XTERRA World Cup Opener: Paties & Sloth Nielsen Dominate

March 30, 2025

2025 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship Recap

DUNSBOROUGH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – From March 27–31, 2025, XTERRA made history, uniting the world’s elite off-road triathletes, age-group warriors, youth stars, and trail runners for the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship and the opening round of the 2025 XTERRA World Cup series.

Set against the backdrop of Meelup Regional Park and Geographe Bay, over 1,000 athletes from 29 nations experienced a four day festival of courage, culture and community.

XTERRA World Cup Opener: Paties & Sloth Nielsen Dominate

Alizée Paties (FRA) and Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) completed a clean sweep , winning both Thursday’s Short Track and Saturday’s Full Distance races to claim maximum World Cup points.

Paties overcame an early lead from local star Maeve Kennedy (AUS) with a blistering bike leg, eventually winning comfortably in 2:43:51. “I wanted to catch Maeve quickly, so I started to push,” said Paties. “On the downhill sections, I just kept pushing again and again.”

Sloth Nielsen reeled in early leader Michele Bonacina (ITA) midway through the run and surged ahead to claim victory in 2:26:38. Nielsen explained, “This venue is tailor-made for racing.”

Asia-Pacific Elite Champions Crowned: Forbes and Kennedy Victorious

Competing concurrently, regional athletes battled for XTERRA Asia-Pacific elite titles, with Ben Forbes (AUS) and Maeve Kennedy (AUS) emerging on top. Forbes overcame a slow swim start, powering through the field on the bike to secure his first-ever Asia-Pacific crown in 2:30:34.

Kennedy’s strength in the swim and run propelled her to victory, finishing in 2:53:52 ahead of Hannah-Lee Young (AUS). “I’m Aussie, but I live in New Zealand—I love the people on this side of the world,” Kennedy reflected. “It’s always a pleasure to race with the women here.”

Age-Group Athletes Inspire

The age-group competition embodied the camaraderie and adventure synonymous with XTERRA events. Overall champions Arna Craig (NZL, 40–44) and Oliver Wright (AUS, 30–34) celebrated victories defined by resilience and appreciation for the coastal trails. Craig, finishing in 3:26:27, said, “I’ve ridden the mountain bike course every second day, which gave me confidence—not just to perform, but to really enjoy it.” Wright overcame an early crash, remarking after finishing in 2:43:29, “Crystal-clear water, amazing trails—I love racing here.”

Inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Youth Championship Highlights Future Stars

Young athletes aged 14–19 made history at the inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Youth Championship, showcasing thrilling performances across Youth A, Youth B, and Junior divisions. Youth B champion Hayden Vimpani (AUS) captured the excitement: “Feels good to be Asia-Pacific Champion—first time, and it’s pretty great!” Local standout Billie Mincham (AUS, Junior Female) added, “It feels unreal—like a dream come true—to be the first-ever Asia-Pacific Youth Champion.”

Trail Run Finale Brings A Big Weekend Home

Sunday’s XTERRA Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship capped the event, featuring scenic 21K and 38K courses. Stuart Caulfield (AUS) and Kate Baker (AUS) led the half-marathon, while the marathon saw Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) achieve a historic triple crown, winning Short Track, Full Distance, and Trail Marathon events. Local hero Tom Fisher (AUS), second overall, proudly secured the Asia-Pacific title: “To represent my region and country—it’s a really proud moment.”

Visit XTERRA Asia-Pacific for highlights.

Link to Full Announcement Article: Link Here

Free to Use Photos: 2025 XTERRA APAC Champs (photo credit: XTERRA)

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

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.