XTERRA is returning to Australia in 2023 with a World Championship qualifying event in the southwest coastal town of Dunsborough, Western Australia, on the weekend of April 1-2, 2023.
The inaugural XTERRA Australia – Dunsborough off-road triathlon starts with a 1.5km swim in the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, follows with a 28km mountain bike leg through the singletrack trails in Meelup Regional Park, and finishes with a 10km coastal trail run.
The race will award US$7,500 equally to the top five men and women elite competitors, AU$2,400 to the top three Triathlon WA members, and 26 qualifying spots into the 2023 XTERRA World Championships in Italy to the winners of each age group division.
The weekend also includes a short course option (750m swim, 15km mountain bike, 6km trail run), Aquathlon (1km swim, 5km trail run), and adventure races for kids.
“We are delighted to not only return to Australia in 2023, but to discover a new destination along the spectacular coastline of Western Australia,” said XTERRA Asia-Pacific Technical Director, Landry Benoit.
“I’m excited for our athletes, both locals and visitors, who will be treated to a remarkable setting for a race and perhaps more importantly, a truly amazing adventure destination to explore and discover before and after the event.”
A release from XTERRA added… ‘Dunsborough is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape that encompasses a vast ocean of beautiful blue water, sculpted granite coastlines, wildflower lined running tracks, and an extensive network of mountain bike trails. Headquartered at the Dunsborough Country Club, participants will be treated to a super fun finish line with a host of entertainment options for kids, and plenty of food and drinks.’
XTERRA Australia – Dunsborough will be held in partnership with the team from Rapid Ascent, a leading adventure sports event management company.
“We are super excited to be bringing XTERRA back to Australia,” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent’s General Manager. “With a global following and a huge reputation, we’re sure XTERRA Dunsborough will be massive.
“Moreover, the course in Dunsborough is simply spectacular and will showcase the best of the Australian coastline for our international visitors with a crystal clear ocean swim, single track MTB through the hinterland, and a technical coastal run. It’s off-road triathlon at its best, we call it a race through paradise.”
XTERRA Australia – Dunsborough is the third of seven majors planned for the 2023 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour. This also includes stops in Wellington, New Zealand (Feb 25); Rotorua, New Zealand (Mar 11); the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship in Taiwan (Apr 15); Marunuma, Japan (TBD); Shenzhen, China (TBD); and Moorea, Tahiti (TBD).
