Touching the Tape: My First Win at XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of the best race locations we have been to

XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine had been on my radar for a while — fast trails, stunning scenery, and a course that rewards smart, gutsy racing. Coming off XTERRA Belgium, I was rested but quietly hungry. I didn’t know if a win was possible, but I was ready to fight for every second.

The venue was breath-taking — a calm lake surrounded by green forests and rolling hills. But on race day, that calm vanished under a scorching sun. This wasn’t just a race against others; it was a battle against heat, fatigue, and my own doubts.

Stunning Lake Vassivière

The Build-Up

After Belgium, I took the time to recover, reset, and focus. Arriving in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, I felt prepared — a clear pacing plan, my nutrition dialled in, and a mindset to race smart, manage the heat, and stay locked on the fight.

Finally found a cafe with blueberry muffins to die for!

The Swim: Chaos and Control

The swim started with a splash of chaos — we shared the water with the men, which always cranks up the intensity. Feet kicked close, arms flailed, and the water churned around me. I tried desperately to latch onto a group, but their poor sighting meant they zigzagged and slowed, making it more of a hindrance than a help.

Realising this, I let go and found my own rhythm in the surprisingly warm, glassy water. The sun beat down on the lake’s surface, and the heat seemed to seep into every stroke. My main rival, Lizzie, surged ahead early, showing her strength in non-wetsuit conditions. I focused on steady, efficient strokes and steady breathing, knowing I had to conserve something for what lay ahead.

Coming out of the water in second place, about a minute behind, wasn’t where I wanted to be. But I told myself: nothing lost yet — the race was long.

Chasing on the Bike: Battling Fatigue and Frustration

The moment I clipped into my pedals, I shifted gears mentally. The bike course was technical but fast, with rolling hills and tight corners demanding focus and smooth handling.

I broke the course into sections in my mind — attack the climbs, stay loose on descents, and hold a strong, steady pace through the flats. Every pedal stroke counted, every line mattered.

But despite riding aggressively, the gap didn’t shrink. Instead, it crept wider. I felt frustrated, aware that some lingering fatigue from Belgium was still in my legs. There were moments when I wanted to let off the gas — but I didn’t. I reminded myself this was about smart racing, about resilience, about staying in the fight.

By the time I reached T2, I was two minutes down. It stung, but I wasn’t done.

Giving it everything on the MTB

The Run: The Turning Point

Starting the run, I was tired and the heat was intense. Mentally, I wasn’t sure I could claw back two minutes. Rob’s voice was clear in my ear as I left transition: “Two minutes.” That felt like a mountain.

But then, slowly, the gap started to shrink. By the 5km mark, it was down to 45 seconds. I caught sight of Lizzie walking on a hill halfway through the lap — that was the spark I needed. But I stayed patient, reeling her in gradually, knowing I only had one match left to burn.

Then, with just 1.5km to go, I kicked hard on the final climb. I glanced back in the last 200 metres and didn’t see Lizzie. My disbelief was immediate — shaking my head, trying to hold in the emotion, and soaking in every second of the moment.

Touching the Tape: A Dream Realised

Crossing that finish line and touching the tape was a moment I’ve dreamed of for years. Sure, I’d won races as an age grouper, but I’d never had the chance to actually touch the tape. For me, this was everything — proof that the years of hard work, setbacks, and steady progress were paying off.

The look of shock on the faces of the crowd and announcer made it feel even more surreal. My dad fist-pumping, my mum and Rob cheering loudly — it was a win for all of us. The emotions were overwhelming; Rob was in tears, and my family, who have witnessed my journey first-hand, were over the moon.

What This Win Means

This win gives me confidence. It shows me I can compete at this level, close gaps, and finish strong. It fuels my fire to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep chasing.

Along the way, local supporters added a special energy, reminding me how XTERRA is as much community as competition.

This is just the start.

The journey continues, and I’m excited to have you all with me.

Thanks for being part of it.

— Kerri-Ann