Search
shop

XBourne Cross Triathlon makes successful debut

TriBourne Multisport Events debuted a new race in the XBourne Cross Triathlon last weekend.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

TriBourne Multisport Events, organisers of the 255 Triathlon and Eastbourne Triathlon, debuted a new addition to their portfolio on Sunday – the XBourne Cross Triathlon.

A welcome addition for fans of the off-road side of the sport, there was also some quality racing and a very close finish.

Advertisement

West and Phillips battle for XBourne Glory

Morgan West and James Phillips were locked in a tight battle throughout the inaugural event which took place in the stunning surroundings of Cuckmere Haven and Friston Forest, within the South Downs National Park.

The event began with a 1,000m swim in the tidal Cuckmere River, followed by challenging mountain bike and run routes route though Friston Forest.

As close as it gets

West, who recently finished in seventh place at the British Junior Elite Championships and secured second place in the overall British Super Series ranking, exited the swim just 16 seconds ahead of James Phillips. Both had identical transition splits before heading out onto the bike.

Phillips completed the 22km MTB route one minute faster than West, and set off onto the 8.5km trail run with a narrow lead of just 36 seconds. West chased hard and was able to pull back 21 seconds, but it wasn’t enough as Phillips took the win with West finishing just 14 seconds behind.

XBourne Cross Triathlon
Morgan West – Photo Credit: My Sport Photos

Alex Rhodes rounded out the podium, finishing six minutes behind the leading pair.

Mclelland runs to victory

For the women, Laura Rothwell exited the water first, nine seconds ahead of Lilly O’Dell. However, it was Davina Mclelland and Nienke Hensbroek who had the strongest bike splits with Mclelland heading out onto the run 28 seconds ahead of Hensbroek.

XBourne Cross Triathlon
Photo Credit: My Sport Photos

Mclelland had the fastest run and pulled further away to finish four minutes ahead of Hensbroek, with O’Dell holding onto third.

XBourne Cross Triathlon
Nienke Hensbroek – Photo Credit: My Sport Photos

The XBourne Cross Triathlon will return in September 2022 and more details can be found at www.xbourne.com.

XBourne Cross Triathlon Results 2021

MEN

  1. James Phillips – 1:38:08
  2. Morgan West (Team Bodyworks) – 1:38:22
  3. Alex Rhodes (Alterra Performance) – 1:44:21
XBourne Cross Triathlon
Photo Credit: My Sport Photos

WOMEN

  1. Davina Mclelland (9 Endurance) – 1:57:19
  2. Nienke Hensbroek (Race Off Road) – 2:01:20
  3. Lilly O’Dell (Race Off Road) – 2:13:53
XBourne Cross Triathlon
Photo Credit: My Sport Photos

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...