XTERRA European Championship
The European cross triathlon championship on the shores of Lake Molveno
About XTERRA European Championship
A European Championship between lake and Dolomites
The XTERRA European Championship is the premier off-road triathlon event in the town of Molveno, in the province of Trento, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. For an entire weekend, the event transforms the famous Lake Molveno and the slopes of the Paganella plateau, at the foot of the UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites, into a massive outdoor race course. Off-road triathlon combines three disciplines in a natural setting: swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, mountain biking on single tracks and mountain dirt roads, and trail running through forests and paths.
The discipline of cross triathlon
Unlike road triathlon, the XTERRA format challenges athletes with the raw power of nature: steep climbs, roots, technical descents, and breathtaking views. The flagship event, the Full Distance, includes a 1.5 km swim in Lake Molveno, 32 km of mountain biking, and 10 km of trail running. Alongside this, there are also Sprint (750 m swim, 16 km bike, 5 km run) and Super Sprint (400 m swim, 8 km bike, 2.7 km run) distances, designed to introduce less experienced enthusiasts to cross triathlon.
An international event in the heart of Trentino
Over time, Molveno has built a solid reputation as the capital of cross triathlon: after hosting the XTERRA World Championship for four consecutive editions, the Trentino town becomes the host of the European Championship starting in 2026. The event attracts hundreds of athletes from numerous nations, including Elite professionals, Age Group categories, and young prospects. At stake are not only continental titles but also valuable qualifying spots for the World Championship.
More than just a race: an outdoor festival
The XTERRA European Championship is much more than a sporting competition: it is a true festival dedicated to outdoor sports and the mountain lifestyle. The races are complemented by technical clinics, course previews, yoga sessions, sunset aperitifs on the lake beach, DJ sets, light shows, and water projections, as well as an expo area and activities for families and children. All this in a setting that blends competitive spirit with the scenic beauty of one of Trentino's most charming villages, overlooking what has repeatedly been awarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy.
Why participate
- Elite, Age Group, and youth races with prize money and World Championship slots.
- Spectacular courses between Lake Molveno and the Brenta Dolomites UNESCO site.
- An outdoor festival atmosphere with music, aperitifs, and activities for everyone.
- A weekend in the heart of Trentino, combining sport, nature, and mountain hospitality.
XTERRA European Championship — edition 2026
XTERRA European Championship 2026
From June 19 to 21, 2026, Molveno, in Trentino, hosted the XTERRA European Championship of cross triathlon for the first time. The program kicked off on Friday, June 19, with the new 7K Sunset Run, a trail run starting at sunset. Saturday, June 20, featured the flagship event, the Full Distance (1.5 km swim, 32 km mountain bike, 10 km trail), along with the Sprint. Sunday, June 21, was dedicated to the Super Sprint, Short Track, and the Kids Races for the little ones.
A 30,000 euro Elite prize pool was up for grabs, along with 56 slots for the XTERRA World Championship and 30 slots for the Youth World Championship. Surrounding the races was a true outdoor festival on the shores of Lake Molveno: technical clinics, course previews, yoga, sunset aperitifs, DJ sets, light shows on the water, and an expo area, all set against the backdrop of the Brenta Dolomites.
Programme XTERRA European Championship 2026
- Friday, June 19: 7K Sunset Run (trail run at sunset), clinics, and course previews
- Saturday, June 20: Full Distance (1.5 km swim + 32 km MTB + 10 km trail) and Sprint (750 m + 16 km + 5 km)
- Sunday, June 21: Super Sprint (400 m + 8 km + 2.7 km), Short Track Elite Invitational, and Kids Races
Highlights XTERRA European Championship 2026
- 30,000 euro Elite prize pool
- 56 slots for the XTERRA World Championship and 30 for the Youth World Championship
- Approximately 500 athletes from all over Europe
- Outdoor festival with yoga, sunset aperitifs, and light shows on the lake
Prices XTERRA European Championship 2026
Practical information — XTERRA European Championship
How to get there
By car: from Trento, follow the SS421 towards the Paganella plateau and Molveno (about 40 minutes). By train: Trento station, then bus connections to Molveno. Nearest airports: Verona Villafranca and Bergamo Orio al Serio.
Where to stay
Molveno and the nearby towns of Andalo and Fai della Paganella offer numerous hotels, B&Bs, and apartments; early booking is recommended during the high summer season.
Tips
The races take place by the lake with staggered starts throughout the weekend. Bring sportswear, sunscreen, and, for spectators, comfortable shoes to reach the viewpoints along the courses.
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Where does it take place — XTERRA European Championship
Lago di Molveno