XTERRA Off-Road Triathlons: 2025 Season Openers

XTERRA South Africa is set in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Africa’s first UNESCO heritage site, within the spectacular Cape Floral Kingdom. The area is known for its diverse plant life, rugged mountains, and pristine water sources. The race takes place in the Elgin Valley, a short drive from Cape Town, offering an escape from the city into nature, adventure, and a small-town country atmosphere.

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I have so many memories from this race. I first raced here in 2004 after the Athens Olympics, where I flew in from Europe to race in pouring rain, with massive puddles so deep it felt like I was flying over them. There were only 146 participants, but the organizers focused on doing things the right way. Fast forward a few years, and XTERRA South Africa has now become one an absolute must-race event on the global circuit.

The swim in Eikenhof Dam is unforgettable. The Coca-Cola-colored water comes from tannins in the Fynbos roots, but it’s so clean I’d drink it anywhere. The bike course is 75% singletrack, requiring power, skill, and course knowledge to maintain momentum. The most famous feature is the Rock Garden, an iconic sandstone rock formation that creates a long, technical descent. Riders who study the course and refine their skills will be rewarded. 

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The run is just as unique, featuring water crossings that stand out the most. At the 3K mark, there’s a 100M “Swamble” section down a mountain stream—rocky, hip-deep in places, with clear water and a waterfall in the background. At around 8K, Caveman’s Jacuzzi leads to Grabouw’s iconic white sand beach near the finish. On a hot February race day, those river crossings feel incredible.

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Trail’s End Bike Hotel is just down the road, and Pieter and his team do an amazing job promoting this area as an MTB venue, building and maintaining trails, and driving advocacy. I often build trails under Stoltz Trails and stay at this unique bike hotel, which even has a comprehensive bicycle museum. We’re also very enthusiastic about kids and youth racing—seeing their smiles and joy is always a highlight of the weekend. I’m incredibly proud of our massive Youth and Junior contingent, who dominated podiums at the XTERRA Youth World Championship last year.

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South Africans love to braai (BBQ), and there’s camping available at the venue so bring your own gear or vehicle and braai right on the edge of the lake under the bright Southern Stars.

I enjoy getting out on these trails 2-3 times a week, running and mountain biking with friends or solo to unwind from work. Wellington is well known for its hills and wind, both of which are great for training. There are lots of trails where you can get into the bush and out of the wind. XTERRA Wellington takes place on the Kapiti Coast, 35 minutes from the city. It has many kilometres of beach and also lots of hills, making it a perfect spot for XTERRA.

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The swim course is off the beach, and you never know what you’re going to get where some days it’s flat, and other days there are waves and swells. The bike course takes you into the hills, where you get amazing views out to sea. It’s a mixture of 4WD tracks and technical single track and the run takes you over the sand dunes, with lots of short ups and downs that wear the legs out, but it also offers great views.

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Kiwis are generally relaxed people, and the go-to outfit in summer is a T-shirt, shorts, and jandals. The Kapiti Coast has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, with a strong community feel. It’s home to lots of classic Kiwi beaches with plenty of holiday homes and tends to be warmer than Wellington, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere.

Dunsborough has been the perfect adventure racing training ground for me for over a decade. The unique geography of the Cape means you can either hide or seek the wind for ocean activities. The running trails are challenging and beautiful, with sharp ascents, technical descents, and magnificent views. I love running rocks, and I can combine rocks and sand running into all my training runs. The mountain biking here has only improved, with old-school singletrack and our unique feature, pea gravel, making things interesting at times.

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XTERRA Australia’s course is both stunning and demanding. The swim, when the wind is kind, is in turquoise water so clear you can see the grains of sand on the bottom. But race days with onshore conditions can turn it into a wild swim, which I love. The bike course is speccy and techy. We don’t have mountains, but the elevation brings you up and down quickly, keeping your heart rate high. Tight turns, rock features, and pea gravel will challenge even the best riders. The run is a great two-lap circuit with a fast start, a technical descent onto the rocks, and a short climb back to singletrack. It’s tough and beautiful. I’ve even jumped into the water mid-run because it’s just too stunning to ignore.

The Dunsborough community always gets behind events. Locals volunteer, participate, and create an incredible atmosphere. When XTERRA comes to town, the streets fill with fit-looking people, mountain bikes take over, and bakeries are packed. At the race village, there’s always something happening, from race commentary to vendors and food trucks. You see kids, parents, professional athletes, and groups of friends all out there having a go. And you’re never alone on the course. Kangaroos live right there, so you’ll be riding and running alongside them. It doesn’t get more Aussie than that!

I grew up in the Bay of Plenty, so all our adventures tended to be in bush and terrain like you experience at Rotorua. My first experience of mountain biking was on these trails, and I fell in love with the freedom and challenge. I’ve raced many triathlons here, and I have a vivid memory of the last section of trail around the lake, getting my second wind, and simply flying down the gradual hill and the joy of everything just 'working'.

