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The 29th XTERRA World Championship roared to life in Molveno beneath the Brenta Dolomites on September 27, marking the fourth and final Italian edition of off-road triathlon’s biggest day. More than 1,000 athletes from 54 nations united as the race village filled with supporters, while fans around the world followed on the livestream. A €100,000 Elite prize purse was awarded, but the atmosphere reached beyond results as the global off-road community gathered in a setting that has become a second home for XTERRA since its origins in Maui in 1996.
Temperatures were chilly at 11°C (52 °F) in the air and 17.4°C (63 °F) in Lake Molveno, but after final checks, the official governing body of the 2025 XTERRA World Championship confirmed conditions were safe, allowing the race to proceed, starting with the 1.5K swim. The challenge was clear as athletes dove into the alpine waters, then climbed into the Paganella trails where beauty and exploration met on roots, rock, mud, and loose stone. Families and friends lined sections of the course, cheering on athletes as a collective force that continues to pioneer a new way of living with XTERRA moving into its 30th anniversary next year.
Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) rose to the moment, earning her first XTERRA World Championship in 3:15:18 after seizing control on the bike and sealing the win on the run, while Felix Forissier (FRA) delivered a decisive performance of his own, finishing in 2:44:18 to capture his first XTERRA World Championship title. Athletes who earned their place through qualifiers across the XTERRA World Tour raced the iconic course side by side, from 20-year-old Teresa Beraus (DEU) to 70-year-old Keiji Matsuba (JPN), proving this day belonged to every generation and every legacy.
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XTERRA’s reach has never been broader, with 50 World Tour events now staged across 25 countries feeding into the World Championship in Molveno. Growth was evident in the rising number of athletes from Costa Rica and China, alongside new representation from Croatia, Panama, and Sweden. Nations represented also included Bermuda, Namibia, Estonia, Malta, and New Caledonia, with France, Italy, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom rounding out the top five in participation numbers.
Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz (ZAF), a two-time Olympian and four-time XTERRA World Champion with more than 53 XTERRA wins, reflected, "It’s such a global event, and the people are so global. You go to one XTERRA, you meet someone in Japan, then you see them in the Americas or Europe. It’s diverse, and the World Championship moving around embraces that diversity. I never would have known about Molveno without the sport. XTERRA exposes you to new places, people, and culture. That’s part of why I love it so much. It’s so diverse, and you get to know people in each area really well.”
Josephine Teo (MYS, F40-44) shared her own perspective: "That’s why I’m here, to connect with people and nature. The people and the atmosphere are diverse and unique. Off-road is wild, unpredictable, and linked to the environment. You’re surrounded by mountains, trees, and trails. It’s real, and it brings us all back to something simple."
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Swim (1.5K): With cold air and water temperatures in play, the Italian Triathlon Federation confirmed the 1.5K swim would go ahead as two 750-meter laps, including an Australian exit before athletes dove back in from the pier. Wetsuits were mandatory as the field cut through Lake Molveno, voted Italy’s most beautiful lake 10 times according to Lorenzo Donini, Mayor of Molveno.
Bike (32K): The two-loop, 32K mountain bike course climbed more than 1,100 meters, starting flat along the lakeshore before rising sharply into gravel roads, forest paths, and rocky singletrack. Riders crested the high point within the first 10K, then descended into the Paganella Bike Park’s mix of berms, switchbacks, and loose stone before re-entering the race village on wooden ramps and bridges.
Run (10K): The final 10K loop, completed twice, packed 288 meters of climbing into fire roads, root-laced singletrack, and steep ascents that tested both Elite contenders and age group qualifiers. After the second lap, the course flattened along the beach of Lake Molveno and guided athletes into the finish line, where sustainable mesh course lining replaced tape through major sections, allowing the crowd to follow the action while keeping the natural setting intact.
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In the men’s race, Henry Bramwell-Reeks (GBR) led the swim in 19:41 with Jens Roth (DEU) just behind at 19:42, the pair more than 20 seconds clear of the chase pack. On the bike, Felix Forissier (FRA) and Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) went head-to-head in a back-and-forth battle, with Sloth Nielsen clocking 1:42:07 to Forissier’s 1:42:09. Despite the narrow difference, Forissier built a 28.79 second lead in transition and then delivered the fastest run split of the day at 40:55 to secure his first XTERRA World Championship title in 2:44:18. Sloth Nielsen followed in 2:45:52, with Arthur Serrières (FRA) completing the podium in 2:47:13.
