{"id":3311,"date":"2024-10-31T00:09:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T18:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/blog\/"},"modified":"2024-11-05T18:59:10","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T13:14:10","slug":"a-triathlon-story-from-pokhara-to-the-podium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/feature\/a-triathlon-story-from-pokhara-to-the-podium\/","title":{"rendered":"A Triathlon Story: From Pokhara to the Podium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pokhara\u2019s breathtaking landscapes, dramatic Himalayan backdrop, and rich culture have long enchanted adventure seekers. Now, the city\u2019s allure extends into competitive sports with XTERRA Nepal\u2014a high-adrenaline, off-road triathlon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From November 15 to 17, Pokhara will come alive with an exhilarating blend of open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 100 competitors, including expats in Nepal and international athletes, are expected to compete in three races across multiple categories that suit participants’ skills, endurance and age. This thrilling event promises to push athletes through rugged terrains and stunning landscapes, offering an unforgettable race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s XTERRA Nepal marks the debut of the globally renowned XTERRA series in South Asia. Celebrated for its challenging triathlons staged in breathtaking locales, the event is expected to boost tourism and bolster Pokhara\u2019s reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Renowned as the gateway to popular trekking routes, Pokhara is ideal for large-scale events that could establish the city as a premier adventure destination in the truest sense. Photo Courtesy: XTERRA Nepal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As one of 51 qualifying races for the XTERRA World Championships, XTERRA Nepal promises an extraordinary experience for both athletes and spectators. The organisers shared their excitement, highlighting Pokhara as the perfect setting for this epic adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPokhara offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and rugged trails for an off-road triathlon,\u201d says XTERRA Nepal Chair Dipesh Ghale. He declines a request to disclose franchise details, but says that the company estimates the event’s organisation costs at around Rs5 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set against the Annapurna range, Begnas Lake will host the triathlon’s swimming portion, providing athletes with an exhilarating natural swimming environment. The hilly landscapes are ideal for the cycling and running segments, offering rugged terrain that challenges participants while showcasing the area\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Full Distance Triathlon<\/a> begins with a 1.5K open-water swim, followed by a challenging 30K bike ride on single and jeep tracks through scenic villages and farmlands, according to the event programme. It ends with a demanding 10K trail run across steep ascents and jungle paths with a finish line set for the 2024 season finale. In addition to the full race, there are diverse options for all skill levels, including a Sprint Distance Triathlon<\/a>, a Duathlon<\/a>, a 25K Trail Half Marathon<\/a>, and shorter 12K<\/a>, 6K<\/a>, and Kids<\/a> runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After a 1.5K open-water swim, the full-distance triathlon continues with a 30K bike ride on rugged trails through scenic villages and farmlands, and concludes with a challenging 10K trail run. Photo Courtesy: XTERRA Nepal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

XTERRA Nepal has also strategically timed the event for autumn, when Pokhara enjoys pleasant and stable weather. “This seasonal advantage ensures that athletes enjoy moderate conditions\u2014free from extreme heat or biting cold,” explains Ghale, referencing data collected from a nearby hatchery around the same time last year. It indicated temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

