2024 XTERRA World Cup Stop #6 Preview: European Champs in Czech
August 6, 2024
PRACHATICE, CZECH REPUBLIC /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2024 XTERRA European Championship on August 10 takes on additional significance as Stop #6 of the 2024 XTERRA World Cup Series. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historic settings, Prachatice has been a pivotal location in the XTERRA’s history, dating back over two decades. As the oldest race in the XTERRA World Tour it has been an evolving ground for the sport, introducing innovations like the made-for-TV Short Track Race airing live on August 11.
The Full Distance Race features a unique course that traverses historical panel roads built for tanks in the 1960s, winds through forested sections of the Golden Salt Path, and slick singletrack segments, culminating in a dramatic finish in the town square. This layout is not only one of the toughest challenges of the year that awaits athletes but also celebrates the history and the community’s robust engagement with the event. Fans are expected to line the course, maintaining a tradition of support that has characterized the XTERRA Czech for the past 21 years.
The 2024 XTERRA European Championship promises high energy and intense competition with an Elite Prize Purse of €30,000 on the line and 58 qualifying slots available across an array of age-grouper categories for next month’s 2024 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy. With no room for error remaining for the world’s top off-road triathletes, the 2024 XTERRA World Cup competitors must find the additional fuel needed to fire themselves up and go full gas with a challenging weekend of racing ahead.
Swim (1.5K): The Full Distance Race begins at Ktišský Lake, characterized by its peat-bottomed, bronze-colored waters which remain clear and warm (19-23°C). This will be a 3-lap, 1.5K swim, featuring an “Australian exit” between laps. This format allows technical swim specialists to gain an edge as they briefly exit and re-enter the water.
Bike (33K): Following the swim, athletes embark on a 33K point-to-point mountain bike journey. The route starts with a steep ascent through dense forests towards Libín, the race’s highest peak, followed by a technical descent to the historic Golden Salt Path, a medieval trading route. The final leg weaves through challenging singletracks and steep climbs above Prachatice, ending with a descent into the Renaissance-era town, greeted by the cheers of spectators.
Run (10.5K): The run portion comprises two laps totaling 10.5K, beginning in the town square. Runners will navigate narrow cobblestone paths leading to the wooded trails of Černá Hora, packed with technical singletracks, natural obstacles, and steep inclines. Each lap culminates back in the town square, ensuring that participants are fueled by the crowd’s energy before heading out again. The finish line, set before the Statue of Justice in Prachatice’s Great Square, marks the spot where the XTERRA European Champions will be crowned.
There is an air of intensity surrounding Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK), who is sandwiched in between XTERRA’s top French off-road triathletes. With Felix Forissier (FRA) leading Sloth Neilsen by 44 points in the overall 2024 XTERRA World Cup standings and Felix’s older brother Arthur Forissier (FRA) currently in third, the competition is fierce. Maxim Chané (FRA) and last year’s World Cup Champion Arthur Serrières (FRA) round out the top five men in this highly skilled field.
Sloth Nielsen is eager to get out of the water quickly and excel on the bike, but he is also benefiting with increased run splits compared to 2023 from his altitude training in the French Alps. “Group dynamics could be a factor in the race, so it’s important for me to have a proper swim. I know the French guys will be in a big pack. Last year, Felix dominated from the front. I don’t know if he can do it again, but I need to catch up to them early and fast in the swim,” remarked Sloth Nielsen.
The course’s demand for relentless biking plays to his strengths with Sloth Nielsen adding, “It’s a different kind of beast on the bike course with long, challenging climbs. It’s way more physical than some of the other races in the series.” However, Felix Forissier, the reigning XTERRA European Champion and series leader, could secure the World Cup title if he dominates both the Full Distance and Short Track races this weekend.
Arthur Forissier returns to the course with a personal score to settle after a past injury on this course—a broken collarbone—derailed his chances in the 2023 XTERRA World Cup. This race is more than just a competitive event for him; it’s an opportunity for personal redemption.
Maxim Chané, coming off a 7th place finish in Québec, has maintained a strong position throughout the series, currently standing 4th overall. However, Arthur Serrières, who is just 7 points behind Chané and coming off a 1st place finish in Québec, is known to peak towards the end of the series. As the current two-time XTERRA World Championship title holder, Serrières is poised to maintain his form heading into the final stop in Trentino, Italy, aiming for his third consecutive XTERRA World Championship.
Top 5 Elite Men Lining up at Ktišský Lake
(Name, Country, World Cup Points)
1. Felix Forissier, FRA, 604 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 1st place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 2nd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 2nd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 1st place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 2nd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 1st place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 3rd place
“My goal for Québec was to come in and keep my first place position in the World Cup rankings and now I’m fully focused on going the distance to win it all.”
2. Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen, DNK, 560 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 2nd place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 4th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 4th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 3rd place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 1st place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 2nd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 2nd place
“I have a good confidence boost from Quebec regarding my run. The show in Czech always gives a good insight into how fast and furious XTERRA racing really is. The Short Track really reflects that intensity. Both men’s and women’s races are going to be exciting, and I will add to that show. I’m excited to race and hope people will follow on the livestream.”
3. Arthur Forissier, FRA, 506 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 3rd place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 1st place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 3rd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 6th place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 3rd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 7th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 4th place
“I feel good, and this race is special for me with the memory of last year’s crash. The XTERRA Czech courses are unique and challenging, making the race so interesting. To my fans, thank you for your support; I’m honored. To my competitors, good luck and enjoy every moment. I look forward to meeting everyone at the finish line to share the moment together!”
