeyer (USA, 45–49) led his group with a confident performance, and Ezequiel Gatti (ARG, 50–54) added another win for Argentina. Cliff Milleman (USA, 65–69) stood out in his category with a strong result, while Frank George (USA, 75–79), the oldest man in the field, completed the course and earned well-deserved recognition at the finish line.
The next generation of off-road talent took center stage at Oak Mountain for the first-ever XTERRA North American Youth Championship, featuring titles for Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Juniors (18–19). Youth A athletes raced Friday’s Super Sprint course (400M swim, 8K bike, 2K run), while Youth B and Juniors took on Saturday’s Sprint (750M swim, 14K bike, 4.5K run).
In Youth A, Dahlia Fillion (CAN), 15, from Saint-Hippolyte, Quebec, claimed the girls' crown. “My swim was perfect for me, and the bike went well too. The run wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough. It’s a great feeling and a big opportunity for me to be here and win the North American Youth Championship. XTERRA is a big part of the fun I have in my life. I think this race in Alabama is my favorite. The trails are really nice, and it’s just beautiful here.” On the boys’ side, Corbin Thompson (USA) of Birmingham, Alabama took top honors on the same course, powering through the final run to earn the Youth A crown.
Saturday's Sprint brought out the Youth B contenders. Andrew Wales (USA), 16, from Springville, California, rode to victory in muddy conditions. “It was a little humid, and I was a bit surprised by the bike course. It was muddy, but it was so much fun. I never crashed and had a really good experience.” Mariam Jacobsen (USA), 16, of Montgomery, Alabama, topped the girls' field. “I love this community and all the work they put in so we can come here, see who can work the hardest, and take the win. I really loved the bike portion. It was really flowy. I had to be careful at some points because it was pretty slippery, but that just made it more fun. I’m glad my work paid off and I get to be the first North American Youth Champion in my category.”
In the Junior division, Lucas Wright (USA), 18, from Ellicott City, Maryland, delivered a fast and confident race to win the men's title. “It was a great race. It rained a little, but the swim was beautiful. The bike was super muddy but a lot of fun. There were lots of drops and places to play around. The run was beautiful too, with a couple of hills and a really fast, super fun trail. It is an epic bike course and it suits me perfectly. It feels amazing to be the first ever XTERRA North American Junior Champion. I worked really hard for this.”
Abigail Wales (USA), 18, also from Springville, secured the Junior women’s championship. “It feels really good. I’m glad I can carry this title, and I hope there are more wins to come. The bike was really fun. It was a nice, flowy course, and on the run I just had to take it home and avoid injury. It went really well. The vibe here is amazing. You get to meet a lot of people. Everyone is really friendly. You walk around and it just feels good.” Her father, Travis Wales, competed in Saturday’s Full Distance triathlon, making it a special family weekend. “It feels pretty sweet that my brother won the Youth B title too, and that we can share this moment together.”
The weekend began with laughter and determination at Friday’s Kids Triathlon, setting up one of the most fun-filled XTERRA gatherings yet. Live music echoed through the trees, families shared food and made memories as the entire park came alive. Local students demonstrated their creativity through art and music, wildlife educators connected guests to nature, and volunteers kept things running smoothly. From early morning to late evening, Oak Mountain offered something for everyone.
Beyond championships, it was a celebration of nearly two decades with support from passionate community leaders, dedicated park staff, and incredible athletes. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it their favorite XTERRA yet. And while many earned titles, the true winner was Oak Mountain and Central Alabama whose trails and hospitality keep explorers coming back for more.
Catch the replay of the Short Track race on YouTube and follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram to witness key moments, stories, and highlights from the weekend.
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