The 19th XTERRA France brought more than 2,000 athletes to Xonrupt-Longemer on July 4-5, where French athletes Nicolas Duré and Alizée Paties won the Full Distance titles.
Signs rose above the barriers for athletes of every age. Children sounded horns and cheered for parents, relatives, and clubmates before finding the same support waiting for them in the Kids and Youth races. From Longemer Lake to the forest trails and finish line, the crowd stayed close to the action as volunteers managed the starts, supervised the youngest competitors, built the wooden features, and kept the weekend moving safely.
Duré Repeats and Paties Takes Her First
Nicolas Duré led a French one-three, defending his Elite men’s title in 2:55:14 ahead of Belgium’s Sébastien Carabin in 2:56:37 and Marin Gautier in 3:01:51. Reigning XTERRA World Cup and World Champion Félix Forissier, also of France, finished fifth in 3:04:00.
“XTERRA France has an incredible course here in the Vosges,” Duré said. “I have been coming since 2019, and it never disappoints. The setting is magnificent, taking us through the fir and pine trees. I have a real affection for this course, so I am extremely pleased.”
Alizée Paties earned her first XTERRA France victory in 3:19:24. Compatriot Emma Ducreux placed second in 3:27:01, followed by Italy’s Marta Menditto in 3:30:53.
“XTERRA France is a wonderful place to race, enjoy yourself, and have fun,” said Paties, the inaugural XTERRA World Cup champion. “The mountain bike section in particular makes it a very beautiful course, and the event is extremely well organized. This was my first victory at XTERRA France, so it is very special. I had a great weekend.”
Paties’ result also reflected the life she has chosen around the sport. “I chose this lifestyle because this is what I truly enjoy,” she said. “It is a genuine passion, and I am making the most of it.”
Full Results on XTERRA France Event Page.
A Course That Keeps Bringing People Back
Throughout the age-group field, experienced mountain bikers, trail runners, returning competitors, and first-time participants shared the lake and forest course.
French mountain bike legend Julien Absalon placed third in the men’s 45-49 category. “It is a magnificent event, and the off-road character of the triathlon suits me perfectly,” Absalon said. “As a mountain biker and trail runner, I really appreciate that off-road element while still having the combination of all three sports. It is an excellent format.”
Timothée Augeul of France won the men’s 25-29 category after returning to an event he has raced several times since 2019. “The course is extremely technical, and I also live only about an hour and a half away, so I really enjoy coming here,” Augeul said. “This was probably my fourth time competing here. My first was in 2019, and it has become my favorite XTERRA event, which is why I keep coming back.”
Youth, Clubs, and Families
The XTERRA Youth Tour thrived over the weekend, with young athletes competing in front of large crowds filled with parents, relatives, friends, and clubmates.
Quentin Letor of France won the Youth B boys 16-17 category. “The run course really suited me, so I am extremely happy,” Letor said. “I also compete in plenty of road triathlons, but because I enjoy mountain biking and trail running so much, I also race XTERRA.”
Apolline Ramboux of Belgium won the Youth B girls 16-17 category. “XTERRA France is incredible,” Ramboux said. “It was so much fun. I came with my club, and there were around 15 of us. The younger athletes competed in the Kids race on Saturday, and I raced on Sunday. It was a brilliant experience, and I am extremely happy.”
Her weekend reflected what could be seen throughout Xonrupt-Longemer. Kids watched older athletes compete before stepping onto their own start lines. Families laughed together, young supporters followed the action with horns and handmade signs, and volunteers worked behind the scenes throughout the weekend. The challenge remained tough, but the experience extended far beyond the finish line.
Ramboux’s words could be echoed across the weekend: “I love being active in nature and in the forest.”
XTERRA extends its thanks to Paul Charbonnier and his family, Je Vois la Vie en Vosges, Région Grand Est, the Commune of Xonrupt-Longemer, and every volunteer, course builder, safety team member, official, family member, friend, and supporter who made the 19th edition possible.
Complete results across the Elite, age-group, Youth, and other race categories are available through the official XTERRA France event page. XTERRA France on Instagram is the home for highlights from Xonrupt-Longemer and Longemer Lake.
