2025 XTERRA World Cup Stop 5 Returns to Quebec’s Off-Road Playground

July 9, 2025

LAC DELAGE, QUEBEC (July 9, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2025 XTERRA World Cup heads back to the quiet woods of Lac Delage for stop 5 of the 8-stop, 11-race series. After a mid-season reset, elite and amateur athletes from around the world will converge at Empire 47, one of eastern North America’s premier mountain bike networks, to tackle a weekend of racing and celebration. Saturday’s Full Distance Triathlon anchors the program with Elites chasing valuable World Cup points and a share of the $15,000 prize purse, while age groupers compete for 58 qualification slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy.

Built by Hand

Empire 47’s trails grew from humble beginnings in 2013, when Alain Déraspe and Christian Déry cut six kilometers of singletrack through the forest. Now spanning over 75K, the network blends family-friendly loops, technical slabs, and flowy descents, built with care and inclusion at its core. “We try to make our events accessible to everyone,” Déraspe says. “I get to talk to the participants more now, hear their stories, and figure out how we can keep improving.”

Tested by Champions

Since its first race in 2014, XTERRA Quebec has attracted top names and memorable performances. Vincent Belhumeur (CAN) and Julia Carbonneau (CAN) won that inaugural year, with Belhumeur repeating in 2015 alongside Annie Mercier (CAN). The Pan American Tour era began in 2018 when Josiah Middaugh (USA) and Fabiola Corona (MEX) showcased their speed, and Middaugh returned in 2019 to defend his title, joined by Katie Button (CAN) in the women’s race. The pandemic brought a scaled-down festival in 2021, where local athletes kept the tradition alive. In 2023, Kieran McPherson (NZL) and Samantha Kingsford (NZL) braved mud and rain to win, before Arthur Serrières (FRA) and Solenne Billouin (FRA) claimed the World Cup debut in 2024, showing why both are three-time world champions.

Won by Age Group Warriors

The Full Distance Triathlon challenges every athlete with a 1.5K swim in Lac Delage, a 31K mountain bike packed with singletrack and punchy climbs, and an 11K trail run that tops out at 190 meters. Elisa Piscollo (CAN), a regular in the 45–49 division, says: “XTERRA Quebec is truly where it all began for our family. The vibe is fantastic. It’s a discovery of nature, adventure, and, above all, endurance.” Lucas Wright (USA), reigning Junior American Champion, adds: “I’m really excited that this is a stop on the World Cup because it always attracts a little bit more competition, it’s always really well run.” Kendra Emery (USA) and Marie-Élaine Fleury (CAN) echo the sentiment, calling Quebec an annual highlight for families and athletes alike.

World Cup Status

Arthur Forissier (FRA), Michele Bonacina (ITA), Sebastian Neef (DEU), and Felix Forissier (FRA) sit atop the men’s standings, but Scott Anderson (DEU) and Kieran McPherson (NZL) are ready to shake things up. Anderson, making his Canadian debut, says: “It’s a lot of smooth, flowy MTB trails, riding in a bike park. That sounds exactly like the type of riding I like.” McPherson, fifth overall and 2023’s Quebec winner, notes: “I think the organizers do a fantastic job here with continual course changes and improvements. I have not raced the same course in Quebec yet, meaning a fantastic variation in trails each time.”

With Alizée Paties (FRA) and Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) sitting out, Marta Menditto (ITA) and Hannah Lee Young (AUS) are set for a battle, with Emma Ducreux (FRA) close behind. Young, eager for her Canadian debut, says: “I’m just looking forward to getting back on a start line again with some of my favorite people.” Menditto, fresh off a win at XTERRA France, adds: “I’ll go just to make some points and train for the upcoming European races, but I’ll give my best anyway.”

The Next Generation

The XTERRA Youth Tour highlights the weekend, offering 30 Youth World Championship slots. Youth B (16–17) and Junior (18–19) divisions race the Sprint (750m, 15K, 5K), while Youth A (14–15) tackles the Super Sprint (400m, 12K, 4K). Notable contenders include Olivier Castonguay (CAN) and Elliot St-Laurent (CAN) in Youth A boys, reigning Youth A North American champion Dahlia Fillion (CAN) on the girls’ side, Éliot Beaulieu (CAN) and Zoé Roy (CAN) in Youth B, and Félix-Antoine Bélanger (CAN) and Myriam Ouellet (CAN) among the Juniors.

Let the Festival Begin

As Calvin Walsh (CAN), 2024 winner of the 20–24 division, put it: “Manoir Lac Delage feels like a huge party with music playing, people cheering, and celebrations at the finish line.” That energy permeates the weekend, with events for all ages including a kids’ night run, open water swim, and night trail half marathon, all just 20 minutes from Quebec City. Follow the action at @xterraamericas, and the XTERRA World Cup page.

The full article is below:

https://www.xterraplanet.com/race-reports/2025-xterra-world-cup-stop-5-returns-to-quebecs-off-road-playground

About XTERRA

Born on the Hawaiian shores of Maui in 1996, XTERRA has grown into a global outdoor lifestyle brand rooted in exploration, community, and care for the natural world. With deep roots in off-road racing, XTERRA now inspires connection through events, storytelling, and apparel built to move through nature. From local gatherings to world-class events, XTERRA is a way of life shaped by the land beneath our feet and the stories we share along the way.