2024 XTERRA World Championship Preview: A Battle of the Ages
September 25, 2024
MOLVENO, TRENTINO, ITALY /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 28th XTERRA World Championship returns on September 28, uniting the world’s best off-road triathletes for the pinnacle event of the 2024 season.
The village of Molveno with just over 1,000 inhabitants located beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps welcomes over 1,000 athletes from more than 50 countries to compete for their shot at becoming XTERRA World Champions in their respective age group categories.
The four-day festival features the fast-paced Short Track Triathlon in the race village filled with spectators on Thursday, the World Championship Full Distance Race on Saturday and the first-ever XTERRA Youth World Championship on Sunday. All three events will air live and will also be available on replay. Fans are encouraged to visit XTERRA’s YouTube channel to set their notifications in order to view all three races.
The XTERRA World Championship takes place in Italy in its third consecutive year continuing the sport’s expansion beyond its origins in Maui, Hawaii dating back to 1996. The race village positioned alongside Lake Molveno, surrounded by the iconic peaks of the Dolomites offers an entryway into world renowned trails along with its own uniquely crafted MTB park filled with twists, jumps, and berms. The trail running terrain features flowy gravel along the lakeside, technical ascents and descents over roots and rocks with a final dash to the finish line surrounded by scores of fans, family and friends who encompass the global XTERRA Community.
Saturday’s World Championship awards Elite triathletes with a total prize purse of €100,000 with an additional €100,000 to be given out as part of the second annual XTERRA World Cup. 100 points are on the line during this race to finalize the 2024 XTERRA World Cup rankings. The finale in Italy marks the culmination of a competitive series across various terrains worldwide including stops in Taiwan, Greece, USA, Belgium, Canada, and the Czech Republic.
XTERRA has developed from an off-road sport combining swimming, mountain biking, and trail running into a global phenomenon with participants from 52 countries represented in this year’s World Championship. Notable champions over its 28 year history include Conrad Stoltz (RSA), Lesley Paterson (GBR), Ned Overend (USA), Flora Duffy (BMU), and Jamie Whitmore (USA).
With the sport of cross-triathlon continuing to grow from strength to strength, the 2024 World Championship will see one of the most diverse start lists in recent history. Countries with an established XTERRA history are boasting larger contingents than ever before while multiple other countries will see their colors represented for the first time.
Out of the 52 nations represented at the 2024 XTERRA World Championship, France, the country with more reigning champions than any other, will once again have the biggest presence in the race while also sporting a 28% increase in competitors from 2023. The host nation follows as the second most represented country, with the Italian contingent growing by 60% in their third year as host. Other notable representations include Brazil, who has seen their participation increase by 1,000+%, Belgium at 139%, along with the Czech Republic and Germany who have both seen a 35% increase since last year. The effect of the 2024 debut races is also evident, with Colombia boasting a strong showing of 14 athletes this year. Countries who weren’t present in the 2023 World Championship but will now see their flags represented in 2024 including Latvia, Tunisia, Kuwait, Norway, Guatemala, China, and Malaysia.
Of the 16 reigning World Champions from the men’s race, 6 are back to defend their titles, while 5 women return to defend theirs. Three of these World Champions—Petr Cmunt (CZE), Janet Soule (USA) and Lorenn Walker (USA)—will be in contention to complete the Italian three-peat, having held the title in their age division since the event first debuted in Italy in 2022.
With new countries entering the fray and qualifying slots becoming increasingly hard to earn, this year’s XTERRA World Championship promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the sport’s ongoing rise.
Taking place the day after the World Championship race, the inaugural XTERRA Youth World Championship marks another milestone in the evolution of the sport, and comes as the newest and most significant addition. The debut races, set to crown the World Champions in the Youth A and Youth B & Junior divisions, will wrap up the first full season of the recently established XTERRA Youth Tour. Modeled off the well established XTERRA World Tour, the 2024 Youth Tour consisted of 40 qualifying global events for youth athletes to earn their place in the inaugural Youth World Championship this year.
