2025 XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine Returns to the Wild

June 11, 2025

BEAUMONT-DU-LAC, FRANCE (June 11, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – From June 13-14, 2025, XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine returns to Lac de Vassivière for its second year at this scenic venue and sixth edition overall. Nestled in the pine-covered highlands of central France, the race blends exploration, tradition, and a deep sense of community in one of the country’s most cherished natural playgrounds.

With 28 XTERRA World Championship slots, 30 Youth World Championship entries, and a €7,500 prize purse for Elites, the event draws top contenders from across Europe and beyond. The Full Distance course features a 1.5K swim in the clear mountain lake, followed by a 33K mountain bike through rocky forest terrain, and a 10K trail run under the trees and alongside cheering spectators.

Elite & Age Group Perspectives

The Elite field includes Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR), fresh off a podium in Belgium, and Camille Jobard (FRA), runner-up here in 2024, who said she “really enjoyed” the new course despite last year’s rain and praised the demanding bike leg as “the part I enjoy most.” Nicolas Durin (FRA), the 2023 XTERRA World Champion in the 45–49 division, and Nicolas Raybaud (FRA), who won his age group here in 2024, are both now racing Elite. Raybaud called the setting “an ideal place for outdoor sports like mountain biking and trail running,” and added, “Each XTERRA has its own soul.”

Lizzie Orchard (NZL), a seasoned XTERRA Elite, returns alongside longtime friend Josie Sinclair (NZL), who competes in the 65–69 division. “This will be our first XTERRA together in three years,” Orchard said. “We’re both curious to explore Nouvelle-Aquitaine and spend time discovering what makes the course and the area special.”

Mark Waaijenberg (NLD, 60–64), who won his age group here in 2024 and is a two-time winner at XTERRA Germany, reflected on what makes these events meaningful: “I love to race in beautiful places, in nature parks, on tracks that are challenging, and to meet athletes with the same passion. XTERRA races are some of my favorite memories because my family travels with me.”

Future Stars in Focus

Nouvelle Aquitaine also serves as a vital stop on the XTERRA Youth Tour. The Super Sprint (250M Swim, 7K MTB, 2K Run) features Youth A athletes aged 14–15, including Maïlie Ayasse (FRA) and Ilïas Chevrier (FRA).

The Sprint (500M Swim, 14K MTB, 5K Run) hosts Youth B (16–17) and Juniors (18–19) like Iris Duhameaux (FRA), Siméon and Justin Duru (FRA), Marine Jugie (FRA), and Fathi Hennouni (FRA). As the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Sports Commission noted, “Our region has an exceptional natural playground, and these events allow us to share it with the entire world while also developing our champions of tomorrow.”

An Event Rooted in Nature

The venue sits inside the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, where strict preservation ensures a course that flows through nature without altering it. Vassivière has long hosted mountain bikers, trail runners, and swimmers, including major events like the Tour du Lac and the Transmillevaches.

XTERRA’s base on the Auphelle peninsula offers an expo village, local food, and entertainment, transforming the weekend into what organizers call “a festive and family-friendly event.” With family-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and welcoming locals, XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine will continue to grow as a destination race for athletes seeking challenge, beauty, and community.

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2025 XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine Returns to the Wild

(photo credit: XTERRA)

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.