Xterra World Cup's European Debut in Belgium Attracts Global Elites

Why it matters: The Xterra World Cup is making its European debut in Belgium this weekend, adding a thrilling new chapter to the world of off-road triathlon.

Setting the pace: The Xterra World Cup is hitting Europe for the first time, hosted by the Citadel of Namur. This is the third of seven stops in the inaugural series, featuring a full-distance race on Saturday and a short-track event streamed live on Sunday.

What they are saying:

• Alizée Paties, current World Cup leader: "Keeping my golden cap is the goal for this one. It’s my first time in Namur, so I’m very excited to discover the race.”
• Solenne Billouin, Xterra World Champ: “I’m in good shape, and want to take my revenge here in Belgium. I still have a chance to perform well in the World Cup and I’m motivated to keep fighting until the end of the season.”

By the numbers:

• €30.000 in prize money and 130 points are up for grabs.
• The Belgian Xterra weekend has attracted 90 elites from 20 countries.
• The highest point scorers at the end of the year will be awarded the Xterra World Cup trophy and a share of the series' €350.000 prize money.

Between the transition: Following stops in Taiwan and the U.S., this European premiere marks the beginning of the World Cup's EU-focused stretch, with four of the next five stops happening in Europe.

Through Time: In the competition for the Cup, athletes' best scores from the first six full-distance races are combined with their top three Short Track scores. The competition has never been higher with the world’s top five men and women, reigning Xterra World Champions, and newly crowned World Triathlon Cross Champions competing.

The bottom line: The Xterra World Cup is a high-stakes event bringing together the best athletes in the field, sparking excitement and competitive spirit. Its European debut in Belgium this weekend is poised to make off-road triathlon history.