When possible XTERRA Short Track events will use World Triathlon Competition rules. XTERRA Short Track events may use modified rules depending on the Local Triathlon Federation.
World Triathlon Competition rules can be found here.
1. Swim
1.1. Water Temperature and Wetsuits: Water temperature will be measured using World Triathlon protocols. Wetsuits are permitted for elite athletes if the water temperature is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C). Mandatory Wetsuit: Wetsuits are mandatory at water temperatures below 57 degrees F (14°C). The swim will be cancelled if the water temperature is below 53.5 degrees F (12°C).
Water temperature will be measured one hour prior to the start of the event on competition day. It must be taken at the middle of the course and in two other areas on the swim course, at a depth of 60 cm. Where the average measured figure is 27 ºC or below, the lowest measured temperature will be considered as the official water temperature. Where the average measured figure is above 27 ºC, the highest measured temperature will be considered as the official water temperature.
1.2. Skin Suits / Speedsuits: Skinsuits are prohibited at XTERRA Short Track races.
1.3. Swim Caps: Custom ELITE swim caps with large numbers 1-30 will be provided before the race. Athletes must return the swim caps after the race to be reused on the next race. If an athlete chooses to wear two caps, the second swim cap must be unbranded and the official swim cap must be on the outside from the moment the athletes’ line-up procedure starts.
1.4. Buoys: Any athlete intentionally cutting a swim buoy or passing a swim buoy on the wrong side will result in a disqualification penalty.
1.5. Pre-start procedure: All athletes must be present in the transition area 10 minutes before the race start time. Athletes will be called to the start grid from the transition. Athletes will be called to the start line in number order. Athletes will select their starting positions and stay in that position behind the start line until the start procedure. A selected position cannot be changed by any athlete during the Starting Position Selection process. An athlete cannot occupy more than one starting position. A false start by any athlete will result in a penalty.
1.6. Start: After all athletes are in position (confirmed and noted by the Start Line Referee) and the whole Field of Play is confirmed ready for the start "On your marks!" is announced and the athletes step forward to the start line (without stepping on it). Any time after the announcement, the start signal will be given by blasting a horn. Athletes will move straight ahead towards the first buoy until they reach the water
1.7. General Swim rules: Athletes may sportingly maintain their own space in the water:
Where athletes make accidental contact in the swim and then immediately afterwards move apart no penalty will be incurred;
Where athletes make contact in the swim, and an athlete continues to impede the progress of the other athlete without moving apart, this action will result in a penalty;
Where athletes deliberately target another athlete to impede their progress, gain unfair advantage and potentially cause harm will result in disqualification.
2. Bike
2.1. Equipment: Only Mountain bikes are permitted. Cyclo-cross bikes are not permitted. No drop handlebars are permitted. No aero bars are permitted. All bikes must have 27.5” or 29” wheels. The minimum tyre width must be 1.5” (38mm) or greater. Bar extensions may not exceed five inches (12.7 cm) beyond the base bar. Any/all bar ends must be capped.
2.2. Helmets: Helmets must meet or exceed the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (SPSC). Helmets must be securely fastened at all times throughout the cycling leg of the event. Participation may be denied if a participant’s helmet is considered damaged or unsafe. Warning: Failure to adhere to Rule 2.2 will result in a penalty. Refusal to wear helmet = Disqualification.
2.3. Personal Audio/Music Devices: No type of sound/music device is allowed during the competition. Examples: NO headsets, tape players, CD players, MP3 players, or 2-way radios may be worn.
2.4. One Bike: Racers shall complete the entire event on the same bicycle upon which the event was begun. Athletes must return to the Bike/Run transition with that bicycle to be allowed to continue. Change of the wheels is not possible. Athletes must carry their tools or equipment to repair any mechanical problems and must not accept outside assistance.
2.5. Cutting the course: Athletes riding outside of the designated course markings is not permitted and may result in disqualification. Athletes are required to stay on the designated course specified as the XTERRA Short Track racecourse. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barriers on the course will not constitute an excuse for cutting the course.
2.6. Passing: When racing for position, athletes should voice the command "Track!” or “On your left/right," to indicate their intentions when overtaking another. It is the responsibility of the overtaking rider to overtake safely. Athletes must race fairly and must not deliberately interfere with or impede another rider's progress.
2.7. Dangerous riding: Athletes must not ride in a manner that creates a hazard for other competitors. This includes (but is not limited to); excessive blocking, deliberate contact or unsafe overtaking.2.8. Lapping: Athletes who have been lapped during the mountain bike phase will be withdrawn from the race by race personnel upon the next passing of the dismount line. Lapped athletes are required to ride away from the racing line and yield to overtaking athletes.
2.9. Drafting: Drafting is permitted throughout the race.
2.10. Bike Numbers: The provided bike numbers must be mounted on the handlebars facing forward. Cutting of numbers or altering with sponsor stickers is not allowed. There will be a warning for not having your race number on the front of your bike, second infraction will result in disqualification.
