XTERRA Off-Road Triathlons: June '25

Ilhabela is one of the most incredible places to race. It has untouched beaches, rugged trails, and the kind of raw beauty that makes you stop mid-run just to look around. I did my first XTERRA here nine years ago, and every time I return it feels just as special.

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The swim is in calm, clear water, and the setting is hard to beat. The bike course is tough with steep climbs and technical sections that keep you honest the whole way. The run is my favorite part, weaving through the Atlantic Forest with climbs, roots, and views that stay with you long after the race is over.

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The people in Ilhabela make it even better. The community is welcoming and always out in full force, volunteering, cheering, and making you feel at home. There is a warmth to the event that you notice right away.

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And the food here is something else. You have to try the shrimp in pumpkin. It is a local favorite and perfect after a hard race. If you have time, check out the Festa do Divino for a taste of music, culture, and tradition that brings the whole island together.

Namur is a special place to race. The Citadel sits high above the city, a massive fortress surrounded by the river. You feel the history all around you, and we get to race right through it. On the back side of the hill, the course drops into dense forest, twisting through green, shaded trails that contrast the stone and open views at the top.

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It’s always a highlight for me, not just because it’s in my home country, but because the course is demanding. And the atmosphere? It's huge. The crowd energy is real. You better show up ready, because the Belgians will bring the noise — and they’ll definitely bring the afterparty.

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The swim takes place in the river. In the past, we had to swim around a small island, which was really cool, but a bit tricky if the current picked up. These days it’s more straightforward, but the river still has a bit of movement, so you’ll want to stay alert.

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The bike course is where things get serious. It’s a lot of climbing up and down the Citadel hill. After lap one, you come back through the esplanade and T2 area, and that’s when the crowd really hits you. You’ll hear your name, feel the energy, and probably push a little too hard, but the next climb comes fast, and that’s when it hits your legs.

The run is full of character. It winds up and down, through narrow passages and around the historic sections of the fortress. By then, all the elevation from the bike and run starts to catch up. You’ll be counting every kilometer until you see that finish line. But once you get there, the party starts.

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The local community shows a lot of respect, and they expect the same in return. Especially in the days leading into the race, when hikers are out on the trails, it’s important to be courteous and share the space.

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And don’t leave without tasting the real Belgian classics — fries, beer, and chocolate. Forget “French fries.” They’re Belgian, and they’re best right here. Namur’s old town is full of charm and well worth a visit, and if you’re staying longer, I’d also recommend exploring cities like Antwerp or Bruges. You won’t regret it.

Cameron Park is a bit of a surprise. It’s right in the middle of Waco, but it doesn’t feel like it. The trails are green, technical, and full of variety, all set beside the Brazos River. It’s lush and beautiful, not at all what most people expect from central Texas. And the best part is how convenient everything is — good hotels, restaurants, and places to explore are all nearby.

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This park means a lot to me. Some of my strongest memories are from the rainy years, when the water was high and the humidity was off the charts. The course was tough and unpredictable. The run follows the river’s edge, and there have been years when the water rose high enough that racers ended up running through it. Nothing beats a mid-run splash to cool you off. The event always draws a strong field, which adds to the challenge and the excitement.

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The swim is one of the more unique parts of this race. It’s in a flowing river, so you’re working with and against the current. The bike trails are fast, flowy, and technical with some good climbing. They’re smoother and greener than the typical rocky, ledgy terrain you see elsewhere in Texas. And then there’s the run. Jacob’s Ladder is no joke. You have to climb it twice, and it absolutely takes it out of you.

What really makes this event shine is the local support. Joel and Dion, the race directors, have deep roots in the Waco community, and it shows. The volunteers are committed, the crowd is loud, and the whole event has a great, fun vibe.

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And if you’re visiting from out of town, check out the Silos. Chip and JoAnne from Fixer Upper helped put Waco on the map, and their downtown space draws people from all over. Make sure to grab a cupcake while you’re there!

Beaumont-du-Lac is a must-see destination for outdoor sports lovers. The lake is wide, peaceful, and perfect for open-water swims, while the surrounding trails offer everything from gravel and wooded singletrack to flowing lakeside paths. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to run, ride, and explore all day long.