Félix Forissier (FRA) said, “It was an incredible race, and it’s a dream come true to be World Champion. I want to say thanks to everyone, especially to Serrières, who trained with me at altitude just before.” Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) shared, “Me and Félix tried to work together, but he had me on the downhills today and had a great run for a well-deserved World Championship.” Arthur Serrières (FRA) added, “I had two super strong guys in the front. XTERRA provides the best experience you can have. I’m super happy for Félix, he worked really hard, and I’m so happy for him.”
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In the women’s race, Isla Hedley (GBR) led the field out of Lake Molveno with the fastest swim at 21:04, followed closely by Alanis Siffert (CHE) and Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) in 21:05. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) then set the pace on the bike with the fastest split of 2:01:22 and backed it up with the day’s quickest run in 49:24 to take the XTERRA World Championship crown in 3:15:18. Solenne Billouin (FRA) followed in 3:19:30, with Barbara Riveros (CHL) rounding out the podium in 3:22:40.
Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) said, “I couldn’t ask for more, the bike was really tough, and I tried to do my best there, but I knew I could play my cards on the run. Overall everything went great today.” Solenne Billouin (FRA) reflected, “After four years I reflect on the things I have achieved, and I’m very proud. Maybe I’ve inspired some young women to start the sport, to be active, to find a passion. It brings people together, and that’s really important.” Barbara Riveros (CHL) added, “I’m very glad to be in one piece. I didn’t expect this result. I tried not to brake too much on the slippery rocks and just kept moving to make it to transition safely. The plan worked today, and I’m really happy with third place.”
For complete results, visit the World Championship results page here or watch the full replay online here.
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Across the majority of the field, the XTERRA World Championship was defined by the age group athletes who put everything on the line and still found the energy to connect with one another. “This is my third XTERRA World Championship. It’s about the friendships with people you meet while you’re here,” said Mitchell Addison (CAN, M30-34). Chris St. Croix (CAN, M40-44) added, “It’s important to remember that XTERRA is really about the community. Everywhere we go people recognize each other, you start chatting, and it turns into something fun. The place itself is amazing too, and that’s a big reason we came.”
Miguel Acosta (ESP, M45-49) has returned four times and shared, “My favorite memory will be the cool water — it’s good for me. I like the beautiful places, the people I meet in these places, and the XTERRA spirit. It pushes a lot of things inside me.” Trent Niemeyer (USA, M45-49) relayed that sense of challenge and adventure: “You get off a course like this and you feel like you had a real day of it, especially when it’s muddy. You’re always going to run into some kind of challenges and I loved that aspect of it.”
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The course itself was as much a character as the athletes. “It’s proper mountain biking and the most fun part is once you get to the little lake at the top and then drop into Blade Runner. It’s all switchbacky and jungly,” said Renell Brennan (GBR, F55-59). “The community is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. There’s something about this community that feels like family. You only race against someone on the day, but whether you podium or not doesn’t really matter. For some people just making it to the start line is the real win.”
Before even toeing the line, both Joseph Krings (USA, M60-64) and Jay Heller (USA, M55-59) volunteered at registration, a gesture that reflected their love for XTERRA as much as their racing. Krings marked his 60th birthday with an Italian adventure: “I thought how cool would that be to race the XTERRA World Championship and enjoy a little Italian vacation. I tell my friends XTERRA is swim, bike, and run out in the mountains, off-road. It’s very challenging, but also very satisfying.” Heller, a long-time XTERRA faithful, reflected on the tradition: “It’s my way of giving back to the sport I love. XTERRA is a way of life for me. For so many years it’s been a tradition, and the people I meet are like another family. To me it’s the older age group athletes who inspire — the ones who juggle work, family, and sport, and still find a way to stay active year after year. XTERRA invented the sport and it creates this magnet that pulls like-minded people together. That’s what makes it authentic, and that’s why I love it.”
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Personal stories carried across the field. “What matters most to me at something like this is the adventure. I want to explore the mountains, learn about the local culture, and I love meeting new people. The outcome is what it is, but to me the dedication to the process is more important than the result,” said John Olson (USA, M40-44). Joao Silva (GBR, M35-39) thought of his late mother: “She passed away a few years ago. She brought me up on her own and got me started in mountain biking when I was 13. I’ve been riding ever since. Just being here feels like an achievement at the end of the day. That’s the greatest part of it.” Hsiang-Hsien Liu (TWN, M60-64) shared, “XTERRA is different because it’s not just competition. Everybody is friendly, it’s about nature, about exploring different places, like a different world. It was great.”
