XTERRA Matterley Duathlon 2025: A Muddy Triumph!
- Kerri-Ann Upham
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
6km Trail Run - 20km Mountain Bike - 3km Trail Run
Matterley Basin, Winchester, UK
Saturday 8th February 2025
After last year’s chaos, when someone accidentally ran off with my shoes in transition, I was more than ready to return to the XTERRA Matterley Duathlon and settle some demons.
Race Morning: Mud, Cold, and Competition
As we drove towards the race venue rain tapped against the windscreen, a thick wet mist hung over the fields and a smile crept across my face. Instead of dampening my spirits, it fueled my excitement, I knew this meant one thing:
Mud....
And lots of it!
A slick, challenging mountain bike course would be tough but could play to my advantage, rewarding smart riding and strong legs. I was eager to take it on.
XTERRA Matterley would be my first race of 2025—a chance to shake off the winter rust, push hard, and see where I stacked up. More than that, it was an opportunity to reconnect with the XTERRA community, catch up with familiar faces, and get back into the rhythm of race-day execution.
Despite already expecting tough conditions, stepping out of the car confirmed just how bitterly cold it was. My breath hung in the air, and my fingers stung as I prepared my bike. During the practice lap, the mud was clinging to everything and by the time I’d made it back to transition, my bike was already coated, a sign of the battle ahead.
The best part of race morning, though, was catching up with familiar faces from the off-road scene, athletes, organisers, and friends who make these events special. Among the competitors, two names stood out: IRONMAN Champion Lydia Dant, who took the win last year, and Bonnie Van Wilgenburg, who I’ve had some close battles with at XTERRA races.
It was shaping up to be an exciting showdown.
A Shock to the System
I knew the first 6km run was going to hurt.
Coming off a big block of base training, I was used to long, steady miles—this kind of high-intensity effort was always going to be a shock to the system.
But I was ready for it.
As the race kicked off, I focused on my own pace, staying in the moment and resisting the urge to chase too hard too soon. Some racers surged ahead, but I wasn’t fazed. I held my ground, knowing my strength would come later. Lydia had a flying start, instantly opening up a gap, but I stayed calm, this race wasn’t going to be won in the first few kilometres. My job was to stay strong, keep the gap manageable, and set myself up for the bike.
Mud, Grit, and Gaining Time
As I hit transition, I noticed Lydia was suffering with cramps, forcing her to slow down. I had a swift, efficient changeover, and with no time to waste, grabbed my bike and headed out on the MTB course in the lead.
The course was exactly what I had hoped for—super slippery and relentlessly muddy. Each lap, the mud built up, clogging my frame and drivetrain. The more the mud accumulated, the more my bike creaked, my gears slipped, and every pedal stroke felt like a battle against resistance.
But I was loving it, conditions like these reward strength and resilience.
I knew the power sections would be where I could make my move, so I focused on laying down the watts and opening up as big a lead as possible. Every climb, every straight, every chance to push harder—I took it.
This was my opportunity, and I was determined to make it count.
Holding Nothing Back
Coming off the bike, I knew I had built a good lead, but in XTERRA, you have to expect the unexpected (like your shoes going missing!), nothing is guaranteed until you cross that finish line.
There was no letting off the gas.
My legs felt heavy from the bike effort, but I locked into a strong, steady rhythm, focusing on good form. Every step was about maintaining momentum, keeping my head in the game, and making sure I got the job done.
Then, finally—the finish tape in sight. Relief, excitement, and pure joy hit me all at once as I surged towards the line. After last year’s chaos in transition, this time, there were no surprises, just a hard-fought race and the win I had been chasing.
It was brilliant to see so many people out racing, catching up with familiar faces, and kicking off the season in true off-road style. If you’re thinking about giving XTERRA a go, I’d highly recommend signing up for the triathlon at Weston Park in May. It’s a fantastic event and a great opportunity to experience off-road racing firsthand.
Maybe I will see you there!
Photos on this webpage are provided by:
Carel Du Plessis (XTERRA Europe)
Instagram: @carelduplessis
Facebook: @carelduplessisphotographer
Instagram: @xterra_uk
Facebook: @xterra_uk
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