Over 200 athletes aged 14-19 from 21 countries are set to compete with France once again being the most represented country, along with Czech, Germany, and Belgium following as the next three nations with the most qualified youth athletes. While Europe may be the most represented of the regions, participants will be arriving from all corners of the world, from as far as Namibia, Colombia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
Swim (1.5K): The race begins with a 1.5-kilometer swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Molveno, recognized multiple times as the ‘Most Beautiful Lake in Italy’ by the environmental association Legambiente, and the Italian Touring Club. Athletes will complete two 750-meter laps, featuring an Australian exit where they briefly exit the water and re-enter from a pier for the second lap. Wetsuits are mandatory due to the water temperatures in this mountainous region of Trentino.
Bike (32K): Transitioning from the swim, competitors embark on a demanding 32K mountain bike course composed of two 16K loops. Each loop starts with a flat 3K ride alongside the lake before shifting into challenging climbs on mixed gravel and rocky trails. Riders will reach the highest point of the course within the first 10K, facing a total elevation gain of 1,034m over this segment. The descent combines smooth paths with technical sections featuring roots and rocks. The loop concludes by passing through Molveno and into the race village, where wooden ramps and berms serve as the final obstacles.
Run (10K): The race is decided with a final 10K trail run, reversed in direction from the previous two years. Athletes will run two 5K laps, beginning on a wide fire road before entering technical single tracks with steep ascents and descents, totaling an elevation gain of 288m. The course then reconnects with the beach of Lake Molveno. Competitors will either loop back for the second lap or push to the finish line for their shot at being crowned the 2024 XTERRA World Champion .
World Championship Top Contenders
The Elite and Age Group Start List has been published and is available here.
With the World Championship doubling as the final race of the XTERRA World Cup, there are two concurrent storylines that will determine who will be crowned the second-ever XTERRA World Cup Champion once the series points are added up, and who will cross the line first in the Full Distance Race to win the 2024 XTERRA World Championship.
Felix Forissier (FRA) and Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) are separated by a mere 66 points at the top of the men’s World Cup rankings headed into Thursday’s Short Track event where 75 points will go to the victor with an additional 100 points on the line for Saturday. The question remains if there will be a French sweep in the World Cup and World Championship in 2024. Sloth Nielsen is the key factor to disrupt the French dominance.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Solenne Billouin (FRA) has all but secured her first World Cup win after losing out in the series to Alizée Paties (FRA) in 2023. The key for Billouin is whether or not she can become the second-ever double champion if she wins on Saturday. Arthur Serrières (FRA) was able to win both titles last year for the men, but he remains in 3rd place for the World Cup this year with the double-title defense out of reach.
Serrières and Billouin are focused on another major accomplishment if they win outright at the end of Saturday’s World Championship. Both superstars can etch their names among the all-time greats in the sport by winning three consecutive times starting in 2022, repeating last year and if they are each successful, the three-peat is very much a legendary feat that will cement their legacy in XTERRA history.
(Name, Country, World Ranking)
Arthur Serrières, the reigning back-to-back XTERRA World Champion enters as the favorite until someone can surpass him on the biggest stage. Known for his lethal running ability and flawless race pacing, he often overtakes competitors in the final moments, as he did against Felix Forissier last year. Despite a slow start this season, Serrières underwent intensive altitude training and rebounded with three consecutive Full Distance victories. While he may not lead out of the swim, he quickly moves to the front during the bike segment and has often found himself unmatched on the run. Aiming for a third consecutive title, he is prepared to leave everything on the course, making him the athlete to beat—even as other strong contenders emerge.
Quote from Arthur Serrières:
“Molveno is a bit of everything but the hard way—the swim is quite cold with so many people at the start, the bike is literally a big climb and a downhill, and the run is a bit of everything: flat, up, down, turns. I work as usual to build my level and form at the top; I think I can be okay everywhere. For me, Felix and Jens will be my biggest opponents—Felix is more like my profile. I really want to have my third title because I know, with a third title, I will be someone else—I will really put my name on the sport.”
The primary challenge to Arthur Serrières’ quest for a third consecutive XTERRA World Championship title comes from his compatriot and main rival, Felix Forissier. Over the past two years, the two Frenchmen have had numerous close contests, notably last year’s World Championship where Serrières secured victory in the final moments, and the recent Czech Short Track race where Forissier edged him out by mere milliseconds.
Forissier’s consistent podium finishes—ten straight this year—and his strength across all disciplines makes him the top contender. As Forissier seeks to clinch both the World Cup title and the championship win, their impending showdown is poised to be a highlight of the 2024 XTERRA World Championship.
