XTERRA Belgium: Where It All Began
- Kerri-Ann Upham
- May 28
- 3 min read
“I think you can win your age group tomorrow”
Rob said to me the night before my very first XTERRA back in 2018.
I felt sick.
I was nervous enough already, just hoping I could get around the course in one piece. The idea of winning? That seemed so far out of reach, it almost made me laugh — or cry.
That race, XTERRA Belgium, was my first ever taste of off-road triathlon. I was new to mountain biking, under-skilled, under-confident, and had no idea what I was really stepping into. But I’ve never forgotten that day, or that race.
Now, in 2025, I’m going back.
Only this time, I’ll be lining up as an elite athlete.
A Race Like No Other
XTERRA Belgium is one of the most iconic events on the XTERRA World Tour. Set in the historic city of Namur, the atmosphere is electric. The Belgians truly love their sport, the energy from the crowd, the music, the location, the party vibes, it all comes together to make this race unforgettable.
The course is equally epic. From the swim in the river Meuse, to the technical mountain bike sections winding up and down the Citadelle, to the challenging run course, it’s a true test of skill, grit, and endurance. It's no surprise this race has become a staple on the international calendar.
Back Then, I Was Just Starting Out
In 2018, I had only been mountain biking for a few months. My gear wasn’t anything special, a hardtail mountain bike that was far from dialed, but it was what I had. I had a handful of local off-road duathlons and mountain bike races under my belt, but nothing like XTERRA Belgium. I was nervous about everything, especially the technical terrain.
I had no real experience with steep climbs or tricky descents, and I spent every moment during the practice laps dreading the technical sections. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the infamous Citadelle stairs, or even if I could manage the other challenging parts of the course.
I remember sitting quietly by the river before the swim, trying to delay getting in. My stomach was in knots. But once the race began, the water actually calmed me. I had a good swim, and for the first time that weekend, I felt like I could do this.
The Mountain Bike: A Battle Just to Survive
The bike was brutal. I crashed on a loose gravel corner. I had to walk several of the steep and technical sections. I even ran down the stairs of the Citadelle — that famous feature so many riders launch off with confidence… I tiptoed it.
When I finally racked my bike, I was just relieved to have made it through. I didn't care about placing anymore — I just wanted to finish.
The Run and the Surprise
Heading out on the run, I knew I had it in me to get to the line. Rob, already finished, called out,“The second lap is easier!”What he didn’t realise was… I was already on lap two. That gave me a jolt of confidence. Maybe I wasn’t doing as badly as I thought.
Crossing the line felt like a huge victory in itself. But the real surprise came when we checked the results.
I had won my age group.
I was stunned. I’d doubted everything, my skills, my gear, even my right to be at that start line. But I’d made it, and I’d done better than I ever thought possible. Rob had believed in me before I believed in myself. That result lit a fire. I started to wonder what might be possible if I truly committed to this sport.
Coming Back in 2025 — As an Elite
Seven years on, I’ll be back on that same start line. But this time, I’m racing as an elite.
I’m excited to see the course again, to ride it with more confidence, to see how far I’ve come. I’m hoping those infamous Citadelle stairs won’t look so scary this time.
Maybe I’ll even fly down them?
I’m also looking forward to soaking up the electric atmosphere. The Belgian crowd brings so much energy, and the location is iconic in both triathlon and cyclocross. There’s no race quite like it.
Why This Race Will Always Be Special
XTERRA Belgium was where it all began. It challenged me, shook me, and ultimately shaped me. It taught me that the biggest leaps often start with the biggest doubts, and that sometimes, the people who believe in you before you believe in yourself can change everything.
I never imagined I’d return to this race as an elite. But here I am.
And I’m ready.
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