From First-Timer to Podium: My Return to XTERRA Belgium
- Kerri-Ann Upham
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
XTERRA Belgium has always had a special place in my journey. It’s where it all began back in 2018 — my first ever off-road triathlon. Back then, I was brand new to mountain biking, under-skilled, nervous, and just hoping to survive the course. I never imagined that one day I’d be back here, racing at the elite level.
Fast forward to 2025, and here I was — standing on that same start line, this time with confidence, experience, and a quiet belief that maybe, just maybe, I could go for the win.
The Build-Up
Coming off strong results in Greece and the UK (including a 6th in a stacked World Cup field), I arrived in Belgium feeling positive. Training had been consistent, and we’d made the trip over by road — a proper little adventure that makes the journey part of the experience.
With Belgium only three hours from Calais, it’s an easy drive from the UK, and I always prefer travelling by car so I can pack everything I might need. (Top tip: bring gear for every possible weather — heat, rain, mud, even a duathlon... you never know with XTERRA.)
The course preview went well — conditions were dry, and I felt ready. XTERRA Belgium isn’t just another race; it’s one of the most iconic events on the circuit, set in the historic city of Namur. The cobbled streets, the looming Citadel, and the energy from the locals create something really special. The venue has deep roots in cycling and cyclocross culture, and you can feel that passion in the air.
I was excited to race.
Race Day Unfolds
The 1500m river swim started well. I positioned myself cleanly and got into the main group early on. But as the swim progressed, I just couldn’t find my rhythm. When the faster age group men started coming through, I struggled to settle into a pack and felt like I was working hard but not moving. The rain started partway through — heavy and relentless — and I was praying it would stop before we hit the bike course.
It didn’t.
I exited the water in 5th place, four minutes down on super-swimmer Emma Ducreux. Not my best swim, but I knew the race was far from over. I had a smooth transition and got straight to work on the long concrete climb up the Citadel. I was feeling strong and managed to push good power, moving up to 3rd by the top after catching Anna and Lorena. Dieske was still just ahead in 2nd, and Emma had disappeared up the road.
But the trails had changed completely since the preview. The once-dry course had become a mud-fest. I instantly regretted not switching to my mud tyres — they were sitting in the car — and it was clear that mistake was going to cost me. What had looked like fast, flowing sections became treacherous. The descents were slick, the climbs brutal, and the flat sections were more like a slip-and-slide. Bodies were everywhere.
The conditions tried to get in my head. I was struggling. But I reminded myself I’d raced in worse — and the mud was the same for everyone. In XTERRA, anything can happen. You just have to stay in the fight. And I did.
After lap one, my coach told me I was closing in on second. I dug in. Eventually, I spotted the flash of Dieske’s yellow tri suit ahead. I focused on my effort, stayed patient, and gradually reeled her in. On the final steep climb, she made a mistake and had to dismount. I knew I had to dig deep — I was determined to ride it clean.
And that’s when the crowd lifted me.
The atmosphere on that climb was unforgettable. The whole village had come out in the storm — flares going off, people cheering wildly, beer on their breath, cowbells, chaos. The Belgians love a party, and they brought every bit of that energy to the course. That moment reminded me just how iconic this race really is — and how lucky I was to be racing at the pointy end of it.
I crested the climb and stuck with Dieske all the way to T2.
On the Run
Out of transition, I went straight into race mode. I put in a strong surge to try to drop Dieske, and for a while, she hung on. But around 3km in, I opened a gap and settled into my pace. My legs felt good, and I was running strong — but Emma was long gone. She was absolutely flying, having one of those days where everything clicks.
Crossing the Line
Crossing the finish line in 2nd place, I was proud — proud that I’d stayed in it mentally when things got tough, proud of how I fought all the way to the end, and proud to stand on the podium at the race where it all began.
But I’ll be honest — I was a bit disappointed too. I had hoped the win might be within reach, and to finish so far behind Emma was a little demoralising. But that’s racing. She was untouchable that day, and all credit to her for putting together such a dominant performance.
Beyond the Finish Line
One of the things I love about XTERRA Belgium is that it’s more than just a race — it’s an experience.
Namur is a beautiful city with loads of character. Post-race, we took a spin along the river, soaking up the views of the grand houses and stopping for ice cream at a brilliant little parlour. There are great coffee shops in town (even if they are a bit pricey!) and loads of places to explore if you’re making a weekend of it. Unfortunately, due to construction at the Citadel, we couldn’t ride the famous stairs this year — but maybe that just means I have to come back again.
And if you’re reading this wondering whether to give XTERRA Belgium a go — do it. It’s easy to get to from the UK, the venue is iconic, and the atmosphere is like nothing else on the tour.
Looking Ahead
This race reminded me of two things: how far I’ve come, and how much more there is still to chase. It wasn’t the perfect race, but it was a gritty one — and sometimes those are the performances that matter most.
XTERRA Belgium started my journey, and in many ways, it keeps pushing it forward. I stood on the start line as an elite, and left with more belief, more hunger, and more fire than ever.
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