Quote From Felix Forissier:
“For me, the biggest challenge is the running segment; in Molveno, it’s an extremely demanding part of the race that leaves no room for any weak moments. I think the most important part is managing your effort—victory doesn’t always go to the strongest, but often to the smartest. My closest competitor, Arthur Serrières, will be arriving in great shape, but during the race, I will focus only on myself and the effort I’m putting in.”
Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen, DNK, 4
Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen stands as a major threat to upset the French stronghold at the XTERRA World Championship. Renowned for his exceptional riding skills, he often compensates for swim deficits by dominating the bike segment, which constitutes over 60% of the race. This year, Sloth Nielsen has elevated his running performance to rival that of Arthur Serrières, securing the fastest run splits in multiple Full Distance Races.
With 16 podium finishes since 2023 and a pattern of consistently closing the gap to the front, he defies the notion that only all-around triathletes can claim victory. If he can assert himself early in Trentino, he has a tangible chance to become the first Danish XTERRA World Champion, making him the wildcard who could render this year’s championship the most thrilling in recent memory.
Quote from Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen:
“This season has been my best so far; I’ve been progressing, and while on paper it looks like I’ve been ahead, it’s been really close between me, Felix, and Arthur. Since XTERRA Czech, I’ve been training hard, focusing on my swim, and I’ve performed well. I know I have the potential to win, and I’ll be disappointed if I don’t. Even if I have a bad swim, I think I can catch them on the bike, and I don’t think they can outrun me anymore. I’m quite confident in my racing; it’s going to be a big show, and I’m excited for it.”
Maxim Chané (FRA) is recognized for his consistency and balanced proficiency across swimming, biking, and running—making him a well-rounded contender. In 2024, he showcased his reliability with a 3rd place at XTERRA Germany, a 2nd place at XTERRA France, and multiple top-five finishes. Chané’s steady presence near the top of the leaderboard and his ability to perform consistently across all three disciplines makes him a challenger that cannot be overlooked.
Quote from Maxim Chané:
“I’ve had a solid block of training, balancing time between the mountains and home. Lately, I’ve felt strong, motivated, and really locked in, which allowed me to put together some powerful weeks. My focus is always on pushing my own limits. Sure, the competition sets the bar, but my real goal is to raise my personal standard. Right now, I’m faster and stronger than I’ve been at any point this season, and that’s exactly the direction I want to be heading.”
Michele Bonacina is by far the fastest swimmer of those at the top of the World Championship rankings. After an injury in Stop #1 before the start of XTERRA Taiwan, Bonacina has recovered and been able to extend his lead into longer stretches on the bike and run. In his last outing at the European Championship, he faced a lineup similar to what he will encounter in Molveno and secured a fourth-place finish. Last year, he finished seventh, but with the support of the home crowd, he is aiming for a podium spot.
Adding to his confidence, he recently won the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in Townsville, Australia. While he is expected to be a part of the lead pack in the water, the key will be how long he can hold off competitors like Forissier, Serrières, and Sloth Nielsen on the bike and run to deliver a standout performance for Italy.
Quote From Michele Bonacina:
“The hardest part will definitely be the run course after a strong, hilly bike ride. I’ll try to stay in front during the swim and on the bike, and then we’ll see what happens. There are a lot of strong athletes—Felix will want to lead the swim, and guys like Arthur Serrières and Sullivan Middaugh (USA) will be strong on the bike. The most challenging part for me was breaking my radius early in the season; it took four months to get back in shape and feel good again in races.”
Sullivan Middaugh stands as a wildcard contender for the 2024 XTERRA World Championship. Born into the XTERRA legacy as the son of former World Champion and 15-time USA Champion Josiah Middaugh (USA), he has three consecutive regional championship titles and an impressive fifth-place finish at last year’s World Championship at just 19 years old. He will be joined at the start line with his father once again and also his younger brother, Porter Middaugh (USA) who makes his World Championship debut.
Although he has competed only once this season due to his focus on road triathlon with USA Triathlon’s Project Podium, his upbringing and training suggest he’s a true threat. If he can bring his enhanced speed from road racing to the trails of Trentino, he may deliver one of the season’s biggest upsets and aim to become the first American World Champion since his father in 2015.