2.11. Bike shoes: Athletes must use different shoes for the bike and run segment of the race.
3. Run
3.1. Numbers: Race bibs are not used during the run of XTERRA Short Track races. Athletes should visibly display their race number on their arms using race tattoos or body marking provided by the race organiser.
3.2. Personal Audio/Music Devices: No type of sound/music device is allowed during competition. Examples: no headsets, tape players, CD players, MP3 players or 2-way radios may be worn.
3.3. Cutting the course: Athletes running outside of the designated course markings is not permitted and may result in disqualification. Athletes are required to stay on the designated course specified as the XTERRA Short Track racecourse. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barriers on the course will not constitute an excuse for cutting the course.
3.4. Lapped Athletes: Athletes who have been lapped during the run phase will be withdrawn from the race by ace personnel upon the next passing of the dismount line. Lapped athletes are required to move away from the racing line and yield to overtaking athletes. Lapped athletes will still receive a finishing position and series points based on their position when withdrawn from the race.
3.5. Last lap: The race Director/Personnel will ring the bell in the transition area when athletes start the last run lap.
3.6. Penalty Box: There will be a PENALTY BOX tent with whiteboard on the loop. If an athlete sees his/her number on the board, he/she must stop and serve his/her penalty. He/She can choose the moment in the race to serve the penalty.
3.7. Finish: An athlete will be judged as finished, the moment any part of the torso crosses a vertical line extending from the leading edge of the finish line.
4. Lapped Athletes rule
4.1 Depending on the race course, athletes will be withdrawn from the XTERRA Short Track event if lapped by the race leader.
4.2 The XTERRA Short Track Race Committee will decide the method used to withdraw athletes from the race and communicate this at the Elite Athlete Briefing
4.3 Athletes will be awarded a finishing position and subsequent series points based on their position at the point of being withdrawn from the race.
4.4 Failure to withdraw from the course when requested will result in a DSQ
5. Transition
5.1 General rules:
Bike shoes, glasses, helmet, and other bike equipment can be placed on the bike in Transition 1;
Athletes must not impede the progress of other athletes in the transition area;
Athletes must not interfere with another athlete's equipment in the transition area;
Cycling is not permitted inside the transition area, except during the cycling segment.
Mount and dismount lines are part of the transition area;
Athletes must mount their bicycles after the mount line by having one complete foot contact with the ground after the mount line.
Athletes must dismount their bicycles before the dismount line by having one complete foot contact with the ground before the dismount line.
While in the transition area (before the mount line and after the dismount line) the bike can be pushed only by the athlete’s hands.
If during the mount or dismount manoeuvre, the athlete loses their shoe(s) or other equipment, they will be collected by the Technical Officials and no penalty will be applied.
Athletes cannot stop in the flow zones of the transition area; Marking positions in the transition area is forbidden. Marks, towels and objects used for marking purposes will be removed and the athletes will not be notified.
5.2 Helmets: Athletes must have their helmets on and securely fastened before leaving the transition area. Athletes must keep their helmets on and securely fastened until their bicycle has been racked in the second transition area.
5.3. Bike placement:
For the first transition: in an upright position with the front of the saddle hooked over the horizontal bar so the front wheel is pointing to the middle of the transition lane. Officials may apply exceptions.
For the second transition: In any direction, with both sides of the handlebar, both brake levers or the saddle within 0.3 m of the rack number or nameplate. The bike must be racked in a way that does not block or interfere with the progress of another athlete
5.4 The transition areas will be marked with athlete race numbers identifying an athlete’s designated location in transition. Bicycles must be racked and returned to the same location in the transition area. Bicycles must be securely placed on the transition bike rack – not left on the ground or leaning on the transition barricade. Bicycles must be racked facing the direction as indicated by the race information or race director.
5.5. Transition box: When provided by the organiser, athletes must use the box. The box will always be put on the left side of the bike. Athletes must place within 0.5m of the box all equipment to be used at a later stage in the event. If a box is not provided, the 0.5m will be measured from the point on the ground immediately below the rack number or nameplate. The box, if provided, must be within 0.5m from the rack number or nameplate. All equipment already used must be deposited in the corresponding numbered box provided, exceptions are the bike shoes, which may remain fixed on the pedals. A piece of equipment is considered deposited in the box when one part of the equipment is inside the box. Only equipment to be used during the competition can be left in transition. All other belongings and equipment are to be removed before the transition area closes.
6. General Event Rules
6.1 Attendance of the pre-race briefing is compulsory unless agreed upon prior with the Race Director. Athletes must be on time for the transition area check-in. Any violation of this rule will result in a penalty.