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The region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is like a natural playground. You get everything here. There are steep mountains for more intense training days and mellow coastal trails along the Atlantic for lighter recovery rides or hikes. Lakes and rivers are everywhere, and when the temperature climbs, jumping in for a swim feels like part of the workout plan. It’s a dream spot for triathletes looking to train in a natural, quiet, and wild setting with real elevation and variety.

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I raced XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine last year, and the terrain left a lasting impression. The trails are steep and technical, and when the weather turns wet, they become even more demanding. Climbing requires strength and control, and the descents are slick and unpredictable. The course pushes you to balance your effort, manage your energy, and stay focused throughout.

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The swim takes place in Lake Vassivière, a stunning body of water surrounded by forest and open shoreline. The lake is clear and wide, ideal for sighting, and it invites you in with its peaceful setting. A proper wetsuit is a good idea, as the water can be fresh, but the environment makes it feel like a true adventure swim.

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The bike course offers great variety. It cuts through forest trails and climbs hard, with technical singletrack that keeps your legs and mind working the whole way. If it rains, those climbs and descents become a real test of skill and patience.

The run is scenic and full of character. Trails weave around the lake, with sections that punch uphill and others that let you find rhythm. It’s a complete test, both physically and mentally, in a setting that rewards you with every step.

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The local support makes a huge difference. Volunteers are everywhere and bring real energy. The spectators give you a surge just when you need it most. The community is proud of this terrain and they show it. Even with unpredictable weather, the mood stays festive. And Chun? He keeps the energy alive from start to finish. Still not sure how his socks stayed clean though.

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After the race, the reward is real. Make your way to the Plateau de Millevaches and dive into local traditions. Start with Limousin beef to refuel, try the regional potato pâté, and don’t skip the wild blueberries or porcini mushrooms if you’re lucky enough to find them. And if you’ve still got room, finish with a slice of clafoutis or Creusois cake.

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If you’re heading out to the island in the lake, someone mentioned a local baker whose bread is something special. Sounds like the perfect recovery plan to me.

Lory State Park sits at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, where the foothills roll into big sky country. It is classic Colorado terrain with fast, flowing trails and views that stretch for miles. The course offers a mix of challenges and rewards, built for athletes who love variety in their effort and scenery.

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The swim takes place in Horsetooth Reservoir. The water is clear and calm, set against a backdrop of red rock formations and high country pines. It is a clean, straightforward swim with a shoreline that lets spectators watch the action unfold. The swim distance is 0.5 miles (800 meters).

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The bike course climbs early, giving you a long steady effort before diving into smooth descents and tight turns. There are no huge technical sections, but the course demands focus. It is a true mountain ride with just enough edge to make it interesting. The bike course measures 12.2 miles (19.6 kilometers).

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The run is a 5 mile loop (8 kilometers) with punchy climbs and open stretches through grasslands and forest. It is scenic, with big views near the top and a smooth approach to the finish line back at the base of the hills.

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This race has been part of the Colorado off-road scene for years. The Fort Collins community always shows up with energy, and the event brings out both local athletes and visitors looking to experience the terrain.

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Lory is the kind of race that blends effort with atmosphere. You get strong competition, great views, and a course that delivers from start to finish. If you are looking for a race that captures the spirit of the Colorado outdoors, this one does exactly that.

The Jura region is ideal year-round for trail running, mountain biking, and especially Nordic skiing. It’s hilly, wide open, and sparsely populated, with easy access from towns in French-speaking Switzerland and across the nearby French border. There’s a lot of space here, and a lot of silence.

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In the lead-up to XTERRA Switzerland, I usually scout the course with friends. We ride together, explore new sections, and enjoy the terrain. It’s always a good time and often includes a few victories along the way. There’s even a mountain bike race held the weekend before, on a very similar course along the French-Swiss border, which adds to the anticipation.

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The swim takes place in Lac des Taillères. It’s a single loop, smooth and calm. Personally, I miss the waves, as I enjoy the challenge of choppy water, but this swim is still a pleasant experience in a scenic, alpine setting.

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The bike course is demanding and technical. It really tests you, especially when the ground is wet. The mud here is thick and unforgiving, and there are sections that become extremely challenging in rainy conditions. It’s the kind of course where a plan B is useful in case the weather turns.

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The trail run is absolutely perfect. It begins along the lake, climbs gently to higher ground, and then passes back through the finish area where the public gathers and cheers. Then you head out for a second lap. The course flows well, with a great balance of elevation, forested sections, and open stretches.

