XTERRA Returns to Australia's Dunsborough for the First Time Since 2019.

Why it matters: XTERRA is returning to Australia for the first time since 2019, bringing elite and amateur triathletes to compete on a challenging course in Dunsborough, Western Australia.

Setting the pace: The off-road triathlon consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, 28km mountain bike race, and 10km coastal trail run, and awards valuable points for amateurs chasing XTERRA APAC Tour titles. Samantha Kingsford (NZL) and Sam Osborne (NZL), currently sixth and ninth in the XTERRA World Rankings, respectively, headline the women’s and men’s elite races.

What they are saying:

• Samantha Kingsford (NZL): “The mountain bike trails on offer at this race is what made me want to compete here…And who wouldn’t want to race in a destination where the beaches look this amazing too!”
• Kate Bramley: “Super excited to have XTERRA back in Australia. I love XTERRA and the area here in WA, so pumped to be here."
• Ben Allen: “Dunsborough is a beautiful spot, I love racing on the west coast, Rapid Ascent always puts together a tough and challenging course, and I enjoy racing outside my comfort zone."
• Sam Maffett: “The course in Dunsborough is simply spectacular and will showcase the best of the Australian coastline with a crystal clear ocean swim, single track MTB through the hinterland, and a technical coastal run. It’s off-road triathlon at its best."

By the numbers: The race will award $7,500 USD equally to the top 5 men and women elite competitors and $2,400AUD to the top three Triathlon WA members. 26 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championship will be awarded to the winners of each age group.

Between transition: Home country favorites Kate Bramley, the 2020 XTERRA Wellington Champ, and Kristen Gadsdon, a WA native who dominates the local adventure racing scene, are expected to give Samantha Kingsford a tough competition. In the men’s chase, Ben Allen, the 2016 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour Champion, is expected to challenge Sam Osborne for the victory.

The bottom line: XTERRA’s return to Australia is an exciting event that brings together elite and amateur triathletes to compete on a challenging course in Dunsborough, Western Australia, offering valuable points and qualifying spots for the XTERRA World Championship.