In 2024, XTERRA launched its inaugural Youth Tour designed to develop the next wave of world-class off-road triathletes. With over 40 events worldwide, the XTERRA Youth Tour connects young athletes to the world of cross-triathlon, offering a structured competitive path for anyone curious about the sport and for those who wish to build positive relationships within a vibrant outdoor community.
What is the XTERRA Youth Tour?
The XTERRA Youth Tour provides a unique global platform for athletes aged 14-19. Building on the success of XTERRA’s established World Cup, the Youth Tour is designed as a natural stepping stone to the more challenging Full Distance races of the XTERRA World Tour. Events are standardized across the globe, ensuring a cohesive experience that mirrors the professional level in terms of competition and atmosphere.
Triathletes such as Sullivan Middaugh (USA), who claimed the XTERRA USA Championship at age 18, and his brother Porter Middaugh (USA), a top-five finisher at just 17, exemplify the need for a dedicated youth series. Their success stories highlight the Tour’s role in filling a crucial gap, providing a clear progression within the sport for the young and ambitious.
A Safer, Community-Focused Approach
Engaging with the XTERRA Youth Tour means bringing a younger generation into the off-road community at an early age, offering many of them a safer alternative to on-road training that often comes with traffic hazards. This initiative also provides invaluable opportunities for building self-esteem, particularly within a niche sport, allowing participants to stand out among their peers.
An Alternative to Mainstream Sports
In a world where mainstream sports are becoming fiercely competitive from an early age, off-road triathlon presents a refreshing alternative. It provides a less saturated arena for young athletes, potentially burned out from years of early specialization in other sports, to rediscover their active passion and excel in a new challenge.
Youth Divisions and Distances
The Youth Tour will feature three age divisions:
Youth A (14-15 years): Competing in Super Sprint distances with a maximum 400m swim, 8K bike, and 2K run.
Youth B (16-17 years): Participating in Sprint distances, featuring a 750m swim, 15K bike, and 5K run.
Junior (18-19 years): Also competing in Sprint distances, aligning with the more advanced level of physical development and endurance in this age group.
Qualifying for the World Stage
Every race within the XTERRA Youth Tour serves as a qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship, with top performers earning slots to compete on a global stage. This culminates in the 2024 XTERRA Youth World Championship held in Trentino, Italy, where champions from each division are crowned, providing unprecedented exposure and experience at an international level.
A Community of Athletes
The XTERRA Youth Tour is not just about competition; it’s about continuing to add members into an already thriving community. Young athletes will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from elite triathletes, sharing trails and experiences that foster growth both on and off the race course. This community aspect is pivotal, as it inspires newcomers and seasoned young athletes alike, promoting a lifelong engagement with cross-triathlon.
Discovering the XTERRA Youth Tour
With the first successful event that took place in February at XTERRA South Africa to the final 2024 date in October at XTERRA Sardegna, the XTERRA Youth Tour continues to invite young athletes and their families to be part of something groundbreaking. This is more than a competition; it’s a chance to stand out, build self-esteem, and embrace the challenges of off-road triathlon in a supportive, structured environment.
To learn more, visit the XTERRA Youth Tour page.
Photos – XTERRA
