Carabin, Ducreux, and Rising Youth Lead Results at XTERRA Belgium

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA Belgium returned to the historic Citadel of Namur on June 7, 2025, for its ninth edition, transforming the centuries-old fortress into a dynamic setting. Set in the heart of Wallonia, the Full Distance course (1.5K swim, 35K MTB, 10K trail run) offered steep wooded trails, cobblestone climbs, and sweeping views that drew in large crowds. The weekend featured eight race formats, including youth qualifiers, duathlons, and kids races, capped by an energetic after-party at the summit.

Winners of Wallonia

Sébastien Carabin (BEL) won the Elite Men’s title in 2:36:44, while Emma Ducreux (FRA) claimed the Elite Women’s win in 3:05:51. In the age group ranks, Julian Müller (DEU) posted the fastest overall men’s time in 2:48:02 in the 30–34 division, and Noa Marie Rieder (DEU) led the women’s age group field with a time of 3:14:55 in the 20–24 category.

As part of the XTERRA Youth Tour, Tom Dambroise (BEL) won the Junior division (18–19) of the Sprint Triathlon (0.5K swim, 18K MTB, 5K trail run) in 1:27:07, while Corentin Willem (BEL) topped the Youth B (16–17) category in 1:29:40. Lou-Anne Dautun (BEL) and Mellina Oijid (FRA) took top honors in the Young Women’s Junior (18–19) and Youth B (16–17) divisions with times of 2:04:48 and 1:49:48, respectively.

In the Super Sprint Triathlon (250M swim, 6.4K MTB, 3.2K trail run), Belgium’s own Apolline Ramboux, reigning XTERRA Youth World Champion in the Youth A category, won her division in 40:57. Laurent Kral (BEL) posted the fastest overall Super Sprint time of the day in 39:43.

Fortress to Finish

Since 2016, XTERRA Belgium has transformed the historic Citadel of Namur into a landmark destination for off-road triathlon, blending deep heritage with modern adventure. Overlooking the Meuse and Sambre rivers, the Citadel’s trails and terrain have attracted athletes from around the world while boosting local tourism and energizing the regional economy. “Before being mayor, I worked as the sport deputy, and I’ve worked with XTERRA for three years,” said Charlotte Bazelaire, Mayor of Namur. “It’s a major event for our city, and everyone is proud to host it.”

Elite Elevation

Sébastien Carabin (BEL) claimed victory on home soil, edging out Nicolas Dure (FRA) by less than a minute. “It was slippery and quite muddy, but I liked it,” said Carabin. “The crowd on fire here at the Citadel gave me the motivation to continue in this discipline. I’m happy to give something back with this little present.” Dure noted, “It was a good battle. I was stronger on the flats and descents, but he was better on the climbs and that’s where he made the difference.” Sebastian Neef (DEU) rounded out the podium in third.

Emma Ducreux (FRA) led the women’s race from the opening swim and never looked back. “I pushed hard on the bike because I knew the girls were strong on the run. I train during the winter in cyclocross, so that may have helped me with the mud,”said Ducreux. Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR) delivered a strong run to finish second, saying, “I just locked in, focused on my own race, my own pacing, didn’t take too many risks, and managed my effort because I knew it was going to be a long day.” Dieske Kruisselbrink (NLD) completed the podium in third.

Full Results Here.

Age Group Gems

Julian Müller (DEU), 1st M30–34: “It was my first XTERRA race, but definitely not my last. I really enjoyed it — a tough but beautiful course, and only positive experiences with the people. The run especially was fun, with all the ups and downs.”

Corentin Lefer (FRA), 1st M25-29: “This was my second time at XTERRA Belgium, and the way they welcome everyone is just incredible. The celebration carried on late into the night, with traditional meatballs, fries, and beer. We’ll definitely be back!”

Xavier Diepart (BEL), 1st M45–49: “It’s always a pleasure to race in Namur and qualify for Molveno (2025 XTERRA World Championship). Despite the unpredictable weather, the Citadel was once again the setting for great performances and a good atmosphere. XTERRA remains an attractive brand — it brings out everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.”

Edwin De Wit (BEL), 1st M40–44: “I love this level of professional organization but still with a funky family touch. Even with the rain and mud, it was a very cool experience. I was especially impressed by how strong the elite women were on that crazy track — big respect!”

Carole Perrot (CHE), 1st F45-49: “A magnificent race finishing at the Citadel with the traditional Belgian beer. The terrain was muddy, spongy, physical, and technical — and I’m totally at ease in that mess. It’s great to be back on the cross circuit, where the real sensations come alive!”

Youth Victories

Apolline Ramboux (BEL), 1st Youth A Female: “I lost time in the swim without a wetsuit, but I started to gain ground right away in transition. I know the track perfectly — I live here — and the climb to the Citadel is where I made up most of my time. It was great to race at home, with my whole team here, and I can’t wait to defend my World title.”

Emie Vadenbussche (FRA), 2nd Youth A Female: “I swam in front with the boys, and I enjoyed it — not too cold, not too much current. The bike was tough, and I made some mistakes on the second part since it was my first time here. I’m really happy to be second and will be at the World Championship and XTERRA France.”

François Esteban (BEL), 3rd Youth A Male: “I had a good swim with the wetsuit and felt great, but I struggled early on the bike climb. The spectators were amazing — cheering almost all the way — and I’m proud to qualify again for the Youth World Championship.”

Corentin Willem (BEL), 1st Youth B Male: “I was worried about the Meuse current, but the swim went well. I love the bike, and since I live here, I knew the track and had a lot of fun pushing hard. It’s special to race at home, and training with Apolline and our team gives us big motivation for Worlds.”

Melina Oijid (FRA), 1st Youth B Female: “No wetsuit wasn’t a good choice, but I made up for it on the bike, which is my strength. I pushed to get as much time as possible before the run, which is always the hardest for me. I was so happy to win, and my big goal now is to return to Molveno in this new category.”

Tom Dambroise (BEL), 1st Junior Male (18–19): “My goal was to lead the swim, and I managed to open a gap early. I love this track and the crowd on the Citadel climb — it gives you a great feeling.”

This shared experience and festival atmosphere was brought to life through the support of the City of Namur, Infrasports, Visit Wallonia, and the many volunteers, partners, and residents who bring the Citadel to life each year.

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.