Billouin, Serrières Complete the Three-Peat at the 2024 XTERRA World Championship

September 28, 2024

MOLVENO, TRENTINO, ITALY /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 28th XTERRA World Championship concluded on September 28, bringing together over 1,000 of the world’s best off-road triathletes from more than 50 countries in Molveno, Italy. Arthur Serrieres (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) each secured their third consecutive World Championship titles, placing them among the greats in XTERRA history.

Set beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites, the race began with a chilly start—10°C air temperature and 14°C water temperature in Lake Molveno. As the competition kicked off, the sun emerged, warming the atmosphere for the packed crowd of cheering fans and thousands of livestream viewers worldwide.

Watch Replay

Global Expansion

This was the third consecutive year in Italy for off-road triathlon’s great day of racing, continuing the growth of the sport beyond its origins in Maui, Hawaii, dating back to 1996. Saturday’s World Championship awarded Elite off-road triathletes a total prize purse of €100,000. An additional €100,000 was distributed as part of the second annual XTERRA World Cup with Billouin and Felix Forissier (FRA) topping the overall leaderboard. The finale in Italy capped off a competitive series that spanned diverse terrains worldwide, including stops in Taiwan, Greece, the USA, Belgium, Canada, and the Czech Republic.

XTERRA has evolved into a global phenomenon, with this year’s championship featuring qualified competitors from 52 countries. France led with the largest contingent, showing a 28% increase from 2023, while the host nation Italy saw a 60% growth. Notable increased participation also came from Brazil, Belgium, and Colombia. With new countries joining including Latvia, Tunisia, Kuwait, Norway, Guatemala, China, and Malaysia the 2024 XTERRA World Championship added another unforgettable chapter to the sport’s ongoing rise.

Course Description

Swim (0.75K): The race began with a single 750-meter swim in Lake Molveno after the Italian Triathlon Federation (FITRI) shortened the course from the planned 1.5K due to 14°C water and 10°C air temperatures, adhering to official regulations. Athletes navigated the crystal-clear waters of Lake Molveno, acclaimed as the ‘Most Beautiful Lake in Italy’ by Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club.

Bike (32K): A demanding 32K mountain bike course composed of two 16K loops. A flat 3K ride along the lakeshore transitioned into challenging climbs on mixed gravel, first and rocky trails made more challenging with recent rainfall making traction difficult to come by. Riders reached the highest point within the first 10K, facing a total elevation gain of 1,034 meters per loop. The descent blended smooth paths with technical sections featuring roots and rocks, concluding by passing through the race village, where wooden ramps and berms served as the final obstacles.

Run (10K): The race concluded with a 10K trail run, reversed in direction from previous years. Athletes completed two 5K laps, starting on a wide fire road before entering technical single tracks with steep ascents and descents, totaling an elevation gain of 288 meters. The course reconnected with the beach of Lake Molveno, where competitors looped back for the second lap or headed straight to the finish line to vie for the 2024 XTERRA World Championship title.

Elite Men’s Race Recap

Swim Segment

In the men’s race, Jens Roth (DEU) was the first to exit the 750-meter swim, clocking a time of 11:24. He was closely followed by Keller Norland (USA), who finished just 8.07 seconds later at 11:32. Jules Dumas (FRA) secured the third spot out of the water with a time of 11:41. A tight chase pack emerged shortly after, featuring Federico Spinazze (ITA) in fourth place at 11:42 while Felix Forissier (FRA) and Arthur Serrières (FRA) came out neck-and-neck at 11:44.

Sullivan Middaugh (USA) emerged in tenth place, 24.10 seconds behind Roth. Notably, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK), considered one of the strongest contenders, exited the swim in 26th position, recording a time of 12:51, which put him 1 minute and 27 seconds behind the leader.

