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 -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...