2025 XTERRA Switzerland Elevates Community & Competitive Culture

June 18, 2025

LA BRÉVINE, NEUCHÂTEL, SWITZERLAND (June 18, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — On June 21–22, the 15th edition of XTERRA Switzerland marks the third consecutive year the off-road triathlon festival returns to Lac des Taillères, a high-alpine basin in the Vallée de la Brévine. Situated near Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the French border, this scenic venue has become a fixture on the XTERRA World Tour. The 2025 event features 10 races, including the Full Distance Triathlon that crowns the Swiss National Cross Triathlon Champion, a €7,500 prize purse for the Elite field, 28 XTERRA World Championship qualifying slots for age group athletes, and 30 Youth World Championship entries available across Sprint and Super Sprint formats.

History

Since its debut in 2010 in Prangins, XTERRA Switzerland has crowned champions including Olivier Marceau (CHE), Marion Lorblanchet (FRA), Arthur Forissier (FRA), and Loanne Duvoisin (CHE), who was named 2023 Neuchâtel Sportsperson of the Year after winning her second straight title in La Brévine. The move to Neuchâtel in 2023 marked a new era for the race, with the Neuchâtel Sports Press describing Duvoisin as a “world cross-triathlon specialist.” The 2024 event saw victories by Valentin Rouvier (FRA) and Bianca Morvillo (ITA), with ArcInfo calling the weekend “still a great celebration” despite heavy rain and difficult conditions.

Location

Set at 1,050 meters above sea level, Lac des Taillères offers clear, cool water for the 1.5K swim, while the 34K bike course climbs over 950 meters through forest and pasture, briefly crossing into France. The 9K trail run gains another 270 meters across two laps of lakeside and wooded terrain. Neuchâtel Tourisme describes the lake as a winter skating haven, emphasizing the valley’s deep seasonal connection to nature. “The Jura region is ideal year-round,” says Peter Naegeli (CHE), a two-time age group champion. “It’s hilly, wide open, and sparsely populated, with easy access from the nearby French border.”

Athletes

Athletes from across Europe will compete in the Full Distance Triathlon, including Anna Wer (POL), third at XTERRA France 2024, and Nicolas Duré (FRA), runner-up at XTERRA Belgium. “XTERRA is my passion,” said Wer. “It allows me to combine my love for nature, racing, and traveling.” Nicolas Raybaud (FRA) called La Brévine “the place where I discovered XTERRA,” while Martin Gebhard (DEU), fourth at XTERRA Germany, emphasized the “open community and the courage to bring events to the people.” In the age group field, Emma Pirodon (FRA), Alanis Siffert (CHE), and João Pinho (POR) bring diverse paths into off-road triathlon, from prior road racing to lifelong travel dreams.

Youth

XTERRA Switzerland also serves as a qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino. Ten entries will be awarded through the Super Sprint (Swim 150M, Bike 4.4K, Run 1.5K) for Youth A athletes, and 20 through the Sprint (Swim 750K, Bike 18K, Run 4.5K) for Youth B and Junior divisions. Returning Youth B athletes include Lucas Burgdorfer (CHE), who raced in the 2024 World Championship and said, “XTERRA combines the three disciplines with nature and it’s the trails and landscapes that make the difference.” He is joined by Hugo Chaffanel (FRA), racing alongside his father Steven. “It’s always a pleasure to ride and run on beautiful trails,” said Hugo, while Steven added, “A magnificent setting.”

Community

Support from the Neuchâtel Ministry of Sports, Jura & Three-Lakes Tourism Board, Raiffeisen, Le Gruyère, Viteos, and Swiss Triathlon ensures that the race continues to thrive. “We don’t have big grandstands,” said La Brévine’s council president Muriel Jeanneret during the inaugural opening, “but we have open arms and beautiful landscapes for athletes to enjoy.” With kids’ races, an untimed Discovery Triathlon, a 10K Trail Run, and a weekend atmosphere rooted in community, XTERRA Switzerland continues to offer something for everyone.

Read the Full Preview:
xterraplanet.com/race-reports/2025-xterra-switzerland-elevates-community-competitive-culture

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.