Men’s Top 5 Swim Splits

1. Jens Roth (DEU) – 11:24

2. Keller Norland (USA) – 11:32

3. Jules Dumas (FRA) – 11:41

4. Federico Spinazzè (ITA) – 11:42

5. Arthur Serrières (FRA) – 11:44

Bike Segment

In the men’s race, the bike segment significantly reshaped the competition. At the end of the first 16K bike loop, Forissier surged into the lead, closely pursued by Serrières, who was just seven seconds behind. The rivalry between the two French athletes intensified as Sloth Nielsen climbed to third by the end of the first bike lap. Known as “The Overtaker,” Nielsen lived up to his nickname by overtaking 23 competitors, trailing Forissier by one minute and 17 seconds. Unfortunately, Sebastien Neef (DEU) experienced a crash past the 7K mark in a forested section of the course, bringing his race to an abrupt end. He received prompt medical attention and was assisted off the course. Sullivan Middaugh also fell off his bike at the 15K mark of the first loop down the cobblestone steps of Molveno’s historic village center, but he persevered and completed the race.

By the end of the segment, Forissier maintained his lead with a total time of 1:46:38, extending his advantage over Serrières, who was now 19 seconds behind at 1:46:57. Sloth Nielsen remained in third place with a time of 1:48:29, trailing the leader by one minute and 51 seconds. Chané continued in fourth at 1:50:03, while Josiah Middaugh (USA)—Sullivan’s father—advanced to fifth place with a time of 1:52:56, demonstrating his veteran experience and adding a compelling narrative to the race as he lined up with both his sons including Porter Middaugh (USA) who celebrated his 19th birthday during Thursday’s Short Track Race.

Men’s Top 5 Bike Splits

1. Felix Forissier (FRA) – 1:34:08

2. Arthur Serrières (FRA) – 1:34:23

3. Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) – 1:34:43

4. Sebastien Carabin (BEL) – 1:37:23

5. Maxim Chané (FRA) – 1:37:27

Run Segment

Entering the run segment of the men’s race, Forissier held a slender lead over fellow countryman Serrières, with just a 19-second gap separating them after the bike leg. However, the 10K trail run proved pivotal. Serrières showcased his exceptional running power, overtaking Forissier early in the run. He steadily increased his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line in 2:25:33, securing his third consecutive XTERRA World Championship title. He becomes the first man to ever accomplish the three-peat.

Forissier fought hard to keep pace but couldn’t close the gap, finishing second with a time of 2:26:49, 1 minute and 16 seconds behind Serrières. Sloth Nielsen maintained his third-place position throughout the run, completing the race in 2:30:11, trailing the leader by 4 minutes and 38 seconds.

Men’s Top 5 Run Splits

Arthur Serrières (FRA) – 39:00

Felix Forissier (FRA) – 40:32

Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) – 41:57

Josiah Middaugh (USA) – 43:17

Maxim Chané (FRA) – 43:55

Top 10 Men’s Full Distance Results

1. Arthur Serrières (FRA) – 2:26:31

2. Felix Forissier (FRA) – 2:27:45

3. Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) – 2:31:06

4. Maxim Chané (FRA) – 2:34:44

5. Josiah Middaugh (USA) – 2:36:48

6. Sébastien Carabin (BEL) – 2:37:40

7. Sullivan Middaugh (USA) – 2:38:47

8. Baptiste Fordoxcel (FRA) – 2:40:01

9. Jules Dumas (FRA) – 2:41:31

10. Richard Murray (NLD) – 2:43:16

View Complete Results

Quotes from Top 3 Men

1. Arthur Serrières (FRA):

“The race was spectacular. The swim wasn’t great, but I came out where I needed to be. The bike was a tough battle with Felix; he’s incredibly strong, and I had to suffer a lot to keep up. On the run, I knew I had a little gap and still had some energy left. I caught Felix quickly and pushed hard to drop him. After that, it was all about staying focused, running fast, and being smart. It’s a pleasure to race here—three in a row. Hopefully, there’s a chance next year for four, but I think Felix deserves to have a title.”

