Off-road event specialist XTERRA is expanding its international reach with the addition of XTERRA Nepal as the seventh stop on the 2024 XTERRA APAC Tour.
Scheduled for November 15-17, 2024, off-road enthusiasts in open water swimming, mountain biking and trail running can take on experiences amidst the Himalayas. The event team adds that… ‘XTERRA Nepal marks a significant milestone, bringing a fresh and challenging dimension to the global pursuit of competition in one of nature’s greatest arenas.’
Situated in the city of Pokhara, XTERRA Nepal is nestled at the foothills of the Annapurna Range. Renowned for its lakes and the towering Annapurna peaks, Pokhara provides a scenic yet challenging terrain for athletes. The city is a hub for adventurers seeking to explore the Himalayas, offering routes such as the Annapurna Circuit.
The full distance triathlon slated for Saturday, November 16 is the marquee event of the weekend serving as a qualifying gateway, with 28 slots available for the XTERRA World Championship in 2025.
Competitors are invited to immerse themselves in the local environment earlier in race week and encouraged to run around Lake Begnas to join local Nepalese runners, gaining familiarity with the terrain that defines the race.
- Swim – 1.5K: The triathlon kicks off with a 1.5K open water swim in the clear waters of Lake Begnas. Athletes will push to gain an advantage in the deceptively calm water, but will need to keep plenty in the tank for the two segments that lay ahead.
- Bike – 30K: Following the swim, competitors will embark on a 30K bike segment. This intermediate course takes riders through landscapes, offering a rigorous test of endurance and skill on challenging terrains.
- Run – 10K: The final leg of the triathlon is a 10K run, categorized as difficult. This segment will push athletes to their limits as they traverse rugged trails, culminating in a rewarding finish where the after-party awaits.
In addition to the full distance triathlon, XTERRA Nepal also hosts a sprint distance triathlon (swim 750M, bike 16K, run 5K), team relay, duathlon and an XC mountain bike race.
Dipesh Ghaley, Chairperson of XTERRA Nepal, said “In the early spring of 2023, a spark ignited our collective enthusiasm for the perfect partnership. This journey led to XTERRA, a discovery facilitated by Shyam Limbu, co-founder of XTERRA Nepal.
“It became evident that XTERRA was made for our terrain, blending swimming, MTB, and trail running.”
Landry Benoit, XTERRA Asia-Pacific Technical Director, said “Nepal is set to host the XTERRA community, offering a unique blend of adventure in the shadow of the Himalayas. We are excited to invite athletes from around the world, both professional and amateur, along with their families, to experience the thrill of competition and the beauty of Nepal.”
Nico Lebrun, XTERRA’s Global Technical Director and a former XTERRA World Champion, added, “Collaborating closely with Shyam Limbu and Dipesh Ghaley in Nepal embodies the spirit of teamwork and shared enthusiasm for adventure sports. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a passion for the great outdoors.”
www.xterraplanet.com/xterra-nepal