Quote from Sullivan Middaugh:
“All three of us racing at Worlds is pretty unexpected, and I’m very excited for us to be on the same start line for the first time. Leading up to XTERRA Worlds, I’ve been training in Park City, Utah, with my teammates on Project Podium, then I was back home in Colorado for the last bit of training with my dad and brother. So far racing in Molveno, I have not had much success with the bridge crossings—I crashed twice on two different bridges in 2022 and crashed hard on one bridge last year—but hopefully this year I can bring that number down to zero. I think I will put in a big effort on the climbs, but I’m also very confident in my run right now, so I’ll make sure to leave enough in the tank for the hard run course.”
(Name, Country, World Ranking)
Since capturing her first World Championship title in 2022, Solenne Billouin has become an almost insurmountable force in off-road triathlon. The French athlete secured a second consecutive World Championship in 2023 and is poised for a rare three-peat after an exceptional 2024 season, where she missed the podium only once in ten races, consistently finishing first or second in the others. Despite facing health issues that have occasionally impacted her training, Billouin’s sheer power across all disciplines—especially her ability to dominate climbs and maintain speed—makes her the favorite. With the fastest bike and run splits in multiple Full Distance Races, she aims to capitalize on her strengths to secure a third consecutive World Championship title.
Quote from Solenne Billouin
“I stayed at home for the last few weeks, training mostly alone but with great support from friends. With the level I’ve reached this year, I know I can be in top shape in a short period of time, usually about three good weeks of training. I’ve had a good season so far, being on the podium in almost every race, and that feels good. I’ve had a bit of stress—maybe more than usual—but statistically, I should do really well. I’ll focus a lot on myself and only on what I can control.”
Making a significant impact with just one race this season, Loanne Duvoisin returned to off-road triathlon to defend her XTERRA European Championship title and did so convincingly. Despite focusing on road triathlon with the Swiss national team in 2024, she dominated an elite field in Czech, showcasing her talent.
Known for her top-tier running ability, Duvoisin is likely to make decisive moves during the run segment. With her recent performance and a history of podium finishes, she is a serious threat who could upset the favorites and claim the World Championship title.
Quote from Loanne Duvoisin:
“It’s awesome to win a [European Championship] title again. It’s never really easy and I’m really proud of my race. I was quite good, had some really quality training weeks which helped me push harder when needed.”
Since turning pro at the start of 2023, Alizée Paties has built an impressive résumé with 18 podium finishes out of 22 races. The reigning XTERRA World Cup champion has set her sights on the World Championship title for 2024. Known for her exceptional biking skills and technical abilities on uneven terrain, Paties often gains significant time on her rivals during the MTB segment. Except for a mechanical DNF in Quebec, she hasn’t finished outside the top four this season. After finishing second to Solenne Billouin last year in the final Full Distance Race, Paties is determined to reverse that result and claim the World Championship this time around.
Quote from Alizée Paties:
“I’ll just simply say that this year was completely different from last year, but it was a rewarding experience. I learned a lot about myself; I had some downs, but thanks to those, I now feel a real connection between my mind and body. I’m feeling fit and healthy, motivated and happy. I’m just focused on the World Championship now and very excited to race. Last year, I was a bit tired and sick by the end of the season, so the approach for this year was different; I’ll do my best to save as much energy as I can for the last dance.”
Italy’s Sandra Mairhofer boasts exceptional strength on the bike and a decorated history in mountain biking, winter triathlon, and XTERRA racing. Although she hasn’t raced consistently this season due to other commitments, she has achieved significant victories, including two outright Full Distance wins and four podium finishes in six races.
A two-time European Champion, Mairhofer aims to leverage her home advantage and extensive experience to secure the elusive World Championship title, pushing her competitors to their limits, especially during the longest stretch on the 32K bike course.
Quote from Sandra Mairhofer:
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best training block to face this World Championship; I’ve had some physical problems that I haven’t fully resolved, which didn’t allow me to prepare in the best way. For sure, the bike is where I feel most comfortable, and I’ll try to play my cards there. Before the race starts, I try to be very focused on what I have to do—I try to be present, attentive, and concentrated.”
Emerging as the fastest swimmer in the sport and one of the biggest breakout athletes of 2024, Aneta Grabmüller has led the field out of the water in every race this season. With each event, she’s becoming increasingly difficult to catch on the bike, holding off top competitors for longer stretches.