Many spoke to the beauty and meaning of Molveno itself. “The mountains, landscape around the lake, it’s just beautiful and makes the experience feel special,” said Marianne Mendiara (FRA, F20-24). Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49) described it as “the perfect adventure – professionally packaged in a magnificent and beautiful environment.” Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) reflected, “It showed me that nothing is impossible. I reached goals I once thought were out of reach, and this journey has been the most colorful chapter of my life so far.” Sheri Schrock (USA, F70-74) admired the toughness of the course: “XTERRA chooses the hard line — instead of meandering along the lake, the path goes straight up the cliff — an adventure! I even enjoyed the muddy single track.” And Lars Hanschke (MEX, M45-49) found his proudest moment in sharing it with family: “It’s my first World Championship together with my son Diego. Being able to share this experience and race side by side with him was very special for me.”
A special mention goes to the first two age group athletes across the line: Loïc Menoux (FRA) in 3:12:28, and Paula Leupold (DEU) in 3:51:51.
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Age group champions were honored at the awards dinner and afterparty on Saturday night following the race while full results are posted on the XTERRA World Championship results page here. A dedicated page here will also reflect the new class of champions in the coming days once all results have been verified and confirmed.
Riccardo Giubilei, President of the Italian Triathlon Federation (FITRI), shared: “A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizers, the volunteers, the local institutions, and all those who, with passion and professionalism, have made this extraordinary event possible. And of course, a special thank you to the athletes: with your enthusiasm and determination, you are the beating heart of XTERRA.”
Special thanks also go to the students of the Martino Martini Sports High School in Mezzolombardo, as well as the medical staff, officials, and referees who helped make the championship possible.
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The week of racing in Molveno featured livestream coverage across every format. Thursday’s Short Track served as the thrilling finale of the XTERRA World Cup, fast and exciting and already available to replay on YouTube here. Saturday’s XTERRA World Championship streamed live and the replay is available here.
On Sunday, the XTERRA Youth World Championship will air in two parts, first with the Youth A race here, then with Youth B and Junior races available here. Continue to follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram here for all highlights and updates.
The 29th XTERRA World Championship roared to life in Molveno beneath the Brenta Dolomites on September 27, marking the fourth and final Italian edition of off-road triathlon’s biggest day. More than 1,000 athletes from 54 nations united as the race village filled with supporters, while fans around the world followed on the livestream. A €100,000 Elite prize purse was awarded, but the atmosphere reached beyond results as the global off-road community gathered in a setting that has become a second home for XTERRA since its origins in Maui in 1996.
Temperatures were chilly at 11°C (52 °F) in the air and 17.4°C (63 °F) in Lake Molveno, but after final checks, the official governing body of the 2025 XTERRA World Championship confirmed conditions were safe, allowing the race to proceed, starting with the 1.5K swim. The challenge was clear as athletes dove into the alpine waters, then climbed into the Paganella trails where beauty and exploration met on roots, rock, mud, and loose stone. Families and friends lined sections of the course, cheering on athletes as a collective force that continues to pioneer a new way of living with XTERRA moving into its 30th anniversary next year.
Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) rose to the moment, earning her first XTERRA World Championship in 3:15:18 after seizing control on the bike and sealing the win on the run, while Felix Forissier (FRA) delivered a decisive performance of his own, finishing in 2:44:18 to capture his first XTERRA World Championship title. Athletes who earned their place through qualifiers across the XTERRA World Tour raced the iconic course side by side, from 20-year-old Teresa Beraus (DEU) to 70-year-old Keiji Matsuba (JPN), proving this day belonged to every generation and every legacy.
XTERRA’s reach has never been broader, with 50 World Tour events now staged across 25 countries feeding into the World Championship in Molveno. Growth was evident in the rising number of athletes from Costa Rica and China, alongside new representation from Croatia, Panama, and Sweden. Nations represented also included Bermuda, Namibia, Estonia, Malta, and New Caledonia, with France, Italy, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom rounding out the top five in participation numbers.
Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz (ZAF), a two-time Olympian and four-time XTERRA World Champion with more than 53 XTERRA wins, reflected, "It’s such a global event, and the people are so global. You go to one XTERRA, you meet someone in Japan, then you see them in the Americas or Europe. It’s diverse, and the World Championship moving around embraces that diversity. I never would have known about Molveno without the sport. XTERRA exposes you to new places, people, and culture. That’s part of why I love it so much. It’s so diverse, and you get to know people in each area really well.”