2. Felix Forissier (FRA):

“The swim wasn’t great for me; I wanted to be at the front, but I wasn’t. The bike was okay—I tried to push Arthur to the limit on the climbs and downhills, but he’s just incredible on the run, and I couldn’t keep up. On the first big climb of the run, I tried to stay with him, but it was too difficult; he kept pushing, and soon I was 10, 20 meters behind, and after that, the gap just closed. I’m pretty happy to win the World Cup Series—it was my first objective of the season—and I’m really happy about it. But I’m a bit disappointed because I came here to win the World Championship. That’s the game, though; Arthur was stronger today.”

3. Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK):

“It was a hectic start, and I’m not great at getting off the line quickly. Navigating around the buoys was chaotic, and I couldn’t hold my position. I made up some ground after the swim and pushed hard on the first bike loop, but the leaders were still 20 seconds ahead and very fast on the downhills. I gave everything I had, promising myself I’d go as hard as possible until the end. I didn’t come for third place; I don’t know what to do other than to get back to the drawing board. It’s been an amazing season—I managed to stay healthy and do good in each race—but I have to step up my game, and I want to start winning.”

Elite Women’s Race Recap

Swim Start

In the women’s race, former four-time Olympian, Rachel Klamer (NLD), was the first to exit the 750-meter swim, recording a time of 12:19. She was followed by Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) in second place at 12:43, trailing by 24 seconds. Anna Zehnder (CHE) secured third position with a time of 13:36, over a minute behind the leader.

A closely-knit chase pack formed behind them, including Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) in fourth place at 13:36, Emma Ducreux (FRA) in fifth at 13:38, and Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) in sixth at 13:38. Solenne Billouin (FRA), the reigning two-time champion, emerged from the water in seventh place with a time of 13:47, approximately 1 minute and 28 seconds behind Klamer.

Women’s Top 5 Swim Splits

1. Rachel Klamer (NLD) – 12:19

2. Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) – 12:43

3. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) – 13:36

4. Anna Zehnder (CHE) – 13:36

5. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) – 13:38

Bike Leg

The bike segment saw significant shifts in the leaderboard. Billouin displayed exceptional biking skills, overtaking the competitors ahead of her to seize the lead by the end of the first bike loop, establishing a 30-second advantage over Duvoisin, who climbed from sixth after the swim to second place. Mairhofer advanced to third place while Alizée Paties (FRA) moved from eighth place after the swim to fourth, trailing the leader by 1 minute and 32 seconds. Grabmüller (CZE), who was second out of the water, held onto fifth place. Marta Menditto (ITA) and Ducreux rounded out the top seven, after the first bike lap, both approximately 5 minutes and 50 seconds behind the leader.

As the bike leg progressed, Billouin continued to extend her lead. By the end of the 2nd loop she solidified her position at the front. Mairhofer made a strong push to move into second place, finishing the bike segment trailing Billouin by 50 seconds. Paties continued her impressive ascent from eighth after the swim to third place by the end of the bike leg, 2 minutes and 36 seconds behind the leader.

Duvoisin slipped to fourth place after 2 spills, one around the 4K mark before the first aid station, then again on the second loop as she ended up 3 minutes and 19 seconds off the lead. Grabmüller, who was second out of the water, maintained her position in fifth place.

Women’s Top 5 Bike Splits

1. Solenne Billouin (FRA) – 1:50:59

2. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) – 1:51:50

3. Alizée Paties (FRA) – 1:53:17

4. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) – 1:54:10

5. Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) – 1:59:49

Run To The Finish

Entering the run segment, Billouin maintained her lead from the bike and extended it with exceptional endurance to finish ahead of the Elite women yet again. Mairhofer put forth a strong effort, but ultimately crossed the line approximately one minute and fifty-one seconds behind Billouin.

Duvoisin was impressive, moving up from fourth to third place during the run. She managed to close the gap, finishing two minutes and thirty-two seconds after the leader. In contrast, Paties, who started the run in third place, slipped to fourth as she couldn’t maintain her pace, ending up four minutes and thirty-two seconds behind Billouin.

