LIVE – XTERRA France Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Short Track
XTERRA France Nouvelle-Aquitaine is back for a second edition on August 28th-29th, after hosting its first full distance race in 2020. This year, the event will also see elite athletes lining up for some action-packed racing in the Short Track event on Sunday, promising an unmissable weekend of racing in the beautiful region.
Kicking-off with the full distance race on Saturday, age-group and elite athletes will first dive into the beautiful Lac de Cadie to complete the 1,500m swim course, before heading out to complete the 30km bike course and 10km run course, winding through the vineyards that the region is famous for.
In the elite race, a spot in Sunday’s adrenaline filled Short Track race up for grabs. Those that finish in the top 20 will see themselves automatically qualify, with some wild card spots also up for grabs. Talented age-group athletes could also be in the mix for the positions and the chance to race on Sunday, while also looking to earn a coveted XTERRA World Championship slot. Eyes will also be on the Junior and under-23 athletes, with the top 3 in the Sprint race able to step up to the Short Track course and race amongst some of the sports best off-road racers.
XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine promises to bring even more drama to the fast, multi-lap Short Track event. In a unique format, the event will be cut into two stages. In the morning, athletes will race the first stage over a 400m swim (2 laps) and a fast and furious 1.5km run (2 laps) before preparing for more fast racing in the afternoon with a pursuit-style competition. The best-ranked athletes will start first, as a game of cat-and-mouse unwinds over the 8km mountain bike course (4 laps) and 1.5km run (2 laps).
Men’s Elite Race
In the men’s elite race, a star-studded line-up includes two-time XTERRA European Champion and firm favourite, Arthur Serrieres (FRA). After successfully defending his title and showcasing his talents last weekend at XTERRA Germany, the French athlete will be looking to add another race win to his collection, after a stellar season so far.
Competitor and friend, Arthur Forissier (FRA) will also be lining up and looking for a strong result, alongside seven-time World Champion, Ruben Ruzafa (ESP), XTERRA Portugal winner, Felix Forissier (FRA) and young talent, François Vie (PRT). Maxim Chané (FRA) will also be looking to defend his title after winning in Nouvelle-Aquitaine last year. Having finished fourth in both the XTERRA Short Track Germany and the XTERRA European Championship last weekend, the athlete is in shape to fight for a podium spot.
Women’s Elite Race
The women’s field also features a stellar field, including Morgane Riou (FRA) who finished in a very respectable fourth place at the XTERRA European Championship last weekend in Germany. She will also be joined by Solenne Billouin (FRA) who fought hard for second place at the XTERRA Short Track race in Germany and will be looking for redemption in the full distance race after struggling to find her racing legs over that distance last weekend.
Alizée Paties (FRA) will also be returning to defend her title after winning XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine in 2020, alongside Loanne Duvoisin (CHE) who enjoyed a return to racing last weekend at the XTERRA European Championship after sitting out a few races due to injury. It will also be exciting to welcome back, Michele Flipo (MEX), who is currently based in Spain for training. Despite not having raced XTERRA for a few years, her past results including a win at XTERRA Switzerland (2016, 2017) and XTERRA Denmark (2018) means she will be one to watch over both the Short Track and Full Distance race.
Stage 1 of the Women’s Short Track race will start at 9:00 CEST, followed by the men at 9.30 CEST. After a break, Stage 2 of the Women’s Short Track race will start at 14:00 CEST, followed by the men at 15:00 CEST.