Ready to Rise at XTERRA Greece

April 23, 2025

VOULIAGMENI, GREECE (April 23, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – From April 25–27, the 2025 XTERRA World Cup makes its second stop in the coastal setting of Vouliagmeni, Greece, bringing Elite competition and along with XTERRA Youth Tour to the historic shores of the Athenian Riviera.

With €15,000 in prize money and valuable series points on the line, the world’s best off-road triathletes will battle fiercely in the Full Distance Race. Current World Cup leader Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) faces strong competition, including the 2024 World Cup Champion Felix Forissier (FRA), who begins his title defense.

“XTERRA Greece is the first World Cup race for me this year,” said Felix Forissier. “Reconnecting with the XTERRA atmosphere is one of my biggest motivations, along with the race itself. The location and climate here are amazing.”

Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen, who dominated the opener in Australia, adds, “After Australia, it’s exciting to see how things play out again. XTERRA is at its best when you have nature right next to a big city, and Vouliagmeni offers exactly that.”

On the women’s side, World Cup leader Alizée Paties (FRA) arrives confidently. “XTERRA Greece reminds me of my special victory in 2022 after a difficult year,” she reflects. “The swim, bike, and run here are all amazing. It’s a lovely place for triathlon.”

Athletes will test themselves across a technical course, beginning with a crystal-clear 1.5K swim in Vouliagmeni Bay. The challenging 30K mountain bike features rugged Mediterranean trails, and the demanding 11K trail run includes rocky, steep ascents.

“The swim is blue—you can see the bottom and the fish. It’s calm and flat,” describes Ced Smets (BEL), defending age group champion. Michele Bonacina (ITA) highlights the bike course’s speed and technicality: “I love those fast downhill sections with big sweeping turns.”

Mayor Grigoris Konstantellos captures the local spirit: “These events are a golden opportunity for our city. We welcome everyone to experience our beauty.” Kostas Koumargialis, XTERRA EMEA Marketing & Business Development Director, emphasizes the event’s significance: “For twelve years, XTERRA has embraced the rich heritage of this remarkable land, creating an iconic race that combines sport with history.”

Beyond the elite battles, 58 slots are up for grabs for age-group athletes aiming for September’s XTERRA World Championship in Italy. Local competitor Maria Pantelaiou (GRE) says, “Participation is the most important thing—and second is to enjoy the race. XTERRA Greece was my introduction to the sport, and it’s a very well-organized race.”

Youth athletes will also chase their dreams in the Sprint Triathlon, a critical stop on the XTERRA Youth Tour. Defending Youth champion Kaleb Sandås (NOR) describes the course vividly: “The XTERRA Greece course mixes calm and chaos—it’s exhausting but perfect. Every race brings me closer to who I want to be—not just as an athlete, but as a person.”

Newcomer Iris Alexandrina Samuila (ROU), ready to make her mark, shares: “The XTERRA events are awesome and all-out. The atmosphere is like no other.”

XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni, supported by Vari Voula Vouliagmeni Municipality, Trimore, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and local partners, promises to deliver intense competition, unforgettable experiences, and a full-fledged off-road celebration.

“Being one of the most beautiful XTERRA races in the world, it promises to thrill and inspire athletes of all levels,” says event organizer Constantinos Mitropapas. “They’ll face challenges, enjoy the adventure, and create lasting memories.”

Link to Full Announcement Article: Ready to Rise at XTERRA Greece

(Photo credit: XTERRA)

World Cup Updates & Results: xterraplanet.com/world-cup-stops/2025/greece

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. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.