Off-road athletes set to tackle X-Adventure triathlon at Geographe Bay

Some of Australia’s fastest off-road triathletes are heading west this weekend to take on the ultimate physical challenge, X-Adventure Dunsborough.

X-Adventure is the ultimate mix of triathlon and adventure racing featuring an ocean swim, trail run and mountain bike, with this year’s course encompassing the picturesque Geographe Bay coastline.

Taking place this weekend, April 2 and 3, the event will mark competition’s 10th year.

Event organiser Rapid Ascent’s general manager Sam Maffett said the achievement was a testament to the dedication of those involved.

“We are excited to see the event hit 10 years. . . the athletes and supporters are a true testament to the event’s success as they are the ones who embrace the courses, cheer from the sidelines and create that sensational event atmosphere year in, year out,” he said.

The event features five different off-road races spread across the two days, including the popular long course which will see athletes take on a 1500m swim, 12km trail run and 20km mountain bike trail.

The event will also serve as the 2022 Triathlon WA Off-road State Championships, and ITU World Selection Race for 2023.

In the premier event, three-time winner Brendan Dimmer and XTERRA champion Ben Allen, will go head-to-head against young guns Zeke Tinley and Tom Fisher, who is the reigning triathlon national champion.

Dimmer said the Dunsborough track is a personal favourite of his.

“I absolutely love the race, it’s been my favourite since 2013,” he said.

“The course is just sensational and I love the Dunsborough area.”

Other races include the short course (700m ocean swim, 6km coastal trail run and 11km mountain bike), the Aquathlon-X event (1km swim, 5km trail run), and two junior events.