2024 XTERRA France Preview: Xonrupt Eruption
2024 XTERRA France Preview: Xonrupt Eruption
XONRUPT, VOSGES, FRANCE
XTERRA France gears up for its 17th annual off-road triathlon, set in the scenic Vosges mountains and Lake Longemer.
The Full Distance race on Sunday, July 7th, is the 13th stop of the 2024 XTERRA EMEA Tour and a crucial qualifier, offering 58 World Championship slots for age groupers setting their sights on the XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy, on September 28, 2024.
The weekend’s festivities and competition welcomes over 2,000 attendees including elite competitors vying for the €18,000 Prize Purse amidst a heavy contingent of spectators from the swim start, through to the unique bike park, culminating at a raucous finish line that rivals any off-road event around the world.
The XTERRA France course features a chilly 1.5K swim, a challenging 40K mountain bike ride with substantial climbs, a technical 10K trail run through dense forests, and a pre-race Enduro Triathlon that determines the main event’s starting order.
Quotes from Top Elite Contenders
Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK):
“XTERRA France is definitely a rust buster for me and it’s time to get in the racing mood again. It’s one of the coolest XTERRA events on European ground. I love racing more than I love training, so that’s why I want to do XTERRA France and hopefully, it can give me the edge for XTERRA Québec the weekend after.”
Aneta Grabmüller (CZE):
“I’ve raced in France in 2021, so I know the course very well. It’s brutal, especially the bike but the ambiance is electrifying! Back in 2021, I had a mechanical and finished 4th so I promised I’ll be back to improve that result.”
Sandra Mairhofer (ITA):
“I have really good memories from France last year. The course is great, I love the forest and the calm lake! Something really special is also the short track endurance we do – which results in a fun start for the main race.”
Bianca Morvillo (ITA):
“The motivation that drives me to do the XTERRA France is to see new routes and new places that I don’t know and to put myself out there again in a high-level event. I’ve heard that it’s well organised, and that the MTB route is challenging, which is also why I decided to take part!”
Camille Jobard (FRA):
“I enjoy racing at XTERRA France because it’s a stunning event with a very challenging mountain bike loop. If we’re in good shape on the bike, we can really make a difference. However, it can also feel incredibly long if it’s not your day.
Xavier Dafflon (CHE):
“Even though it is not the XTERRA World Cup, XTERRA France is one, if not the biggest, XTERRA event worldwide. As the mountain bike session is the main dish, I am looking forward to it. If it starts to rain, the mud will be the host of the party.”
Key Battles to Watch
Mairhofer vs. Morvillo
Sandra Mairhofer (ITA), reigning champion and recent winner at back-to-back XTERRA World Cup stops, faces Bianca Morvillo (ITA), who returns to XTERRA. Morvillo’s win at XTERRA Switzerland two weeks ago demonstrates her readiness to challenge the top ranks again.
Grabmüller vs. Ducreux
Aneta Grabmüller, one of XTERRA’s fastest swimmers, faces uncertainty due to health concerns but aims to improve her past performance at XTERRA France. Emma Ducreux brings her win at XTERRA Portugal and equally dominant swimming ability to leverage her home-field advantage.
Sloth Nielsen vs. The Men’s Pack
Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (DNK) is a frontrunner this season, with significant wins and currently second place in the XTERRA World Cup standings. Maxim Chané (FRA) aims for the podium in his home race, building on his consistent top finishes and last year’s second place.
Sébastien Carabin (BEL) and Xavier Dafflon (CHE) round out the top contenders, both experienced and ready to tackle the demanding XTERRA France course.
With a growing list of 22 elite men and potential last-minute entries, expect a strategic and competitive race shaped by Saturday’s Enduro Triathlon results.
Race Village Festivities
At the heart of the race village, the custom-built bike park is a central feature that draws crowds and serves as the hub of action.
This year, the event has expanded to include a triathlon for children as young as three years old, using balance bikes, taking place on Saturday, July 6th.
The festivities include a pasta party on Saturday evening and awards ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of all participants in one of the XTERRA’s most iconic events.
XTERRA World Tour
