French XTERRA stars dominate the 26th O-SEE Challenge
German championship titles for Leupold and Fuchs
At the German Cross Triathlon Championships, Michael Fuchs (TV Burglengenfeld) secured the men's title in a commanding 2:52:49 hours. Silver went to Jens Roth (Tri Post Trier, 2:54:45 h) ahead of Robin Schüßler (VfL Münster RECard Triathlon Team, 2:59:25 h).
Paula Leupold (TV Burglengenfeld) won the German Championship title in the women's race with a time of 3:24:11. Annika Hartmann and Rebecca Schechinger took the other medal positions.
Arthur Serrières is making O-SEE history
In the men's elite international XTERRA race, there was once again no getting past Arthur Serrières (France). The multiple XTERRA world champion prevailed in 2:45:40 hours, ahead of his compatriot Arthur Forissier and the Belgian Ben Vyvey.
For Serrières, this was his sixth victory at the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge. Following his successes in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, he triumphed once again at Lake Olbersdorf. The Frenchman had already attracted attention with a second-place finish in his first appearance in 2017. Only a DNF in 2018 prevented an even more impressive winning streak.
With six wins and several second places, Serrières is undoubtedly one of the most influential athletes in the history of the O-SEE Challenge.
XTERRA Elite Men
Arthur Serrières (FRA) – 2:45:40 h
Arthur Forissier (FRA) – 2:50:42 h
Ben Vyvey (BEL) – 2:50:52 h
Michael Fuchs (GER) – 2:52:49 h
Jens Roth (GER) – 2:54:45 h
Alizée Patiès celebrates second victory in Zittau
Among the women, Alizée Patiès, a well-known figure at the Olympia-SEE, also emerged victorious. The Frenchwoman won in 3:12:21 hours, ahead of the Italian Marta Menditto and the eventual German champion, Paula Leupold.
For Patiès, this was her second victory in Zittau. After finishing second in 2022, she won the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge in 2023 and has now returned to Lake Olbersdorf as the winner once again.
XTERRA Elite Women
Alizée Patiès (FRA) – 3:12:21 h
Marta Menditto (ITA) – 3:21:45 h
Paula Leupold (GER) – 3:24:11 h
Kerri-Ann Upham (GBR) – 3:24:55 h
Hannah-Lee Young (AUS) – 3:28:11 h
France dominates at the O-SEE
This year's event once again underscored the close connection between the French XTERRA elite and the O-SEE Challenge. Arthur Serrières and Alizée Patiès, two of the most successful off-road triathletes of our time, stood atop the podium. While Serrières extended his record to six victories, Patiès celebrated her second win in Zittau.
With top international performances, the German Championships and several thousand spectators, the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge once again confirmed its status as one of the most traditional and prestigious cross triathlon events in Europe.
The large field of age-group athletes at the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge, as well as those competing in the shorter Classic, Reduced, and Light distances, also deserves special mention. The event consistently attracts former top athletes to the O-SEE – including Olympian Maik Petzold and elite athletes like Ronny Dietz, who have been associated with the Challenge for many years.
The Saxon champions in the respective age groups were also determined in the children's and youth races. As part of the still young XTERRA Youth Tour, numerous tickets for the XTERRA Youth World Championships were awarded at Lake O-SEE.
All results here.
