2025 XTERRA France Returns with a Full Festival Lineup

July 2, 2025

XONRUPT-LONGEMER (July 2, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA France returns on July 5–6, 2025, for its 18th edition and 14th year in the Vosges. More than 2,000 athletes from over 20 countries are expected to compete across nine events, including the Full Distance Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, SwimRun races, and a full slate of kids and youth categories. Backed by nearly 6,000 spectators, this race weekend continues to be one of the largest and most celebrated on the XTERRA World Tour.

The main event, Sunday’s Full Distance Triathlon, offers 58 age group qualifying slots to the 2025 XTERRA World Championship. Saturday’s Sprint and Kids races will serve as qualifiers for the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Italy, with 30 total slots available for Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Junior (18–19) athletes.

A Proven Championship Stage

Since its launch in 2006, XTERRA France has crowned some of the most decorated names in off-road triathlon. Nicolas Lebrun (FRA) won the first edition in Xonrupt in 2010 and returned in 2013 for a final career victory. Rubén Ruzafa (ESP) earned five consecutive wins from 2014–2018. Lesley Paterson (GBR), Helena Erbenová (CZE), Brigitta Poór (HUN), and Renata Bucher (CHE) are among the many international stars who have made their mark here.

Recent winners include Solenne Billouin (FRA), who took her first XTERRA France title in 2021 on her way to becoming a three-time World Champion. Arthur Forissier (FRA), currently leading the 2025 XTERRA World Cup standings, has also claimed multiple victories in Xonrupt. In 2024, Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) won his first XTERRA France title, conquering challenging weather and terrain.

The Course

The Full Distance course is set in and around Lac de Longemer, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by forest and steep mountain trails. The 1.5K swim starts from a wide beach and is followed by a 40K mountain bike segment featuring more than 1,200 meters of climbing over two laps of technical, rooted singletrack. Athletes finish with a 10K trail run through shaded pine forest, with sharp inclines and narrow descents testing footwork and endurance.

Elite Contenders Return

The 2025 field features multiple past winners and new challengers. Solenne Billouin (FRA), Marta Menditto (ITA), and Maxim Chané (FRA) are all expected to compete. Menditto, who first raced XTERRA France as a child, said winning the Full Distance nine years later in 2022 was “something really special.” Chané called his 2021 title “a big crown” and is again targeting the top step of the podium.

Sébastien Carabin (BEL), winner of XTERRA Belgium, described Xonrupt as “one of my favorite XTERRA courses.” Carina Wasle (AUT) and Jens Roth (DEU) are also returning, along with Elliot Labourdette (FRA), Nicolas Duré (FRA), and Baptiste Fordoxcel (FRA), each aiming for a podium result.

Age Group and Youth Talent

XTERRA France continues to be a proving ground for age group athletes and future stars. Among those returning in 2025 are Raymond Ferry (FRA), the reigning 65–69 World Champion, who hasn’t missed a single edition of the race, and Josie Sinclair (NZL), a veteran of XTERRA Worlds. “I raced XTERRA France in 2018 and loved the technical riding,” Sinclair said. “It has been one of my favorite races.”

Young athletes are also making their mark. Lou-Anne Dautun (BEL) recently won the Junior division at XTERRA Belgium and is aiming for another top finish. “What makes XTERRA unique is the variety of courses and being so close to the professional athletes—it’s inspiring,” she said. Julian Anguera (FRA), winner of the Junior at XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine, called France’s marquee race “a no-brainer” to attend.

Cultural Impact and Community Support

Held in a region known for outdoor sport and hospitality, XTERRA France has grown into one of the largest off-road triathlons in the world. The event is supported by the Commune de Xonrupt-Longemer, the Région Grand Est, and Je Vois la Vie en Vosges. A full vendor village, live entertainment, and a Sunday night awards celebration make it a true festival for athletes and spectators alike.

“Participants from more than 20 nations will once again be able to express their courage and passion over the course of a weekend,” said Michel Bertrand, Mayor of Xonrupt-Longemer. “The success of this event is also the result of the energy of the volunteers and the involvement of the municipality’s technical services.”

With a unique setting, world-class course, and incredible local atmosphere, XTERRA France continues to define what makes off-road triathlon special.

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.

Link to Full Article (free-to-use photo folder link located underneath the article)

xterraplanet.com/race-reports/2025-xterra-france-returns-with-a-full-festival-lineup

2024 Highlights: youtu.be/ewTluKS-0QA