2025 XTERRA Portugal Highlighted By Tradition and Triumph

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA Portugal marked its 11th edition in Golegã from May 31 to June 1, 2025, with a weekend of off-road exploration woven into one of the most historic and welcoming regions in Europe. The event featured a challenging Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday, followed by Sprint and Super Sprint races on Sunday that served as qualifiers for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship. A total of 28 World Championship slots and a €7,500 Elite prize purse were awarded, but it was the atmosphere that truly stood out. From locals cheering by the lagoon to volunteers at every turn, the town welcomed athletes and brought the weekend to life with its energy and hospitality.

“We gladly welcomed XTERRA again to Golegã in 2025. This year, we brought together around 800 athletes from various parts of the country and the world beyond. All with a community spirit, a love for nature and overcoming obstacles. Anyone who knows these landscapes knows that there is no better setting for a race like this,” said Golegã Municipal Mayor António Camilo. Since debuting in 2014, XTERRA Portugal has crowned champions like Ruben Ruzafa (ESP), Helena Karásková (CZE), Arthur Serrières (FRA), and Solenne Billouin (FRA), and in 2025 welcomed athletes from more than 20 nations to race in the heart of central Portugal.

Saturday’s Full Distance Stars

The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday, May 31st, began with a 1.5K swim in the calm Lagoa da Alverca—two 750M laps with a bridge dive between—followed by a 35K mountain bike course through cobbled village streets, farmland, and over 10K of technical singletrack in the cork oak forests, and finished with a deceptively fast 10K trail run through Ribatejo’s fields, underpasses, and chest-deep river crossings before the final dash to the packed finish. These are just a few of the podium finishers who left their mark on Saturday’s course.

Men

– Francois Vie (PRT) – 1st M Elite – 2:55:46
“The technical course allowed me to push hard until I was completely spent. Knowing I had a lead, I focused on enjoying it and seeing my family made it unforgettable. The XTERRA community here feels like racing with friends—everyone helps each other and shares the experience together.”

– Rui Dolores (PRT) – 2nd M Elite – 2:58:32
“My swim was below expectations since I’ve been training less, but I caught a group and saved energy for the bike. I ran at my own pace in the heat, knowing Francois Vie was ahead, and finished feeling strong. The atmosphere at this race has always made me feel at home.”

– Sergio Espejo (ESP) – 1st M 40-44 – 3:01:34
“I stayed in the main group on the swim to conserve energy. On the bike, those fast, exposed sections suited my style—bravery matters more than pure speed here. Being here has been incredible; everyone supports each other.”

– Elian Olasagasti (FRA) – 1st M 20-24 – 3:02:01
“I pushed hard in the swim to stay near the front despite limited training. I love how XTERRA brings together so many cultures—racing in Portugal while living in Spain has been a great experience.”

– Arnaud Binst (BEL) – 2nd M 25-29 – 3:27:26
“After settling into a good rhythm on the swim, I enjoyed being surrounded by nature. Racing here with my grandfather watching made it incredibly special.”

Women

– Inês Raimundo (PRT) – 1st F Elite – 3:31:49
“I focused on getting to the bike quickly since I’m not a strong swimmer. On the bike, loose terrain works to my advantage, so I enjoyed pushing through technical sections—it was a perfect day. The local support felt like family from start to finish.”

– Stepanka Bisova (CZE) – 2nd F Elite – 3:39:18
“The first lap of the swim was hectic, but I found my groove on the second and finished strong. During the run, water crossings kept me cool enough to push through and reach the finish. Staying with a local family has always been the best way to experience Golegã’s warmth.”

– Sonya Martin (USA) – 2nd F 45-49 – 5:05:47
“I took my time on the swim—pleasant, even if not fast. On the bike, those steep, slippery sections felt like a wild adventure. XTERRA’s community here is unforgettable and everyone helps each other when the trails get tough.”

– Heike Frahnert (GER) – 1st F 60-65 – 5:08:11
“My swim was slow, but I knew I could make up time on the bike by passing riders on technical climbs. Once I finished the bike without issues, I was relieved and ready for the run. XTERRA here feels like family—no matter your distance or pace, everyone belongs and supports each other.”

View complete results here.

Sunday’s Youth Standouts

The Sprint and Super Sprint races, open to all ages but highlighted by youth athletes, served as official qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy, with the Super Sprint covering 300M of swimming, 9K of mountain biking, and a 2K trail run, and the Sprint offering a more demanding 750M swim, 18K bike, and 5K run. Two rising stars from the Sprint shared their reflections after claiming top honors in their divisions.

Dinis Ferreira (PRT) – 1st M Junior – 1:04:11
“I controlled the race from the swim and kept my lead on the bike and run. It was a fun race. XTERRA Portugal is a great opportunity for young athletes to get into cross triathlon and fall in love with the sport.”

Barbara Santos (PRT) – 1st F Youth B – 1:23:21
“I was a little anxious about the swim, but once I got on the MTB it felt like flying. The run was all about staying steady. XTERRA Portugal is well organized and really fun. It brings people together like a family.”

Festive Farewells

It was a festival with athletes feeling welcomed into the community with some staying with local families and enjoying traditional Ribatejo meals. Many participants, friends and families got a chance to explore quiet countryside trails, ride Lusitano horses, or visit the nearby Paul do Boquilobo Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site rich in biodiversity. The experience combined competition and nature in a way unique to XTERRA and the locations that unite to build lasting memories.