Everything to Know About the 2025 XTERRA World Tour

For the uninitiated, the XTERRA World Tour is the answer to a simple question asked nearly three decades ago: What would happen if mountain bikers faced off against road triathletes in a race combining 10% open-water swimming, 65% mountain biking, and 25% trail running?

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Fast forward 29 years, and that question continues to be answered in spectacular fashion. Now the world’s premier off-road triathlon series for pros, seasoned veterans, and first-timers alike, the XTERRA World Tour spans 52 off-road festival events across 25 countries in 4 regions—each featuring its own regional championship. At the pinnacle of the tour is the qualification-only XTERRA World Championship, a bucket-list race where the best off-road triathletes compete for World Championship titles in age divisions that span from 20 to 80+ years old.

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It’s a global off-road triathlon series defined by the adventure-seeking community that drives it forward, a supportive community unafraid of a little mud, eager for challenges, and ready to tackle any and every terrain Mother Nature throws their way.

The XTERRA World Tour allows athletes to compete at their own level, in their own age division, and at their own pace. Pro athletes go full-gas for the prize purse, strong age-group competitors aim for World Championship slots, and others race simply for the opportunity to experience the world’s most idyllic trails. But central to it all are the qualifying races, regional championships, World Championship, and the World Performance Index (WPI).

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Qualifying Races

At the heart of the World Tour are the qualifying races. Every XTERRA Full Distance Triathlon on the World Tour serves as a qualifier to the exclusive World Championship event, often referred to as off-road triathlon’s greatest day. Depending on the event, qualifying races offer either 28 or 58 World Championship slots, divided across 13 age divisions starting at 20-24 and extending to 80+, with an inclusive challenged division. Top performing athletes in each age division are awarded a coveted slot and reserve the right to line up with the best at the annual World Championship. Qualifying events, along with the dates, locations and the number of slots, can all be found on the World Tour page.

Regional Championships

Regional championships serve as qualifying races but with added stakes: the chance to claim the regional title and don the championship jersey. While open to athletes from all nationalities, only those representing a country within the region can claim the regional title of their division. This year comes with a massive milestone as the first-ever South American Championship will see the region's top athletes added to the list of reigning champions.

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The XTERRA World Championship

At the pinnacle of the World Tour lies the XTERRA World Championship, a qualification-only event that brings together the sport’s best from around the globe. Limited to 800–1,000 athletes to preserve the trails and provide a world-class experience, this iconic race is not only the ultimate celebration of off-road triathlon, but also the ultimate goal for many of XTERRA’s most dedicated athletes. 

‍The World Performance Index (WPI)

For those not chasing regional titles or a place at the World Championship, the World Performance Index allows athletes around the globe to see how their efforts stack up against others in their age division and against the best in the world. A unique formula-driven index that accounts for everything from weather to trail conditions to the strength of the field, the WPI World Ranking ultimately ranks the strength of every eligible athlete. Two XTERRA Full Distance Triathlons within 24 months gets you into the rankings, with rankings updated after every event as soon as the results have been verified. Learn more about the WPI here or check the current rankings here.

The 2025 season brings big announcements and plenty of reasons to get out on the trails. From seven new events bringing fresh terrains to the World Tour, to major changes in the regional championships, and a historic farewell to Italy as host of the World Champs, this year is packed with reasons to get your race face on.

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7 New Events to Add to Your Calendar

For those looking for a fresh challenge, mark your calendar with any or all of the 7 new events debuting in 2025.

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In Malaysia, XTERRA Borneo Sarawak brings more dense jungles, winding rivers, and vibrant local traditions to the already wild lineup of APAC events, while XTERRA Croatia Mali Lošinj leads athletes along the Adriatic’s rugged coastline and pine-covered trails. XTERRA Austria, back by popular demand after 14 years, is ready to once again guide participants through a one-of-a-kind alpine adventure as the appetite for XTERRA racing continues to grow in Europe.

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Stateside, the highly anticipated XTERRA Ruidoso introduces New Mexico’s signature terrain, rich history, and cowboy charm to the World Tour. Further south, those taking on the debuting XTERRA Santander in Colombia will face a high-energy rip through the breathtaking Chicamocha Canyon. Even further down the map, XTERRA Peru promises a combination of Lima’s beachside beauty and cultural vibrancy with a race through Playa’s natural playground. Finally, XTERRA Cabo in Mexico will officially close the season with an incredible racecation where desert trails meet the sparkling sea.

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It’s a completely new platter of terrains to explore, each bringing its own unique blend of culture and adventure as the XTERRA spirit expands to new communities worldwide.

