For its 2025 edition, 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.
The 2024 XTERRA World Championship off-road triathlon is in Trentino, Italy, on September 21, 2024.
This year was intended to be the third and final year for the event in Italy’s Trentino province. However, XTERRA has now confirmed a further year extension for Trentino as its world championship destination in 2025.
The venue, first selected in 2022, originally marked the first relocation of the XTERRA World Championship outside of Maui, Hawaii, since its inception in 1996.
According to XTERRA… ‘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.’
The extension of the XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, will also positively impact the second year of the XTERRA Youth World Championship. XTERRA adds that this decision provides a stable and proven venue for the culmination of the XTERRA Youth Tour.
J-D Cousens, XTERRA VP of Operations & Marketing, said “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.”
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.”
J-D Cousens continued, “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.
“This decision is fuelled 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, said “We are thrilled to extend our partnerships in Italy for another year. We look forward to another year of exciting competition and collaboration, ensuring that both athletes and fans have an unforgettable experience.”
Michele Viola, President of the Dolomiti Paganella Tourism board, said “We are delighted that Dolomiti Paganella has been confirmed to host the XTERRA World Championship for the fourth time.
“This 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. 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.”
Drawing together amateur and professional athletes from around the world, XTERRA notes that the event week in 2025 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 honour 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.’