The location is relatively isolated, so the local community support is limited. It’s a quieter venue, more focused on nature and endurance than fanfare. That said, the setting itself creates a strong sense of atmosphere.

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If you’re visiting, don’t miss the local cheese. I always take some home from this valley, which is known as the Siberia of Switzerland. It’s cold, remote, and absolutely worth discovering.

South Bend is a great Midwest city with a lot to offer. It’s close to Lake Michigan, has plenty of outdoor activities, and the local vibe is welcoming.

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I’ve been racing the DINO XTERRA for many years. It used to be held in Logansport, but the move to Potato Creek State Park brought a big upgrade. I really enjoy the new venue. The lake is calm and sheltered, which makes for a great 800-meter swim (0.5 miles).

The mountain bike course is true singletrack that flows really well. At 24 kilometers (14.9 miles), it offers a fun ride whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. It’s one of those courses that keeps you smiling the whole way through.

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The run is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and starts out flat as it wraps around the edge of the lake. Then it cuts into the woods with a short but solid climb before looping back to the finish. It has a great rhythm to it and offers enough variety to keep things interesting.

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It’s a very well-run race with strong community support. There are always plenty of volunteers and great involvement from the local mountain bike community. It’s also a great area to visit. And of course, if you’re in South Bend, stop by the Notre Dame campus to soak in a bit of the college atmosphere.

The Štiavnica region is one of the most beautiful places in Slovakia for outdoor adventure. There are over 20 lakes in the area, many of them connected by road and mountain bike trails that pass through hilly, forested terrain and past historic buildings that make Banská Štiavnica so unique.

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This area is personal for me. My grandparents were born here, and we have a cottage nearby, so I’ve spent a lot of time in these mountains. In winter, snow levels have dropped in recent years, so we’ve done less cross-country skiing, but ice skating on the lakes is still great. In summer, the terrain is perfect for cross triathlon and duathlon, so it couldn’t be a better place to train.

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The swim takes place in Banský Studenec, which has been the swim venue for more than a decade and was a favorite of the Štiavnický Triathlon. Now, with XTERRA, there’s more atmosphere thanks to the finish line being in the heart of the town. It adds history and energy to the event. That also means two long climbs from the city center, which makes the bike course more demanding.

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The MTB course is tougher now, but I like it. It has climbs, fast sections, and a technical rhythm that keeps it exciting. The run is always hilly here. If you love downhills and panoramic views like I do, this is one of the best places to race. Every ridge gives you a chance to catch your breath and enjoy a stunning view before you push on.

Local support is one of the best parts of this event. Vlado Poprac has done an amazing job developing cross-triathlon in Štiavnica. His passion brought in so many volunteers and helped create a warm, family-like atmosphere. Now with XTERRA, we get both the feeling of a traditional race and the organization of a World Cup-level event.

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For culture, there’s a lot to see. Štiavnica is a historic mining town. You should visit the Open-Air Mining Museum and grab a slice at Alžbetka mining pizzeria. In the city center, check out the mini woodcarving museum, Betlehem. And for views, don’t miss Kalvária, Paradajs, or Sitno near Počúvadlo Lake.

Tahoe City is one of those places that stays with you. Set along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe, it blends alpine scenery, rugged terrain, and that distinct Sierra Nevada calm. The race starts and finishes at Commons Beach, a community spot that sits right on the lake’s edge.

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The swim takes place in Lake Tahoe, one of the clearest, cleanest, and deepest lakes in North America. At 1500 meters, it’s a true open water swim in blue water you can see straight through. The views are stunning. The water is fresh. And the altitude adds just enough bite to make you feel it.

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The bike course is classic Tahoe — a mix of singletrack and doubletrack with steady climbs, smooth descents, and wide views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll ride past open meadows filled with wildflowers and into pine forest trails that roll with the contours of the mountain. It’s 34 kilometers of terrain that feels remote but is always well marked and rideable.

The run is 10 kilometers and climbs early before leveling out along the ridge. There are quiet moments in the trees and open stretches with panoramic views of the lake. It’s the kind of course that makes you forget the effort for a few seconds at a time.

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XTERRA Tahoe City has built a strong community feel over the years. Athletes return for the scenery, but also for the energy around the event. Commons Beach is a perfect gathering spot, and after the race, the lake is right there waiting. Whether you're cooling off, celebrating, or just soaking it all in, it’s hard to imagine a better place to finish an XTERRA.