The second edition of XTERRA Croatia, a full distance cross triathlon – a discipline that combines swimming, mountain biking – one of my favorite sports, and trail running in unpredictable outdoor conditions took place in the island Mali Lošinj. XTERRA is one of those events I always look forward to because it combines several sports, it happens in one of my favorite locations to photograph, and I get to work with good people who are my friends. That alone is enough for the project to feel special before it even begins.
I was there for the first, inaugural edition of XTERRA in Croatia last year, and this year’s edition was even more dynamic. This year’s edition brought more than 700 competitors from 23 countries to Mali Lošinj for three days of demanding outdoor racing, endurance, and adventure. More than pure speed, XTERRA requires endurance, technical skill, adaptability, and mental strength. The event included 1.5 km and 3 km open-water swimming races, 8 km and 16 km trail runs, MTB races, and relay competitions.
For a photographer, multi-sport events bring a very specific kind of challenge. There is nothing static or predictable about them. One moment, athletes are in the water, then they are running out of the sea, jumping on their bikes, racing through the trails, leaving the bikes behind, changing shoes and heading straight into the run. The rhythm never really slows down.
That constant movement is exactly what makes events like XTERRA so exciting to photograph. There are so many transitions, so many changes in energy, terrain and emotion, that every part of the race tells a different story. But it also means you have to be ready at all times. If you miss one moment, chances are it was the exact moment you were hoping to capture.
That is why planning is everything. I often say that good preparation is crucial, and XTERRA is a perfect example of that. I arrived two days before the race and rode the entire course on my bike. Using the GTX map, I marked the most interesting locations for the moments I wanted to photograph. At each spot, I could already imagine the photo I wanted to create.
From there, I set my priorities. Together with the race director, I went through the timing – who would be where, and at what moment. I also marked a few bonus locations, in case I managed to reach them at the same time as the athletes.
With this kind of event, you are not only photographing what happens in front of you. You are constantly calculating movement, distance, light, terrain and timing. You have to know where you are going next before the moment in front of you has even finished.
That is what makes it demanding. And that is also what makes it so rewarding. Events like XTERRA always leave me with something more than a finished set of photographs. Once I go through the images, new ideas start to appear – ideas for next year, for a different angle, for a better position, for another way to tell the story of the race. Every experience brings something new, and that is one of the greatest motivations to come back again.
About XTERRA
XTERRA is a global off-road sports brand, best known for its demanding and scenic triathlon races that blend open water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. Launched in 1996 in Maui, Hawaii, XTERRA was created as an adventurous alternative to traditional triathlons, immersing athletes in rugged natural environments. Today, XTERRA races are held in over 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Each event showcases the unique character of its location while promoting endurance, environmental respect, and a strong sense of community.
The growing appeal of this format in Croatia was also reflected in the participation of around 200 children and young athletes, who competed in races adapted to their age groups.
Finding a location that offers so much variety for a race within such a small area turned out to be the perfect choice. This year, we further refined the courses to make the best possible use of the combination of island terrain and coastline, giving competitors a true sporting challenge in a unique seaside environment. The record interest, along with the fact that athletes are returning for the second year in a row, confirms that our vision of Mali Lošinj as a recognizable hub for active sport and outdoor experiences has become a reality – said Tomislav Paripovic, the project manager of the event.
That level of quality and alignment with the brand’s global standards is closely monitored by Nico Lebrun, technical director of the XTERRA series, who did not hide his enthusiasm for Lošinj as the host location:
I first discovered Mali Lošinj last year during the inaugural edition, and it truly embodies the XTERRA spirit — exploring new locations that you instantly fall in love with. This island offers everything our brand strives for: crystal-clear sea, attractive MTB and trail courses, high-quality hotel facilities, excellent gastronomy, and strong support from the local community. I would especially highlight the cooperation with the local team; in almost 15 years of working as a technical supervisor, I have rarely encountered such smooth and well-coordinated organization. Although the location itself brings certain logistical challenges, once you arrive, you realize that this is a true outdoor paradise for the whole family. I am convinced that we have a great shared future ahead of us – said Lebrun.
INSIDE THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH PREDRAG VUCKOVIC
One of the qualities that sets Predrag Vuckovic apart is his deep understanding of the sports he photographs. Cycling, and especially mountain biking, is one of his favourite disciplines on wheels – not only to capture through the lens, but also to experience himself.
That personal connection gives him a sharper instinct for the sport: the rhythm of the ride, the movement of the athlete, the terrain, the timing, and the split-second moments that often make the strongest images. And you can also expect him to go the extra mile, like going location scouting on his bike.
Vuckovic is also no stranger to the pace and complexity of multi-sport events or the demands of working in outdoor environments which is why events like XTERRA are a playground for his photography.
Equipment used in this project
Cameras: 2x Nikon Z9 camera, 1x Nikon Z7 II camera
Lenses:180-600mm f5.6, 70-200mm f 2.8, 24-70mm f 2.8, 14-24mm f 2.8, 35mm f 1.2, 50mm f 1.2, 135mm f 1.8
Numerous different mounts; Drone DJI Mavic Mini Pro 5; Drone DJI Mavic Pro 3
Technical skills, understanding of the sports and remarkable abilities for visual storytelling are the reasons why Vuckovic always succeeds in showing the event through multiple layers in his photographs.