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 4th place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 5th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 5th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 5th place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 5th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 8th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 7th place
“Québec’s Short Track was nice and fun, but a puncture on the 1st bike lap prevented me from racing properly. I was still able to place 8th [and 7th in the FD Race] to score some points [for fourth] in the overall ranking.”
5. Arthur Serrières, FRA, 423 pts.
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 3rd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 1st place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 2nd place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 6th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 19th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 1st place
“After four weeks of intense altitude training where I lived like a monk and worked hard, I gained extra speed that was missing earlier in the series. My performance in the Full Distance race in Québec [after crashing in the Short Track Race] has boosted my confidence for the upcoming XTERRA European and World Championships.”
Complete Start List Here.
There is a fitting buzz to race week at XTERRA Czech with the return of Italy’s Sandra Mairhofer, setting up for a crucial clash with World Cup leader Solenne Billouin (FRA). With each athlete boasting a win against the other this season, Prachatice is primed for a decisive battle for the European Champion title.
Marta Mendito (ITA) has risen to second in the series through consistent performances. With strong results in Czech, she could solidify her podium spot as Alizée Paties (FRA) and Anna Zehnder (CHE) also challenge fiercely for placement.
Sandra Mairhofer’s comeback is charged with determination following a significant fall in last year’s race that sidelined her from the following event. Alizée Paties, after a mechanical setback in Québec in Stop #5 that ended her race prematurely, returns to a Short Track course where she previously encountered a broken handlebar. Solenne Billouin, the reigning two-time XTERRA World Champion, could solidify her series lead with a double win, allowing her to shift focus towards defending her World title next month.
Additionally, the race marks the return of XTERRA veteran Loanne Duvoisin (CHE), who finished second in the Short Track and third in the Full Distance last year. Aneta Grabmüller (CZE), racing in her hometown of Prachatice, currently sits in sixth place overall. She shares her enthusiasm by saying, “I am very excited to race in my hometown of Prachatice! I fell in love with the sport here, and it’s special to line up in front of my friends and family and have that extra boost from the local fans. So come, cheer for us and enjoy the weekend full of triathlon!”
(Name, Country, World Cup Points)
1. Solenne Billouin, FRA, 630 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 1st place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 1st place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 1st place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 2nd place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 2nd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 1st place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 1st place
“I love the atmosphere in Czech, and they put in a lot of effort to create a challenging course. It’s always a demanding race because most of the top athletes are competing. This race will help me debrief and finalize my training strategy leading up to the World Championship.”
2. Marta Menditto, ITA, 501 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 3rd place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 5th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 6th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 4th place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 3rd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 4th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 2nd place
“Prachatice is a magical place, and I love it. The forests are lush and everything is so green. I’m ready to perform well in the World Cup and stay consistent. I know all the ladies will be really strong for the European Championship, but for now, I’m focused on myself and my performance.”
“To all fans, families, followers, and fellow racers: spread and share love, give big hugs, and remember, it’s not just a competition—it’s a family camp where we can spend time with people who share our passions.”
3. Alizée Paties, FRA, 450 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 2nd place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 4th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 3rd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 3rd place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 4th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 2nd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): DNF
“I’m happy and excited to race in Czech. I’m feeling fit and healthy, determined and ready to race with all my heart. The course is fast and fun, with beautiful tracks under the forest greenery throughout the race. I have good memories here and I need to take my revenge on the Short Track after breaking my handlebar last year.”
4. Anna Zehnder, CHE, 430 pts.
Stop #1 (XTERRA Taiwan): 5th place
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 7th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 5th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 8th place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 6th place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 3rd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 4th place
“I had a break after Quebec and a solid week of training, but last Monday, I got food poisoning. Despite the setback, I trust my body will be ready to race in a week’s time. I’m excited to see the infamous XTERRA Czech venue and compete in my first XTERRA European Championship. The altitude profile looks impressive, and with a stacked field including Loanne Duvoisin and Sandra Mairhofer, it’s going to be an exciting race. Tune in for some spectacular off-road triathlon action!”
5. Sandra Mairhofer, ITA, 338 pts.
Stop #2 (XTERRA Greece): 3rd place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain Short Track): 4th place
Stop #3 (XTERRA Oak Mountain): 1st place
Stop #4 (XTERRA Belgium): 1st place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec Short Track): 3rd place
Stop #5 (XTERRA Québec): 4th place
“Heading into an exciting August with the XTERRA European Champs. I am really looking forward to the weekend.”
Festival of Champions and Future Stars
From August 9-11, 2024, the historic town of Prachatice will not only host the XTERRA World Cup and European Championship but will also serve as a crucial juncture for the XTERRA Youth Tour. This year is especially significant as it includes races that are part of the path to the XTERRA Youth World Championship, providing a platform for young athletes to shine on an international stage.
The festival atmosphere extends beyond competition into a vibrant celebration in the town square, featuring local cuisine, live music, aerial displays by Red Bull pilot Martin Sonka and a legendary afterparty. The weekend is packed with various triathlon events catering to all levels, from elite to youth categories as part of the XTERRA community experience.
Will Solenne Billouin and Felix Forissier maintain their lead and close out the competition, or will Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen create a dramatic finale? Can Marta Menditto maintain her position or will she be challenged by Alizée Paties, Sandra Mairhofer, Anna Zehnder or hometown favorite Aneta Grabmüller?
The Elite Short Track race will be an intense and fast-paced spectacle on August 11 at 1pm local time, streamed on the XTERRA YouTube channel, where the XTERRA World Cup will be on full display before the eyes of a global audience.
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 available for publication and social media use here. (Photo credit: XTERRA)
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