Women’s Top 5 Run Splits

1. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) – 48:43

2. Rachel Klamer (NLD) – 49:09

3. Solenne Billouin (FRA) – 49:31

4. Anna Zehnder (CHE) – 50:04

5. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) – 50:31

Top 10 Women’s Full Distance Results

1. Solenne Billouin (FRA) – 2:55:42

2. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) – 2:57:34

3. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) – 2:58:14

4. Alizée Paties (FRA) – 3:00:15

5. Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) – 3:08:06

6. Anna Zehnder (SUI) – 3:11:06

7. Marta Menditto (ITA) – 3:13:19

8. Emma Ducreux (FRA) – 3:14:18

9. Rachel Klamer (NLD) – 3:15:42

10. Romy Spoelder (NLD) – 3:16:17

Quotes from Top 3 Women

1. Solenne Billouin (FRA):

“I couldn’t calm my breath during the swim; the cold temperature had my heart rate high. At the end, in transition, I was with the women I needed to be with to win the race. On the bike, I got dropped at the start by Sandra (Mairhofer) and Loanne (Duvoisin)—they were pushing really hard—but I stuck to my plan, checking my watts and stayed consistent, especially in the technical parts. On the run, I knew I was good. I was alone but had to believe in myself, and I did. We’ve worked a lot on the mental aspect with my coach. Three times consecutive and 2024 Double Champ—it’s why it’s very emotional for me, and I’m very happy.”

2. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA):

“The 750-meter swim was good. The bike was tricky with all the mud and wet roots—it was challenging to stay on the bike, but I liked the conditions. I passed Solenne (Billouin) in the beginning, but she caught up. I made some mistakes on the uphill but stayed ahead on the technical parts with mud and roots. The run was tough; I knew there were strong runners behind me, so I had to push really hard. I managed to find the energy somewhere. It was awesome—I’m really happy with my performance. It was a real battle and really fun. It’s awesome to have the World Championship here in Italy; a lot of people cheered me on.”

3. Loanne Duvoisin (CHE):

“It was definitely a tough day, but I’m really proud of my race. The swim was cold, and I’m not good with cold water, so my muscles became tight. If it were warmer, I would’ve preferred a longer swim, but the shorter swim was better for me today. On the bike, I crashed a lot of times on the muddy sections and lost time. The first crash wasn’t too bad, but the second one on the downhill cost me more—I think I lost two or three minutes. I struggled on the bike but tried to push more on the second loop of the run. My legs were really suffering, but I really tried my best to catch Alizée Paties. For this kind of race, you really need a good technical level.”

Global Champions

Age Group Champions from around the world were also celebrated by the XTERRA Community, their friends, and family, with flags from 52 nations flowing through the race village. These athletes, having qualified from XTERRA events across the globe, deserved their moment of glory. Among those crowned World Champions were Linda Detering (RSA F25-29), Julika Pahl (NAM F30-34), Carole Perrot (CHE F45-49), Emile Billaut (FRA M20-24), Matthias Allegaert (BEL M35-39), along with Petr Cmunt (CZE M25-29), who also achieved a three-peat of World Championship titles this year. Each athlete showcased their grit and determination, earning their place on the global stage.

The 2024 XTERRA World Championship was organized with a high commitment to environmental preservation, ensuring that Molveno’s natural beauty remained intact while hosting a large-scale international event. The four-day festival featured an opening ceremony, an awards dinner, and an afterparty. Participants and spectators enjoyed a variety of activities, including swim, bike, and run clinics, yoga sessions, live music, DJ sets, and, of course, the thrilling races where athletes aimed to earn or defend their age group titles, vying for the coveted title of XTERRA World Champion.

How To Replay The 2024 XTERRA World Championship

Streams continue to be available on XTERRA’s YouTube channel. The action could also be replayed at any time. Watch the Short Track Race that aired on September 26. For the 2024 XTERRA World Championship Race on September 28 the replay is also available.

Make sure to tune into the inaugural XTERRA Youth World Championship which will air live on September 29 at 9:20am (GMT +2) for Youth A and 11:20am (GMT +2) for Youth B & Junior divisions to crown the next generation of Champions for the future of off-road triathlon to keep going strong.

About XTERRA

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.

High-resolution images for publication and social media use here. (Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterraplanet)