Kerri-Ann Upham

I almost didn't race the XTERRA European Championships in Molveno. After three disappointing visits, I wasn't sure this course and I would ever get along. But sometimes the places that challenge you the most become the places that define you. This is the story behind my biggest XTERRA result—and the years of quiet work that made it possible.

Eight years ago, I arrived at XTERRA Belgium for my first ever off-road triathlon wondering if I would even make it around the course. The climbs looked impossible, the descents terrified me, and simply finishing felt like a huge achievement. Last weekend, I returned to the same river, the same trails and the same Citadel and crossed the finish line as the winner. This is the story of the journey from survival to victory, and the lessons learned along the way.

Every summer, the quiet medieval town of Prachatice transforms into the centre of the XTERRA world. From coffee and carrot cake in the square to one of the most electric finish lines in off-road triathlon, this is the race I keep coming back to.