Benno's closing statement on the O-SEE Challenge 2026
Can the spirit of an event simply be passed on? I often asked myself this question before this year's O-SEE Challenge, after handing over the reins of the O-SEE to the next generation after 25 years. 25 years in which something truly great has grown from a tiny, fun event. I'm not just talking about all the construction work – I'm referring especially to the intangible value. The O-SEE has a soul; it inspires us all, motivates us, and connects us. People from Zittau and Olbersdorf, East Germans and West Germans, free spirits and conservatives, academics and tradespeople, party animals and elite athletes. The O-SEE as an eloquent example of tolerance and cosmopolitanism, waving flags – without any ulterior motives.
It evolved organically – I was, at best, a visionary, a driving force, a guardian of the spirit, and the one who held the place together. But the fact that this spirit developed in precisely this way – that was due to the chemistry between the people involved and the resulting good vibrations. As an old-timer, I immediately have the legendary Beach Boys song in my head, in which they already sang about the inspiring Californian lifestyle and these very good vibrations back in 1975.
Speaking of California and Flower Power: In announcing the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge 2026, the XTERRA marketing strategists described the O-SEE as the Woodstock of XTERRA events. What an honor, and quite justified. I believe the managers at XTERRA would have liked to copy the O-SEE spirit for their events worldwide – but the O-SEE, or rather its spirit, can't simply be copied or passed on. It can only be inherited by kindred spirits, thus passing on the DNA. And that's exactly what happened in our case – the 26th edition of the O-SEE seamlessly transitioned under the new leadership trio; an outsider wouldn't have noticed the change. I even think this change has been exceptionally beneficial for the organizing team.
This was especially noticeable during the setup phase, which is an integral part of the event for us and not just a necessary evil – it was pure O-SEE family. Anyone from our now huge circle of friends who had the time and inclination dropped by, helped out, or came up with ideas to keep the atmosphere lively. And in the evenings, we all sat together comfortably. Completely without Facebook, Instagram, etc., just with the good vibes. Moments that will be remembered. Just like the competition days themselves, the VIP reception, or the after-race party, which was gigantic by Zittau standards – all under perfect summer weather. Once again, we were lucky with the now dreaded weather roulette.
The coming years will show where the concept is headed. What new priorities will be set? There have already been some initial small changes, moving towards a more contemporary approach. For example, Thursday's press conference was abruptly canceled due to the changing media landscape. The influence of print media and broadcasters is waning; everything is shifting online. Besides, there wasn't much to report this year, and media interest was always limited anyway. But this communication platform was still sacred to me, also for the benefit of the host communities. Perhaps it will be reinstated if we host another World Cup.
The team sprint on Friday was also scrapped. A controversial decision… But here, too, the decisive factor was that the effort and benefit of the format were disproportionate: Fewer than 20 teams resulted in enormous personnel and financial costs. The cancellation of the sprint greatly eased the setup phase on Thursday and Friday – but now there's no opener. That needs to come back in the future. But what? A charity run? Everyone does that… Any ideas?
I also noticed a small change in my own perception: The infamous O-SEE fanfare, that is, the classic rock adaptation of the Copland fanfare, was only administered in homeopathic doses; instead, there was a successful mix of music at the start and the awards ceremony. I can live with that, but the fanfare should remain part of the ritual.
Well, these haven't been groundbreaking changes so far, and after years of maintaining tried-and-tested procedures, the pressure is mounting for the Challenge to further develop its event concept and keep up with the times. Currently, that time is gravel biking. Will the Challenge succeed in setting a new highlight here?
Next topic: Will there continue to be three race courses? And if so, should they be further differentiated? The O-SEE is the only classic XTERRA event that, in addition to the Full Distance and Light versions, also offers a "middle ground" with the O-SEE Classic. This has developed historically. Personally, I'm in favor of keeping the Classic course; the MTB crossing through the high forest is part of the O-SEE's DNA, even if it hurts – for athletes and organizers alike. But the final 10 km trail run is already off-putting for the target group of ambitious mountain bikers. We might lose participants here, especially female participants.
This is also an issue: making the challenge more attractive for women and also for the "older generation." The winners' podium looked rather bleak this year, mostly featuring familiar faces from years past – and their numbers are dwindling... But such decisions have repercussions all the way to the DTU regulations, since we are, after all, organizing German Championships on regulated distances according to the DTU's sports code.
XTERRA also needs to consider its future: The elite field has thinned out somewhat in recent years. The really good athletes are migrating to road triathlon because it's more lucrative. Not even 30 elite starters, even though the Challenge, as a Gold-status race, is one of the more attractive in the series – that was disappointing. But perhaps the, in my view, very successful Youth Tour will bring fresh blood to the elite. The concept works; even at O-SEE Sports, some of the young guns have caught the bug and are already traveling to the hottest XTERRA events in Europe and overseas. And with this optimistic outlook, I'm already looking forward to 2027.
New features: • Introduction of reusable cups in cooperation with the city of Zittau • A fine new stage; the setup for it is now only a fraction of what was previously necessary.
Areas for criticism and improvement: … but not much more ????
• The use of tablets for moderating the finish line went wrong again, we'll keep practicing…
• The situation regarding toilets and showers remains unsatisfactory, but we are powerless in this matter and dependent on force majeure (original text taken from 2024 and 2025 ;-)
Regarding the number of participants: 1,443 – a slight decrease overall compared to 2025, not dramatic, but noticeable. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the entry-level O-SEE Light option on Sunday.
Regarding the supporting program: this year there will be less, but with the tried and tested basics:
– a chill VIP evening, this year again with saxophone sounds as musical accompaniment
– Dance shows by 1st RevoluZion, DashBones & Co
– Children's entertainment
– Climbing tower and biathlon
– Saturday evening the O‑SEE OPEN AIR with DJ Paulpowerz and resident DJs Robin & Nico
– Beach volleyball cup
Other news items:
• It was hot, very hot…
• Lisa Hoffmann was a new voice in the hosting team. Together with the ever-reliable Tom Kerner, she guided the audience confidently through the event. Everyone's verdict: a complete success, and they'd love to do it again. I think Lisa felt the same way. So, will we see her again in 2027?
• A live music duo along the trail created a great atmosphere for the runners, who mostly already looked strained.
• The Eibau private brewery has now become a main sponsor. Justifiably so, as the event has evolved into a family celebration and festival, becoming more than just a sporting event.
• For the O-SEE Challenge, the previously deactivated path lighting at O-SEE was repaired and then put back into operation.
• The festively decorated and illuminated Christmas tree on the MTB trail at Hochwald is very popular; even beforehand, there were many concerned inquiries about whether the tree was still standing. We will therefore take good care of it.
Benno's "biter calf" went to Jörg Hoffmann, the tireless mountain biker, tourer, mechanic, and now "promoted" to race director of the O-SEE. Jörg is someone who has a significant say in many things – but you hardly notice it. In his calm, unassuming, and unobtrusive manner, he makes very pragmatic decisions or advises others on them. This down-to-earth resident of Lückendorf is a fine Upper Lusatian, grounded but also open-minded, enterprising, and in good spirits.
See you again on August 13–15, 2027 – in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park – for the 27th edition!
Sincerely, Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager – Patron
And of course… THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!
