XTERRA World Championship Announces the Return to Trentino, Italy for 2025

July 19, 2024

TRENTINO, ITALY /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The XTERRA World Championship will return to the village of Molveno, situated beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps, for its 2025 edition.

This venue, first selected in 2022, marked the first relocation of the XTERRA World Championship outside of Maui, Hawaii, since its inception in 1996. The decision to return for a fourth consecutive year follows the exceptional collaboration and support from the local region, which have been instrumental in the event’s continued success.

The tenure in Trentino has been met with unanimous approval for extension, thanks in part to the thriving partnerships and community engagement. As the culminating event of the XTERRA World Tour and the final stop on the XTERRA World Cup series, Molveno offers the perfect setting for what is often heralded as off-road triathlon’s greatest week of racing.

Youth Development in XTERRA

The extension of the XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, will also positively impact the second year of the XTERRA Youth World Championship. This decision provides a stable and proven venue for the culmination of the XTERRA Youth Tour, allowing for the growth and development of the competition in an established setting. The continuity in location helps in fostering a nurturing environment for young athletes to thrive and excel.

J-D Cousens, XTERRA VP of Operations & Marketing, emphasizes the importance of this by stating, “For the future of our sport, fostering a positive experience for our youth is paramount. We are excited to witness the XTERRA Youth World Championship grow and contribute to the overall success of the sport globally.”

Echoing this sentiment, XTERRA Global’s Sam Joyner added, “With the XTERRA Youth Tour being highly successful in its opening year, another year in Molveno will allow us to work with trusted partners once again as we look to build on the success of the Youth World Championship to further strengthen this new yet crucial element of our sport.”

Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion

As XTERRA continues to explore new horizons, a significant decision was made with Cousens explaining, “While initially considering a new venue in the Asia-Pacific region for 2025, careful evaluation revealed the location won’t be fully prepared by championship time.”

Cousens elaborates further by stating, “This decision is fueled by our commitment to ongoing development of the local trail network and ensuring the venue meets the demanding standards of a World Championship event. We are confident this investment will allow us to host the World Championship there in 2026. As a central hub of the region, the venue will offer ease of travel for participants and a unique cultural experience.”

Kostas Koumargialis, EMEA Marketing & Business Development Director, expresses enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with Trentino and Dolomiti Paganella. “We are thrilled to extend our partnerships in Italy for another year,” he said. Koumargialis highlights the reasons behind the extension, noting, “Their commitment to excellence and their outstanding facilities have been integral to the success of the World Championship. We look forward to another year of exciting competition and collaboration, ensuring that both athletes and fans have an unforgettable experience.”

Roberto Failoni, Councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Forests of the Autonomous Province of Trento, highlighted Trentino’s continued recognition as a top sporting venue. “Trentino is confirmed as one of the best locations for great sporting events and this is once again proven by the confirmation of the XTERRA World Championship in 2025, Lake Molveno and its mountain range will be, for the fourth time in a row, the extraordinary setting of a truly breathtaking and challenging competition, after the great success of the XTERRA European Championship in 2021 and the World Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, we’re proud to host the event again in 2025. As on other occasions, we aim for the highest quality in the accommodation and catering offered to athletes, teams, and spectators, with the commitment for which Trentino is famous and which, we are sure, will make this event as unforgettable as the others.”

Michele Viola, President of the Dolomiti Paganella Tourism board, also expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership. “We are delighted that Dolomiti Paganella has been confirmed to host the XTERRA World Championship for the fourth time,” he stated. Viola highlighted the area’s exceptional facilities and the community’s effort in hosting such events. “This honor underscores our region’s exceptional capabilities as a prime destination for outdoor sports. Molveno’s top-notch facilities and stunning natural landscapes make it the perfect venue for this prestigious event.”

“Our dedicated team and volunteers are invaluable, ensuring a seamless experience and showcasing the collaborative spirit of our community,” Viola continued. He concluded with anticipation for the upcoming event, “This event brings global visibility to Molveno, attracting outdoor sports enthusiasts and highlighting our wide array of activities, from trail running to mountain biking. We eagerly anticipate welcoming athletes and visitors for an unforgettable championship, further cementing Dolomiti Paganella and Molveno’s status as a premier sports destination.”

Molveno Magic

The beach facing the crystal clear waters of Lake Molveno, recognized as the ‘Most Beautiful Lake in Italy’ seven times by Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club is where the action begins.

World renowned biking trails offer a flat ride along the shores of Lake Molveno, climbs into the magnificent Dolomites, and an MTB park-style descent of twists, jumps, and berms. The trail running terrain features flowy gravel along the lakeside, technical ascents and descents over roots and rocks with a dash to the finish line at one of triathlon’s most vibrant race villages.

“It’s beautiful, magical, and has everything XTERRA needs – a crystal clear lake, vast mountains with smooth tracks, and a forest with incredible trails to run in,” exclaims former XTERRA World Champion Georgia Grobler (ZAF), in the women’s 25-29 division.

A Global Gathering

Drawing together amateur and professional athletes from around the world, all competing in an iconic natural landscape that respects environmental sustainability, enhances Molveno as a prime outdoor venue. Supported by the friends and families in the XTERRA community and the warm hospitality of local hosts, Molveno is prepared once again to welcome an event of the highest standard while preserving the beauty of this unique landscape.

The event week will be an all-encompassing festival, featuring livestreaming action, food trucks, yoga sessions, live music, DJ sets, opening and closing ceremonies, dinners, dancing and awards that honor the toughest trail blazers. Athletes can participate in clinics across biking, running, and swimming to hone their skills under expert guidance. Press conferences with top athletes and XTERRA legends will be broadcast live while scores of spectators cheer on the very best of the 2025 XTERRA World Tour and XTERRA World Cup, along with the fastest off-road warriors from various age groups and nationalities, all vying for the title of 2025 XTERRA World Champion.

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.

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