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Rotorua captures so much of New Zealand’s landscape with clear lakes, dense green bush, and geothermal activity reminding you that NZ sits on a fault line. The lake is fresh and a little cold, but on a clear morning, with glassy water reflecting the trees, it’s stunning. The mountain bike trails are on the edge of pine forests, but there’s plenty of native bush to enjoy. It is dense, it is green, it is alive.

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The race has a relaxed, friendly vibe, which is one of the things I love about Kiwis and the off-road community. Everyone is welcome, everyone cheers you on, and people drive from all over to take part. Rotorua attracts a competitive field, but everyone is supportive and just wants to see more people getting involved in this amazing sport.

The swim can be a bit cold, but it’s a freshwater lake. You start on a narrow stretch of sandy beach, and it gets deep pretty fast, so you can take off swimming quickly. The bike course starts with a climb up the road, an intense section where you’re trying to bring your heart rate down from the transition, jostle for position before the single track, and keep climbing. One standout section is a long downhill with sweeping banked corners where you can get some good speed if you have a clear run. The run loops twice around the lake, with tree roots, possible mud or wading, steep and unforgiving stairs, and a final stretch of sand before the finish.

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Rotorua is a hub of Kiwiana and Māori culture. The geothermal activity is everywhere, from Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to the distinctive sulfur-infused air that greets you as you enter town. Beyond Lake Tikitapu, where the race is held, you can visit the Buried Village and remnants of the Pink and White Terraces. The Polynesian Spa is a great spot to unwind in naturally hot water, and the lakes in this area are all unique and beautiful. Rainbow Springs showcases some of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a kiwi in the darkness of the kiwi house. I spent many childhood weekends and school events in Rotorua and still don’t think I have experienced everything it has to offer.

Puerto Rican culture offers hospitality and a good time. Our Island is an awesome destination for the whole family, from the colorful rainforests to the beautiful beaches. Cabo Rojo, located on the southwest corner of the Island, offers the feeling of a relaxed beach community with the opportunity for adventure mountain biking, numerous local trails, close-by surfing beaches, and comfortable temperature water for swimming. 

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The swim course is similar to a protected bay swim, calm. Once out of the water, you will need to run about 300 meters on asphalt to the transition area. The bike course has a good flow with some demanding climbs, which are compensated for with a view—though you really can’t enjoy it much while racing, so make sure you ride before the race. The run course is on what seems to be a peninsula. On the way out, the trail goes along the beach on one side and on the way back along the salt farms on the other side.

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The southwest part of the Island is used by the locals as a vacationing escape, with beautiful, calm, and moderate temperature water, with numerous bike trails where you can enjoy what the area has to offer. You can adventure to the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, surrounded by cliffs that drop to the ocean, other close-by trails in Joyuda for more bike park-type riding, or the area of the Dry Forest in Lajas. This area has hosted many local outdoor events because of the landscape and availability of accommodations. I have ridden endurance MTB events to XCO races as well as Olympic-length triathlons and 5K to ultra trail runs.

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The XTERRA vibe is awesome here. I remember the volunteers were throughout the course, making sure everything was safe. You have to come to our Island to understand our vibe as well. Friendly hospitality is always there. Puertorriqueños always have the music inside, expressed through our salsa, merengue, bomba y plena, and now our reggaeton. Be ready to add a couple of pounds if you are up for Puerto Rican food and make sure you get mofongo, which is smashed plantain usually accompanied by some sort of sauced protein.

Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, surrounded by natural cliffs that showcase the rugged Maltese coastline. It’s a perfect mix of heritage and nature. The watchtowers on Mgarr, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Majjistral hilltops once kept us safe during wartime and are still used for training by the armed forces. These areas are protected from development, shaped by natural erosion from the sea, rain, and life. Golden Bay is home to beautiful flora and fauna. As you swim out, the sandy seabed comes to life with small, golden stingrays shyly swimming away. In the rocky sections, a plethora of small colorful fish dart underneath, unfazed by your motion.

The trails here have hosted several races—mountain biking, running, and, of course, XTERRA Malta. We’ve had many great rides and runs in the area, and the cliffside makes for some stunning open-water swims. The swim course itself changes over the years, not because the route shifts, but because of the conditions. Golden Bay is protected from eastern and southern currents, but on western or northern currents, it can get pretty choppy. I personally love rougher conditions, but I don’t expect a personal best on those days. The water temperature on race day is cooler than in summer, which can reach 30°C, but it never drops below 15°C.