After securing second place at the XTERRA European Championship in her home country at XTERRA Czech, she has proven her potential to challenge the leaders. If she can overcome recent Achilles issues, Grabmüller could capitalize on her strong swim and bike segments to contend seriously for the World Championship title.
Quote from Aneta Grabmüller
“Straight after XTERRA Czech, I had to return home and focus on my PhD degree instead of training, but now that I’m finished, I can fully focus on Molveno. I think we can expect cold water, so warming up well will be crucial. I am putting a bit more focus on the swim now that I have more time to train; the bigger the gap, the more difficult it is going to be to catch me. I had to balance my work, motherhood, training, and all my other commitments, and it has not been easy, but now I can finally focus more on my triathlon career.”
Marta Menditto has had a remarkable 2024 season, highlighted by her recent victory at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in Australia. This year, she secured first place at XTERRA Lake Garda and podium finishes at XTERRA Quebec and XTERRA Belgium. Menditto’s consistent performances and recent successes position her as a top contender aiming to make a significant impact at the World Championship on home soil.
Quote from Marta Menditto:
“I feel good and prepared for this last dance. Molveno is a really specific race with almost 40 minutes of uphill twice without stopping; I like this kind of bike course, and the run has everything—flat parts, muddy parts, uphills, technical sections—which I enjoy. Before the race, I want to concentrate just on myself and do my race, no matter what.”
Anna Zehnder has quickly made a name for herself since her pro debut in 2023. With one win, one second place, and one third place in just 14 starts across nine countries, Zehnder secured her first XTERRA victory at XTERRA Germany in 2024.
Consistently finishing in the top ranks, including a fourth-place finish at the XTERRA European Championship at XTERRA Czech, she has shown significant growth and potential. Her balanced skill set and speedy run splits makes her a strong contender who could surprise the field at the World Championship.
Quote from Anna Zehnder:
“I’ve been preparing at home in Switzerland for the World Championship. I do most sessions alone and join my triathlon club three times a week for their swim training. Personally, I really enjoyed the course in Molveno last year; I like the variety of the bike course and its versatility depending on the weather. Before the race starts, there is always a bit of nerves, of course—I go over my race plan, my transition setup, and so on, but I also think of my family, especially my mum, who I know is always watching from above.”
A special mention goes out to Emma Ducreux (FRA) who routinely challenges for the lead right away as her swimming skills can only be matched by Aneta Grabmüller. She confesses, “A few moments before the race starts, I remind myself of what I’m capable of and visualize the first buoy, which will be my first strategic point in the race.”
A major salute should be given to XTERRA veterans, Carina Wasle (AUT) and Helena Karásková Erbenová (CZE) who will be intriguing to watch as they match up against each other quite well. With over 100 XTERRA races between them, Wasle’s approach is upbeat as she explains, “Before the race starts, I focus on positive things—I try to concentrate on the race without putting pressure on myself”. Meanwhile Karásková Erbenová confesses, “I had a fall at XTERRA Germany, and haven’t fully healed, which affected my training. I hope to move up on the bike and run strong. Before the race, I focus on where my strengths lie.”
The 2024 XTERRA World Championship is organized with a high standard of environmental preservation, maintaining the natural allure of Molveno while hosting a large-scale international sports event. The four-day festival, features an opening ceremony, awards dinner and afterparty with various swim, bike, run clinics, yoga sessions, live music, DJ sets, and full-fledged racing action with athletes qualified from various global XTERRA events converging to earn or defend their age group titles, battling for the crown of XTERRA World Champion.
How To Watch The 2024 XTERRA World Championship
Viewing options for fans worldwide are expansive, with livestreams available for free on XTERRA’s YouTube channel. Visiting the link will allow those interested to be notified once the races are set to begin. The coverage will also allow for the action to be viewed on replay at any point.
- The Short Track Triathlon airs on September 26 at 2pm (GMT +2)
- The World Championship Race on September 28 starting at 9:45am (GMT+2).
- The inaugural XTERRA Youth World Championship on September 29 at 9:20am (GMT +2) for Youth A and 11:20am (GMT +2) for Youth B & Junior divisions.
XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.
High-resolution images for publication and social media use here. (Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterraplanet)
Company Info
XTERRA
CONTACT INFO
XTERRA Communications
press@xterraplanet.com
www.xterraplanet.com
Follow us on