Josephine Teo (MYS, F40-44) shared her own perspective: "That’s why I’m here, to connect with people and nature. The people and the atmosphere are diverse and unique. Off-road is wild, unpredictable, and linked to the environment. You’re surrounded by mountains, trees, and trails. It’s real, and it brings us all back to something simple."
Swim (1.5K): With cold air and water temperatures in play, the Italian Triathlon Federation confirmed the 1.5K swim would go ahead as two 750-meter laps, including an Australian exit before athletes dove back in from the pier. Wetsuits were mandatory as the field cut through Lake Molveno, voted Italy’s most beautiful lake 10 times according to Lorenzo Donini, Mayor of Molveno.
Bike (32K): The two-loop, 32K mountain bike course climbed more than 1,100 meters, starting flat along the lakeshore before rising sharply into gravel roads, forest paths, and rocky singletrack. Riders crested the high point within the first 10K, then descended into the Paganella Bike Park’s mix of berms, switchbacks, and loose stone before re-entering the race village on wooden ramps and bridges.
Run (10K): The final 10K loop, completed twice, packed 288 meters of climbing into fire roads, root-laced singletrack, and steep ascents that tested both Elite contenders and age group qualifiers. After the second lap, the course flattened along the beach of Lake Molveno and guided athletes into the finish line, where sustainable mesh course lining replaced tape through major sections, allowing the crowd to follow the action while keeping the natural setting intact.
In the men’s race, Henry Bramwell-Reeks (GBR) led the swim in 19:41 with Jens Roth (DEU) just behind at 19:42, the pair more than 20 seconds clear of the chase pack. On the bike, Felix Forissier (FRA) and Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) went head-to-head in a back-and-forth battle, with Sloth Nielsen clocking 1:42:07 to Forissier’s 1:42:09. Despite the narrow difference, Forissier built a 28.79 second lead in transition and then delivered the fastest run split of the day at 40:55 to secure his first XTERRA World Championship title in 2:44:18. Sloth Nielsen followed in 2:45:52, with Arthur Serrières (FRA) completing the podium in 2:47:13.
Félix Forissier (FRA) said, “It was an incredible race, and it’s a dream come true to be World Champion. I want to say thanks to everyone, especially to Serrières, who trained with me at altitude just before.” Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) shared, “Me and Félix tried to work together, but he had me on the downhills today and had a great run for a well-deserved World Championship.” Arthur Serrières (FRA) added, “I had two super strong guys in the front. XTERRA provides the best experience you can have. I’m super happy for Félix, he worked really hard, and I’m so happy for him.”
In the women’s race, Isla Hedley (GBR) led the field out of Lake Molveno with the fastest swim at 21:04, followed closely by Alanis Siffert (CHE) and Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) in 21:05. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) then set the pace on the bike with the fastest split of 2:01:22 and backed it up with the day’s quickest run in 49:24 to take the XTERRA World Championship crown in 3:15:18. Solenne Billouin (FRA) followed in 3:19:30, with Barbara Riveros (CHL) rounding out the podium in 3:22:40.
Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) said, “I couldn’t ask for more, the bike was really tough, and I tried to do my best there, but I knew I could play my cards on the run. Overall everything went great today.” Solenne Billouin (FRA) reflected, “After four years I reflect on the things I have achieved, and I’m very proud. Maybe I’ve inspired some young women to start the sport, to be active, to find a passion. It brings people together, and that’s really important.” Barbara Riveros (CHL) added, “I’m very glad to be in one piece. I didn’t expect this result. I tried not to brake too much on the slippery rocks and just kept moving to make it to transition safely. The plan worked today, and I’m really happy with third place.”
For complete results, visit the World Championship results page here or watch the full replay online here.
Across the majority of the field, the XTERRA World Championship was defined by the age group athletes who put everything on the line and still found the energy to connect with one another. “This is my third XTERRA World Championship. It’s about the friendships with people you meet while you’re here,” said Mitchell Addison (CAN, M30-34). Chris St. Croix (CAN, M40-44) added, “It’s important to remember that XTERRA is really about the community. Everywhere we go people recognize each other, you start chatting, and it turns into something fun. The place itself is amazing too, and that’s a big reason we came.”