XTERRA Global emphasises that these unique conditions make Pokhara an ideal choice for the event, reinforcing Nepal\u2019s potential as a triathlon destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNepal is iconic for adventure seekers, but finding the right location for an off-road triathlon is never easy,\u201d notes Landry Benoit, technical director for XTERRA\u2019s Asia-Pacific operations. XTERRA\u2019s decision to host the event in Pokhara is well-considered, with requirements for transportation, accommodation, course quality, and organisers\u2019 expertise thoroughly met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The XTERRA Global team conducted due diligence on a franchise bid submitted by a consortium of three private companies\u2014Periwinkle Service, Gnarly, and Crystal Mountain Treks\u2014bringing expertise in branding, biking, and trail running to the event. Following an inspection, Benoit, along with XTERRA Director Nicolas Lebrun, endorsed Pokhara as an ideal off-road triathlon venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPokhara checks all the boxes for a perfect triathlon site, and we\u2019re thrilled to see this event come to life in such a beautiful place,\u201d says Benoit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The event offers spectacular Himalayan views and ends with a finish line set for the 2024 season finale. It promises an exceptional experience for athletes and spectators alike as one of the 51 qualifying races for the XTERRA World Championships. Photo Courtesy: XTERRA Nepal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The organisers hope the event opens new opportunities for local talent. It allows Nepali triathletes to participate in a major international event, presenting a total of 28 qualifying slots for the XTERRA World Championship in 2025. Previously held in Taiwan, the triathlon showcase will take place on March 29 and 30 in Dunsborough, Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNepal\u2019s limited facilities for triathlons have often challenged local athletes,\u201d says Shyam Limbu, the founder of Gnarly and race director of XTERRA Nepal. He assures that the franchise is committed to changing this by offering invaluable experience to local competitors. \u201cThis event not only helps athletes develop their skills but also builds connections with seasoned international competitors, boosting Nepal\u2019s presence in off-road sports.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokhara\u2019s selection for XTERRA is also a boon for tourism and the local economy. Known as the gateway to famous trekking routes, the city has well-established infrastructure, and the event is expected to attract more visitors. Local hotels, restaurants, and vendors are poised to benefit, with small businesses gaining exposure to an international audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvents like this bolster our local economy by introducing our products and culture to a global audience,\u201d says Sushil Adhikari, managing director of Rupakot Resort. The 42-room property overlooking Rupa and Begnas lakes has joined hands with XTERRA Nepal as its accommodation partner for the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding a cultural touch, XTERRA Nepal plans to celebrate Nepali heritage with traditional dance and music performances at post-race festivities. \u201cThis will help create a deeper connection with the country, leaving lasting memories of both the race and the region,\u201d says XTERRA Nepal in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The competition venue around Begnas Lake, a Ramsar-recognised site, showcases Pokhara\u2019s commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The organisers have planned preventive measures, including reusable gates and durable flags, to minimise waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The company claims that XTERRA’s core values, which promote environmentally responsible practices, inspire both participants and spectators to adopt eco-conscious behaviours. Photo Courtesy: XTERRA Nepal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cXTERRA Nepal is dedicated to preserving this natural beauty,\u201d emphasises Ghale. Additionally, a post-event cleanup will restore the area to its natural state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These efforts, the company claims, reflect XTERRA’s core values that uphold environmentally responsible practices and inspire both participants and spectators to adopt eco-conscious behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event is expected to attract around 1,000 visitors over three days. But a sharp rise in international airfares to Kathmandu, combined with impending operational restrictions at Kathmandu Airport, has disrupted organisers’ plans. From November 8, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the Tribhuvan International Airport will be closed for 10 hours for taxiway expansion, limiting night-time flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe might have fewer international participants this year due to circumstances beyond our control,” Ghale explains, noting that a surge in ticket prices has deterred some international entrants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, they remain optimistic. \u201cXTERRA Nepal is here for the long run,” he adds, hinting at plans for substantial cash prizes to attract top professional triathletes in future events. The event leverages social media and global exposure to showcase Nepal as a multifaceted destination for thrill-seekers and cultural enthusiasts beyond trekking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following XTERRA Nepal\u2019s successful launch, discussions have emerged about the potential for Pokhara to host the XTERRA World Championship. Both local organisers and XTERRA Global officials recognise Pokhara’s promise. However, infrastructure improvements, such as better road conditions and expanded flight options, will be essential to accommodate more visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ghale adds, \u201cPokhara has all the natural elements for a world championship venue. With infrastructure upgrades, we could soon compete with top global triathlon destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The private sector has set the stage for Pokhara as a premier destination for triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Now, attention turns to government support to solidify this vision.<\/p>\n

Related Images:<\/h3>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The XTERRA series, making its South Asian debut in this lake district, aims to highlight the city’s vibrant energy on the global stage. The three-day event begins on November 15.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3321,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[10,113,114],"class_list":["post-3311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","tag-triathlon","tag-xterra","tag-xterranepal"],"acf":[],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Suman Malla","author_link":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/author\/suman\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Xterra-Swim-300x168.png","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Feature<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Feature<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["Triathlon<\/a>","XTERRA<\/a>","XTERRANepal<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Triathlon<\/span>","XTERRA<\/span>","XTERRANepal<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 2 \u0935\u0930\u094d\u0937 ago","modified":"Updated 2 \u0935\u0930\u094d\u0937 ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on 31 \u0905\u0915\u094d\u091f\u094b\u092c\u0930 2024","modified":"Updated on 5 \u0928\u094b\u092d\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on 31 \u0905\u0915\u094d\u091f\u094b\u092c\u0930 2024 00:09","modified":"Updated on 5 \u0928\u094b\u092d\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024 18:59"},"featured_img_caption":"[:en]Begnas Lake will host the triathlon's swimming portion, offering athletes an exhilarating experience in a natural swimming environment. Photo Courtesy: XTERRA Nepal<\/em>[:]","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3311"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3414,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3311\/revisions\/3414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}