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The Hellfire uphill is the brutal part of the bike route. It comes just after the halfway point of the lap, and we have to do it three times. It’s been a challenge I’ve been working on for the past couple of years. The run’s signature feature is the clay slopes. They are brutal to climb, with most athletes walking up, but reaching the top is worth it and the views throughout the run are incredible.

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As Maltese, we are loud people, and we do know how to party! The days before the race are busy with tourists and athletes around the bay. During the race, the atmosphere is cheery with many supporters near the transition areas. After the race, the Maltese character comes alive with music on the beach, lots of Maltese beer, and an amazing celebration. The whole event is about celebration because after all, we are all here to honor our hard work, health, and abilities.

XTERRA Greece is one of the few races held in the heart of a European capital. Its unique location in Athens makes it easily accessible to athletes from around the world, offering ideal race conditions with pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and the stunning crystal-clear waters of Vouliagmeni Beach. What sets it apart is the blend of outdoor adventure with Athens’ rich cultural heritage. It’s not just a race; it’s an experience, where you push your limits in nature while surrounded by the history and vibrant energy of one of Europe’s most iconic cities.

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Vouliagmeni blends all three elements of XTERRA without compromise. You start from a classic Greek beach, with clear waters and golden sands, then transition straight into a mountain backdrop. The technical, rolling terrain offers a mix of challenge and flow, with amazing views of the city and the Athenian Riviera. Coming from Lefkas, home to some of the best beaches in Europe, my standards for water are high, but Vouliagmeni surprised me. The water was incredibly clear, making it a true pleasure to swim.

The swim course is one of the most memorable parts of the race. Triathletes rarely get the chance to swim in such clear waters, and the Australian exit adds a dynamic break, keeping things exciting for both athletes and spectators. The bike course is a mix of steep, technical sections and fast, flowy paths, making it both challenging and accessible. You’ll navigate rocky trails, quick descents, and even a few spots where you’ll have to step off your bike and carry it up stairs. The run course is a real trail experience, pushing athletes beyond your comfort zones. Mount Hymettus’ steep, rocky climbs test your strength and mental grit, and just when you think you’ve conquered it all, the final stretch forces you through the golden sands of Vouliagmeni Beach before the finish line.

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The local community plays a huge role in XTERRA Greece. The people of Vouliagmeni and the local municipality have fully embraced the race, creating an atmosphere with enthusiastic volunteers who support athletes every step of the way. Local food vendors bring the best of Greek hospitality, making this event feel like more than just a race. To me, it’s like a gathering of a tribe.

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XTERRA Greece offers a taste of Greek culture beyond the race. The warm hospitality, the local food waiting at the finish line, and the signature cowbell you ring as you cross, all add to the experience. Simple, authentic, and full of the Greek spirit.

Racing in Austin, TX in April is a perfect way to thaw out the bones and shake off the cobwebs after a winter of training mostly indoors. The temperature is perfect for racing: Lake Travis is often just warm enough to be wetsuit legal but not icy cold, the trails are dry, and the air is warm but not stifling like it can be during Texas summers. Pace Bend Park is a great host for off-road adventures, offering a remote, camp-friendly feel while still being close enough to the town of Spicewood for food and lodging.

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Being from out of state, I’m in awe of the terrain at Pace Bend. It is not flat like I perceive much of Texas to be. The trails flow over rolling hills under a canopy of oaks and fragrant junipers, with fun, technical components like white limestone slabs and loose rock. And the wildflowers, especially the beloved Texas bluebonnets, are in bloom all around the finish line and transition area. It feels like the park itself gives participants a “Big Ole Texas Welcome.”

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Lake Travis is a long, narrow lake, so the swim course, a two-loop isosceles triangle, is easy to follow. The mass start makes for some fun, spicy swimming, giving men and women equal opportunities to jockey for position before the bike. When I raced in 2024, the lake was unseasonably low, and the shoreline was speckled with clam shells—something I didn’t expect to see in central Texas. 

The bike course has a little bit of everything: chunky rock, smooth flow, and a couple of “whoop-de-dos” that had racers hootin’ and hollerin’ over them. It’s 100% singletrack but offers places to pass. The course is fast but takes some mountain biking skill to ride which is great for beginners and first-timers, yet still fun and challenging for experienced riders. The run is tough, with little shade, punchy climbs, and trails that aren’t as well-traveled. Passing by the transition and finish line before starting the second loop can be both a blessing and mentally deflating. But spectators, staff, and volunteers from Race Revolutions are out in full force, cheering everyone from the fastest to those at the back of the pack. The finish rewards runners with sweet food and cold beverages.

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Texans have big hearts and personalities. They are friendly and love making visitors feel welcome, whether at restaurants, coffee shops, or at the race. After the event, we ventured into Spicewood and discovered a free Austin City Limits outdoor concert. It was the perfect way to cap off our short adventure weekend and fully immerse ourselves in authentic Texas culture.