Miguel Acosta (ESP, M45-49) has returned four times and shared, “My favorite memory will be the cool water — it’s good for me. I like the beautiful places, the people I meet in these places, and the XTERRA spirit. It pushes a lot of things inside me.” Trent Niemeyer (USA, M45-49) relayed that sense of challenge and adventure: “You get off a course like this and you feel like you had a real day of it, especially when it’s muddy. You’re always going to run into some kind of challenges and I loved that aspect of it.”
The course itself was as much a character as the athletes. “It’s proper mountain biking and the most fun part is once you get to the little lake at the top and then drop into Blade Runner. It’s all switchbacky and jungly,” said Renell Brennan (GBR, F55-59). “The community is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. There’s something about this community that feels like family. You only race against someone on the day, but whether you podium or not doesn’t really matter. For some people just making it to the start line is the real win.”
Before even toeing the line, both Joseph Krings (USA, M60-64) and Jay Heller (USA, M55-59) volunteered at registration, a gesture that reflected their love for XTERRA as much as their racing. Krings marked his 60th birthday with an Italian adventure: “I thought how cool would that be to race the XTERRA World Championship and enjoy a little Italian vacation. I tell my friends XTERRA is swim, bike, and run out in the mountains, off-road. It’s very challenging, but also very satisfying.” Heller, a long-time XTERRA faithful, reflected on the tradition: “It’s my way of giving back to the sport I love. XTERRA is a way of life for me. For so many years it’s been a tradition, and the people I meet are like another family. To me it’s the older age group athletes who inspire — the ones who juggle work, family, and sport, and still find a way to stay active year after year. XTERRA invented the sport and it creates this magnet that pulls like-minded people together. That’s what makes it authentic, and that’s why I love it.”
Personal stories carried across the field. “What matters most to me at something like this is the adventure. I want to explore the mountains, learn about the local culture, and I love meeting new people. The outcome is what it is, but to me the dedication to the process is more important than the result,” said John Olson (USA, M40-44). Joao Silva (GBR, M35-39) thought of his late mother: “She passed away a few years ago. She brought me up on her own and got me started in mountain biking when I was 13. I’ve been riding ever since. Just being here feels like an achievement at the end of the day. That’s the greatest part of it.” Hsiang-Hsien Liu (TWN, M60-64) shared, “XTERRA is different because it’s not just competition. Everybody is friendly, it’s about nature, about exploring different places, like a different world. It was great.”
Many spoke to the beauty and meaning of Molveno itself. “The mountains, landscape around the lake, it’s just beautiful and makes the experience feel special,” said Marianne Mendiara (FRA, F20-24). Ulrika Eriksson (SWE, F45-49) described it as “the perfect adventure – professionally packaged in a magnificent and beautiful environment.” Renata Karska (POL, F35-39) reflected, “It showed me that nothing is impossible. I reached goals I once thought were out of reach, and this journey has been the most colorful chapter of my life so far.” Sheri Schrock (USA, F70-74) admired the toughness of the course: “XTERRA chooses the hard line — instead of meandering along the lake, the path goes straight up the cliff — an adventure! I even enjoyed the muddy single track.” And Lars Hanschke (MEX, M45-49) found his proudest moment in sharing it with family: “It’s my first World Championship together with my son Diego. Being able to share this experience and race side by side with him was very special for me.”
A special mention goes to the first two age group athletes across the line: Loïc Menoux (FRA) in 3:12:28, and Paula Leupold (DEU) in 3:51:51.
Age group champions were honored at the awards dinner and afterparty on Saturday night following the race while full results are posted on the XTERRA World Championship results page here. A dedicated page here will also reflect the new class of champions in the coming days once all results have been verified and confirmed.
Riccardo Giubilei, President of the Italian Triathlon Federation (FITRI), shared: “A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizers, the volunteers, the local institutions, and all those who, with passion and professionalism, have made this extraordinary event possible. And of course, a special thank you to the athletes: with your enthusiasm and determination, you are the beating heart of XTERRA.”
Special thanks also go to the students of the Martino Martini Sports High School in Mezzolombardo, as well as the medical staff, officials, and referees who helped make the championship possible.
The week of racing in Molveno featured livestream coverage across every format. Thursday’s Short Track served as the thrilling finale of the XTERRA World Cup, fast and exciting and already available to replay on YouTube here. Saturday’s XTERRA World Championship streamed live and the replay is available here.
On Sunday, the XTERRA Youth World Championship will air in two parts, first with the Youth A race here, then with Youth B and Junior races available here. Continue to follow XTERRA Europe on Instagram here for all highlights and updates.
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