South America’s First-Ever Regional Championship

A nod to one of the fastest-growing and most passionate regions of XTERRA athletes, 2025 will be remembered as a milestone year as South America becomes the fourth regional championship to be added to the World Tour.

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It’s been a long time coming, with the unmistakable vibrancy of the South American community an integral part of the World Championship. Now, athletes from the South American countries will have the chance to race for regional honors while inviting international competitors to take on their turf. But it will be no easy feat—the race for the inaugural titles will debut at XTERRA Colombia in Paipa, Boyacá, the highest-altitude race on the entire World Tour.

Asia-Pacific Championship Lands in Australia

After five epic editions in Taiwan, the Asia-Pacific Championship is heading to its next destination—Dunsborough in Southwest Australia. The small coastal town steps up as the perfect location to carry the torch for APAC’s biggest race, combining the pristine waters of ​​Geographe Bay and the purpose-built trails of Meelup Regional Park with a community that lives and breathes trail sports and a town that is seemingly designed for XTERRA athletes. Expect this to be an all-out trail festival, with the XTERRA APAC Trail Run Championship taking place the following day. 

European Championship Heads to Germany

Trading the rolling hills of Prachatice for the rugged trails of Zittau, Germany will be the official 2025 host of what is often considered the most competitive race outside of the World Championship. This isn’t the first time Germany has had the honour of hosting the European Champs, and for good reason. The XTERRA O-SEE Challenge has grown into a world-renowned event, with a packed lineup of races and one of the most legendary afterparties on the tour. Hosting the European Championship will also mark a special milestone as the O-SEE Challenge celebrates 25 years of off-road racing.

North American Championship Returns to Oak Mountain

North American athletes chasing regional championship honours in 2025 can look forward to another showdown in ‘Bama, as the North American Championship heads back to Oak Mountain this May. The battleground at Oak Mountain State Park, renowned for the swim in Double Oak Lake and the infamous Blood Rock section on the bike loop, is quickly cementing its status as one of the most iconic race locations in the U.S.—standing alongside the legendary courses of Maui and Beaver Creek.

World Cup Racing Returns with a New Circuit

XTERRA’s pro series is set to return in 2025, offering athletes the chance to race with some of the biggest names in the sport and experience XTERRA racing at its highest level. Now entering its third year, the points-based series will feature eight World Tour events in the condensed circuit, mixing fan-favourite locations with a few new and returning additions to the 2025 lineup. 

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Stay tuned—the dates, locations, and races for the 2025 World Cup are set to be announced in February.

Youth World Tour: Watch This Space

One of the biggest milestones of 2024 was the debut of the Youth World Tour—a clear pathway for athletes aged 14-19 to dive into off-road triathlon and compete in their age divisions on world-class terrains as they progress toward the full-distance races of the World Tour.

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The inaugural season culminated in the first-ever Youth World Championship in Italy, where youth athletes shared the stage with the world’s top elite and age-group cross-triathletes for the very first time. The response from young athletes was immense, and now the Youth World Tour is gearing up for more big announcements as it enters its second year.

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Details for the 2025 Youth World Tour are expected to be released by the end of January.

The Last Big Dance in Molveno

The 2025 World Championship in Molveno, Italy, will mark a tearful farewell to an era that stands as one of the most prominent chapters in XTERRA’s 29-year history. As the first and only location to host the World Championship outside of Maui—XTERRA’s spiritual home—the Italian era has delivered some of off-road triathlon’s most iconic moments, rising confidently to the daunting challenge of following in Maui’s legendary footsteps.

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2025 will be the fourth and final big dance beneath the Dolomites, and it promises to be the grandest yet. Italy is no stranger to hosting world-class events and creating unforgettable experiences, and this final act will ensure the curtains close with an unforgettable celebration of sport, community, and adventure.

But buckle up and get ready for the next great chapter of XTERRA off-road triathlon with the next location of the XTERRA World Champs set to be announced this March.

Athletes can compete in a single World Tour race or as many as their body and bike can handle. Check the World Tour schedule for dates and locations, and plan your racing calendar in advance, especially if you’re aiming to race internationally. Pay attention to the number of slots available at each race if you hope to qualify for the World Champs and don’t forget to check how you stack up in the WPI Rankings if you have two or more races under your belt.

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But most importantly, enjoy the journey. The XTERRA World Tour is defined more by experience than results. Community over competition. Camaraderie over rivalry. Wherever your journey takes you, the XTERRA World Tour offers a chance to connect with nature, community, and your own potential. Find your next challenge and we’ll see you on the trails.