Xterra Off-Road triathlon set to return

Triathlon scheduled for Sunday 15 April with a strong international pro field

The 4th annual Xterra Malta offroad triathlon will make a welcome return to the Maltese Islands on Sunday 15 April, when 260 triathletes will undertake the course set in the remarkable Majjistral Nature Reserve.

The crystal blue waters of Golden Sands Bay, the breathtaking cliff-edge trails and the family atmosphere that the organisers bring to this tough challenge make this one of the most talked-about multi-sport races on the calendar.

The race will consist of a 1.5km triangular swim on a 750m course, a 30km mountain bike course of two 15km loops that passes through the garigue area and alongside cliff edge trails in the Majjistral Park, whilst the 11km run is a two-loop 5.5km route on the Ġnejna plateau, overlooking Ġnejna and Riviera Martinique bays.

Xterra Malta, forms part of the European multisport brand, which is present in 16 countries and provides top competition for professionals and amateurs alike. Throughout the weekend athletes are able to compete in multiple distances for all abilities and events for the entire family including trail runs and kids races will be hosted.

Pro Athlete Line Up

The 2018 edition will not only welcome an added pool of Pro athletes but will also welcome back last year’s top three male and female winners, as well as other athletes who have faithfully returned to Malta to race this circuit.

Roger Serrano (ESP), Brigitta Poor (HUN) will be going all out to retain their titles, whilst athletes such as Maximilian Sasserath (GER), Francois Carloni (FRA), Helena Erbenova (CZE) and Nicole Walters (GBR) will be attempting to gain a better placing than that obtained in 2017.

Maltese athletes

Thirteen Maltese athletes will be undertaking the full distance. Most athletes are returning to the Xterra fold and include the likes of Danica Bonello Spiteri and Peter-Jan Grech who registered the fastest times amongst the Maltese athletes.

Another four athletes will be joining the race but undertaking the Sprint distance, whilst eight relay teams are made up of Maltese athletes.

“The Xterra Malta Team has worked really hard to see more locals take part and we are pleased to see representation growing slowly, especially with relay teams. We feel this is a great introduction to the sport, as many athletes undertaking a relay segment usually return the following year to do the full race” explained Xterra Malta Race Organiser Nathan Farrugia.

“We are also very pleased to see many returning faces, especially from our international friends who keep coming back to Malta for this race.”

Age Group winners will automatically qualify for the Xterra World Championships which are held annually in Maui, Hawaii in October.

The route has been designed to be spectator friendly and organisers encourage the general public to watch and cheer on the athletes.

Xterra Malta is made possible with the support of the Radisson Blu Resort, Cisk Excel, Garmin Malta, Credorax, Jeep, ProAction and The Cyclist.

We are also grateful for the support and cooperation of Costa Coffee, Nirvana Europe, SPR Travel, MIB Insurance, emvigee pr &marketing, Scouts, Red Cross Malta, Malta Police Force, Mġarr Local Council, Malta Youth Triathlon Academy, ERA, Mellieħa LocalCouncil, Malta Mountain Bike Association, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, Agones SFC, ARRTS Timing, Majjistral Park Management, Melfar, Mdina Glass, VAM, Popeye Village, BirdLife Malta, Mellieħa Holiday Complex and all the volunteers.

Xterra Malta will take place on Sunday 15 April and will start with the swim segment in Golden Bay at 9.30am.

Schedule of Events

Saturday 14 April Xterra Fun Trail Run (5.5K) Registration: 8am at Radisson Golden Sands Ballroom Start: 9.30am at Scouts Area Each participant’s time will be recorded and medals awarded to every finisher

Price: €15 per person, register online

Xterra Kids Obstacle Course

Registration: 9.30am at Radisson Golden Sands Ballroom Start: 10.30am at Scouts Area Age groups: 8-10 and 11-13 Medals awarded to every finisher

Price: Donation

Xterra Triathlon

Registration: 10am - 4pm at Radisson Golden Sands Ballroom

Race Briefing: 4pm at Radisson Golden Sands Ballroom

Sunday 15th April

Start of Triathlon at 9.30am with Swim (Golden Bay)