Molveno — the name alone carries the chill of its waters and the warmth of its memories. Beneath the Brenta Dolomites, the 2025 XTERRA World Championship marked a historic closing chapter, where mud became a medal and every finish line felt like a promise. Athletes from around the world shared their final words on a place that shaped their stories, their resilience, and their connection to the XTERRA family.
“The most beautiful moments are those that leave a trace, even when the race is done.”
A Landscape that Transformed Us
For four years, Molveno was more than a race venue — it was a mirror reflecting courage and humility. The mountains demanded effort, but they also gave meaning. Loïc Menoux, who has raced here since the beginning, summed it up simply: “Molveno taught me everything.” For him, the Dolomites were both teacher and trophy, guiding him toward his long-awaited victory.
The rugged beauty of the region will stay engraved in every athlete’s memory. Bruno Mallick from Luxembourg described “those perfectly pointed peaks,” while Italy’s Fabio Gallassi said he was struck by how “marvelous” the landscape felt — a view unlike anything he sees in daily life. Even when the rain turned trails into rivers, it added to the legend. Jens Roth reflected, “I’ll always keep Molveno in my head. It’s always muddy, and it’s hard for everyone.”
Bonds that Go Beyond the Finish Line
XTERRA has always been about more than sport — it’s about people. For Mila Lantelme, “what really motivates me is everything around it. XTERRA lets me travel… and there’s this family atmosphere that makes every race special.” That same energy resonated with Belgium’s Jean-Yves Garot, who found inspiration in the next generation and is already preparing to qualify for the U.S., driven by “the desire to go further, to reach my full potential.”
Each smile, each handshake, and each muddy embrace told a story of community — a reminder that in XTERRA, success is shared.
A New Chapter in New Mexico
As the World Championship moves west to the deserts of New Mexico, athletes welcome a new horizon. Australia’s Hannah Lee Young said, “It’s good to have a race outside of Europe. It gives more people from other parts of the world a chance.” Swiss athlete Anna Zehnder echoed the excitement, calling it “a chance to meet triathletes who don’t often race in Europe and to face a completely new kind of challenge.”
Still, many already look forward to returning to Molveno for the European Championship. “I’m happy to see the XTERRA course again,” said Bruno Mallick with a smile. “It’ll probably be warmer next time!”
From Legacy to Horizon
For journalist and XTERRA athlete Nicolas Raybaud, Molveno holds a personal place in his journey. “With each edition, I learned, stayed patient, and finally reached the Elite category,” he said. His growth mirrors that of XTERRA itself — evolving, exploring, and honoring the places that shaped it.
Molveno gave the XTERRA community four years of legends carved into the rock of the Dolomites. Now, as we turn westward, the gratitude remains. The mud will wash away, but the memories will not.
Molveno, thank you — for the climbs, the cold, the courage, and the community. The trail continues.
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