6.2 Ignorance of the rules is not admitted as an excuse for violations.
6.3 It is the athletes’ responsibility to maintain adequate hydration. The organiser will not provide hydration stations on the bike and run.
6.4 Cutting the course: Athletes riding/running outside of the designated course markings is not permitted and may result in disqualification. Athletes are required to stay on the designated course specified as the XTERRA Short Track racecourse. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barriers on the course will not constitute an excuse for cutting the course.
6.5 Outside assistance: Athletes are not allowed assistance of any kind outside of that provided by the race organiser.
6.6 Conduct: Dangerous riding or running, unsportsmanlike behaviour, or the use of profane or abusive language will result in a warning, penalty, disqualification or a monetary fine.
6.7 Protests: Protests of any nature must be submitted by the athlete in person and within 5 minutes of the protesting athlete completing the race. All protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the athlete lodging the protest. All protests will be investigated. Following an investigation, the competition jury will be final.
6.8 Penalties: Penalties will be determined by the severity of the infraction.
There are two levels of penalty:
Any referee on the course can award a penalty to an athlete. Athletes will not be made aware of any penalties during the race. Any penalties incurred will be displayed clearly in either the penalty box or the finish zone against an athlete’s race number.
The level of penalty is at the discretion of the Race Referee.
Time Penalty (10’ sec.) – Typically applied to unintentional infractions. Examples include but are not limited to; athletes unintentionally leaving equipment out of the designated transition area, late coming to the transition area check-in, unintentional wrong bike mount or dismount, unintentional contact with other athletes, or unintentionally littering on the course.
Disqualification – Typically applied to intentional, unsportsmanlike, and dangerous misconduct. Examples include but are not limited to; intentional cutting of the course, using illegal equipment, outside assistance during the race, disrespecting of referee warning, non-appearance at race check-in, warm-up area, athlete briefing, awards, or doping control.
6.8.1. Penalty Box: There will be a PENALTY BOX tent with a whiteboard on the course. If an athlete sees his/her number on the board, he/she must stop and serve his/her penalty. He/She can choose the moment in the race to serve the penalty.
6.9. Flags: Two colours of flags can be used during the race by organisers, marshalls, and referees.
6.10. A and B lines: Technical sections on the mountain bike course may feature multiple lines.
A-Lines must be ridden; dismounting and running will lead to a Penalty. Athletes unable to ride A-Lines safely must use the B-Line.
7. Qualification Criteria
7.1 The XTERRA Short Track events will be contested by up to 30 male and female athletes. The Male and Female events will be held separately.
7.2 Short Track athlete selection uses the most up-to-date World Cup standings. In the case where a Short Track race is the first World Cup race of the season, the final World Cup rankings of the previous year will be used.
7.2.1 When a Short Track event takes place after a Full Distance event, the selection is completed within two (2) hours of the final finisher of that event.
7.2.2 When a Short Track event takes place prior to a Full Distance event, qualification is confirmed as far as possible beforehand.
7.3 The Short Track field is selected by first taking 20 athletes based on World Cup standings, then 5 athletes based on WPI rankings and then 5 wildcards. If required, additional wildcards can be used to ensure a full field of 30 athletes.
7.4 If selected for a Short Track race prior to a Full Distance race at the same event, athletes must participate in the Short Track race to be eligible for the Full Distance race prize purse.
7.5 Qualification List Communication
7.6 XTERRA Short Track Trentino Athlete Selection Criteria & Process:
- The selection process prioritises athletes racing in the World Cup, with the first 20 slots reserved for the top 20 ranked athletes in the World Cup standings after the XTERRA Czech race who are also racing at XTERRA Worlds.
- First-round invitees have three days to confirm their intent to participate before slots roll.
- Once the top 20 ranked athletes are set, 10 wild card invitations will be sent based on World Cup standings, WPI Score, and athletes capable of finishing in the top 10 of the full-distance race on Saturday. Wildcard slots will roll until all 30 spaces are full and three athletes have been chosen for the waitlist, and published on September 6.
**IF SELECTED, ATHLETES MUST PARTICIPATE IN THURSDAY'S SHORT TRACK RACE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE FULL-DISTANCE XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RACE PRIZE PURSE. NO EXCEPTIONS.**
8. Wildcards
8.1 Wildcards will be awarded to athletes to increase the quality of a short track event. The awarding of Wildcard invitations for XTERRA Short Track races is at the discretion of the XTERRA Short Track race committee. The race committee’s decision on the awarding of wildcard invitations is final and cannot be appealed.
The XTERRA Short Track Race committee is:
8.2 Short Track Wildcard criteria:
Wildcard invitations are awarded based on the following criteria:
9. 2025 Short Track races
8.1. XTERRA Australia Short Track - 27 March
8.2. XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track - 18 May
8.3. XTERRA Czech Short Track - 11 August
8.4. XTERRA Trentino Short Track - 25 September
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