XTERRA is introducing a new event format – XTERRA Long Distance – with the first of four races kicking off at the ski resort of Super-Besse in the Massif Central region of France this July.
According to the company, as an addition to XTERRA’s European schedule, the long distance events will… ‘combine in equal parts endurance, adventure, and stunning locations, with World Championship slots up for grabs.’
The new format combines open water swims with off-road riding and running, over a longer course.
‘The most notable difference between a traditional XTERRA event and Long Distance, is having the focus cantered on the journey rather than the result, allowing athletes to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the course.
‘Locations for XTERRA Long Distance events have been selected to give athletes an utterly unique adventure through spectacular scenery, offering an entirely new way for outdoor enthusiasts to experience bucket-list travel destinations.’
Distances will vary slightly between locations; however, each event will include around 2km of open water swimming, 60-70km off-road riding, and 20-22km of trail running.
“The XTERRA Long Distance events are much more than just a race,” explained Nico Lebrun, XTERRA Europe Technical Director.
“The challenge of completing the distance combined with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere will make these events a fantastic experience. If you love nature, enjoy triathlons, or are looking for a longer distance event away from traffic, this is for you!”
Another notable difference from other XTERRA race formats is the addition of bike options. Unique to the XTERRA Long Distance format, gravel and cyclocross bikes will be allowed alongside mountain bikes, giving competitors more choice when it comes to tackling the terrain of each location.
The first four events scheduled in Europe for 2022 will also offer slots into the 2022 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy.
XTERRA Super Besse, France, July 30-31
A 1900m swim in Lake Des Hermines located at the foot of the Sancy Mountain range is followed by a tough and sometimes technical 70km bike loop around the volcanic lakes that populate this region.
XTERRA Ardennes Trophy, August 13
After swimming for 2000m, athletes will navigate through the heart of the Ardennes and the Hautes Fadnes Plateau. The bike course is typical for the region, with lots of short punchy climbs adding up to 1400m of elevation feature across the 60km loop. A one-lap run course is 100% off-road and takes in views across the Gileppe Lake and its dam.
XTERRA Sumava, September 3
The most beginner-friendly event in the long-distance calendar, athletes will swim two laps of 1000m in Lipno Lake before taking on a point-to-point 60km cycle. The bike course is straightforward so can be ridden on either a mountain bike or gravel bike. The 21km run is also a point-to-point route through the Sumava mountain range and along the Vltava riverbank to finish at Lipno Lake.
XTERRA Sardegna, October 15-16
Starting on the sandy beach of Cala Sinzias, a 2000m swim in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea proceeds a tough 58km ride through the Castiadas state forest. With 1300m of climbing on a mixture of terrain, the bike leg is followed by a 18km sandy trail run along the coast before finishing in the Cala Sinzias Amphitheater.
- Finishing time: each event will offer different challenges depending on the surface and elevation gain so cut off times will differ, but athletes should expect to take significantly longer than a regular XTERRA event.
- Technicality: these races are designed to test endurance more than technical skills, but there will still be some challenging sections. It is encouraged that all athletes first consider the individual course details to find a race that is best suited to their skillset.
- Bike choice: the only restriction for bike choice is that e-bikes will not be allowed. Those new to XTERRA are encouraged to use a mountain bike, while experienced off-road cyclists may use a gravel or cyclocross bike. Course information will be provided to help contestants choose the best bike for each particular trail.
- World Championship slots: the XTERRA Long Distance races are Silver-status events and therefore slots will be available for the 2022 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy.
