Official Event Name: XTERRA South American Championship

Date: May 24-25, 2025

Location: D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota, Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia

Organizing Body: XTERRA Global / XTERRA Colombia / XPORTIVA

Race Format: Off-road triathlon (swim-mountain bike-trail run)

Distances:

• Swim: 1.5 km in Lake Sochagota
• Bike: Approximately 30 km of technical mountain biking
• Run: Approximately 10 km of trail running

Event Significance: The premier off-road triathlon championship for South America, offering 58 coveted qualification slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy. The high-altitude course at 2,500m (8,200ft) adds to the challenge.

Registration & Qualification

Registration Status: Currently open—no qualification hoops to jump through

Cost Range: Approximately 26 EUR to 107 EUR

Refund Policy:

• 100% refund until December 31, 2024
• 50% refund until February 2025
• No refund after February 2025

Qualification Reward: Top finishers punch their ticket to the XTERRA World Championship

Course Details

The entire event unfolds at approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) elevation. Your lungs will operate with 25-30% less oxygen than sea level. Find more on altitude impact at Ironman 70.3 performance benchmarks.

Swim Segment

• Venue: Lake Sochagota
• Water Type: Freshwater, mineral-rich
• Course Layout: Point-to-point or loop configuration
• Expected Conditions: Consistently cool temperatures
• Wetsuit Regulations: Pending confirmation

Bike Segment

• Terrain: Technical single-track and double-track trails
• Elevation Profile: Significant climbing and descending
• Road Surface: Mixed—dirt, rocks, possibly paved sections
• Technical Challenges: High-altitude climbing, technical descents

Run Segment

• Course Type: Rolling trails—nothing's flat at altitude
• Elevation Changes: Moderate to significant
• Surface: Natural trails with rocks and roots

Your Four Critical Battles:

1. Altitude Adaptation
2. Technical Descents
3. Trail Transitions
4. Weather’s Mood Swings

Rules and Regulations

Equipment Requirements:

• Mountain bikes exclusively
• Helmets: ANSI/SNELL-certified
• Race Numbers: Visible during bike and run segments

Competition Rules:

• No drafting
• Official aid stations only for assistance
• Follow the marked course
• Penalties for infractions

Cut-off Times: Specific times in the official Athlete Guide

Transition Area Regulations: Detailed procedures coming soon

Race Day Operations

• Pre-Race Schedule: Mandatory bike racking the day before
• Check-in Procedures: Packet pickup, timing chip, body marking
• Transition Area Access: Specific windows to be confirmed

• Venue Layout: Transition area within D'Acosta Hotel grounds
• Swim Start/Finish: Lake Sochagota, steps from the hotel
• Festival Grounds: Surrounding the hotel property

Transportation & Parking:

• Parking: On-site at D'Acosta Hotel
• Spectator Access: Multiple course vantage points
• Bag Drop: Likely available

Course Support

• Aid Stations: Strategically placed along bike and run courses
• Typical Supplies: Water, electrolyte drinks, basic nutrition
• Technical Support: Basic mechanical assistance
• Medical & Emergency Services: Medical personnel at key locations
• Timing & Tracking: Electronic timing precision with live tracking

Weather Patterns (May):

• Temperature Range: 5-10°C mornings, 20-25°C afternoons
• Precipitation: Variable
• Sun Exposure: High UV index

Altitude's Special Effects:

• Temperature Swings: Dramatic drops possible
• Wind Patterns: Stronger and more unpredictable
• UV Intensity: 20-25% more than at sea level

Water Temperature: Consistently cool—wetsuit likely recommended

Acclimatization Status: Non-negotiable for performance and safety

Training Considerations

Your Acclimatization Playbook:

1. Arrive 7-10 days early
2. Minimum 2-3 days to dodge altitude sickness symptoms

Training Timeline:

• 6+ Months Out: Build endurance foundation
• 3-4 Months Out: Introduce altitude simulation
• 2 Months Out: Ramp up technical trail skills
• 1 Month Out: Race-specific simulation efforts

Discipline-Specific Training Requirements:

• Bike Focus: Sustained climbing power, technical descending prowess
• Run Focus: Hill repeats, technical trail running

For comprehensive training guidance, check out our AI training apps review.

Local Training Gold Mines:

• Swim: Lake Sochagota
• Bike: Extensive trail network surrounding Paipa
• Run: Hotel grounds and adjacent trail systems

Race Strategy

Pacing & Effort Management: Use heart rate and perceived exertion as guides. Expect to be 10-20% slower than sea level.

Nutrition & Hydration:

• Increase carbohydrate intake by 15-20%
• Higher fluid requirements at altitude
• Consider Magic K electrolyte supplements

Transition Optimization:

• Practice with actual trail gear
• Keep transitions simple due to altitude's cognitive effects

Equipment Recommendations:

• Bike: Mountain bike with appropriate gearing
• Helmet: Consider MTB helmet with LED lights
• Apparel: Layering system—see our competition tri suits

Results & Awards:

• Results typically published within hours
• Awards Ceremony: Same day as race
• World Championship Slots: 58 slots awarded

Recovery Facilities:

• D'Acosta Hotel Thermal Pools
• On-site Medical: Basic recovery support
• Local Services: Massage and physical therapy

Accommodation & Amenities:

• Primary Option: D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota
• Dining: Hotel restaurant plus authentic Colombian cuisine

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