Introducing XTERRA Australia - Dunsborough 2023
Press Release / 19.10.2022
XTERRA returns to Australia in 2023 with a World Championship qualifying event in the south-west coastal town of Dunsborough, Western Australia on the weekend of April 1-2, 2023.
Formally conducted as X-Adventure Dunsborough, the Rapid Ascent event has been rebranded and signifies the long-anticipated return of XTERRA to Australia with 2023 entries now open.
The off-road triathlon boasts a swim-bike-run format that starts with a 1.5-kilometer swim in the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, followed by a 28km mountain bike race through the flowing singletrack in Meelup Regional Park, and finishes with a 10km trail run along the sculptured granite coastline.
Elite competitors from all over the World will race for a share of the $13,600 AUD cash prize pool. Weekend warriors will race for the glory of finishing and the chance to secure one of 26 age-group qualifying spots into the 2023 XTERRA World Championships in Italy.
Conducted in a friendly and welcoming race atmosphere, the weekend features five off-road races so everyone can be part of the action; including the Long Course race which features the above prestigious XTERRA awards, along with doubling as the 2023 Triathlon WA off-road State Championships.
A Short Course option (750m swim, 15km mountain bike, 6km trail run), Aquathlon (1km swim, 5km trail run), and adventure races just for kids are also on the schedule.
All events are open to solo athletes or relay teams of up to 3 doing one leg each where mates can get together and join the 1,500 competitors who tackle this event each year.
“We are delighted to not only return to Australia in 2023, but to discover a new destination along the spectacular coastline of Western Australia,” said XTERRA Asia-Pacific technical director, Landry Benoit.
“I’m excited for our athletes, both locals and visitors, who will be treated to a remarkable setting for a race and perhaps more importantly, a truly amazing adventure destination to explore and discover before and after the event,” added Benoit.
XTERRA Dunsborough will be conducted by Rapid Ascent, Australia’s leading adventure sports event management company.
"We are super excited to be bringing XTERRA back to Australia,” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent’s General Manager. “With a global following and a huge reputation, we're sure XTERRA Dunsborough will be massive. Moreover, the course in Dunsborough is simply spectacular and will showcase the best of the Australian coastline for our international visitors.”
“It’s off-road triathlon at its best; we call it a race through paradise!” added Maffett.
Headquartered at the Dunsborough Country Club, participants will be treated to a super fun finish line with a host of entertainment options for kids, and plenty of food and drinks.
Dunsborough is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape that encompasses a vast ocean of beautiful blue water, spectacular coastlines, wildflower lined running tracks, and an extensive network of mountain bike trails.
“XTERRA Dunsborough is set in the most spectacular location, so we carefully curate each course and discipline to capture the surrounding natural landscapes,” said Maffett.
With hugely successful events in 22 different countries around the World, XTERRA Dunsborough is part of something much bigger and will no doubt attract a large number of international athletes and media attention.
Entries are open for the inaugural XTERRA Australia - Dunsborough weekend of events with event information at www.xterradunsborough.com.au; or visit www.xterraplanet.com for the XTERRA brand and worldwide event series.
EVENT DETAILS
·XTERRA LONG COURSE: 1500m ocean swim / 28.5km mountain bike / 10.5km coast trail run
·XTERRA SHORT COURSE: 750m ocean swim / 15.5km mountain bike / 5.9km coast trail run
·XTERRA KIDS: 200m swim / 5.8km mountain bike / 2.6km trail run
·XTERRA GROMS: 800m trail run / 1200m mountain bike (no swim)
·XTERRA AQUATHLON: 1000m ocean swim / 5km trail run
ENTRIES
Now open at www.xterradunsborough.com.au
