Combining three sports in one is what sets apart triathlon from other sports, and when you replace the usual asphalt tracks with off-road routes, you get an entirely new dimension of this discipline. The first edition of the XTERRA an off-road triathlon took place at Mali Lošinj, Croatia, this May, challenging the athletes, but also me as a photographer.

Events like these require versatile skills and techniques from photographers. It is where your experience, agility, and timing come to the forefront. Needless to say without a solid plan, it is nearly impossible to keep up with everything that unfolds. As an addition the natural beauty of Mali Lošinj, a charming island town in northern Croatia, played a huge role, and offered me a spectacular backdrop for the action.

Swimming in Emerald Čikat Bay

The race began in Čikat Bay, famous for its emerald waters and dense pine forest. It was a truly spectacular setting. I was inspired to take a different approach to capturing the swimmers. I turned to drone photography. The aerial perspective showcased hundreds of swimmers cutting through the bay in synchronized motion. It’s not something you see every day, and the resulting images are among my favorites.

Biking Through Pine Forest Trails

As someone who has been around bikes my entire life, and still rides, I felt especially connected to this part of the race. I knew exactly what kind of shots I wanted to capture. The trails through Mali Lošinj’s forests offered stunning visuals. The mountain bikers rode between pine trees and branches, rocky paths, and along the coastline. The natural scenery gave me the perfect backdrop. It was equally thrilling for athletes and me as a photographer.

Running Through the Heart of Lošinj

The running track led participants through forest trails and along the coastline, offering them the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mali Lošinj. The town’s unique charm was present throughout the entire event. Another great spot for capturing athletes’ emotions and expressions was the transition zone, the area where they switch from one discipline to another.

Testing endurance for three days

The first XTERRA event in Croatia welcomed nearly 500 competitors from 18 countries and tested their strength, resilience, and spirit.  Over three days, Mali Lošinj hosted a vibrant program of Full Distance, Sprint, and Super Sprint triathlons, as well as challenging MTB and trail races, not to mention the children’s race, which kicked off the weekend with over 100 enthusiastic young athletes. The youngest participant was only six years old, proving that the XTERRA spirit starts early.

On Saturday, the triathlon began with a swim in Blatina Bay, followed by a forested mountain bike leg and a run through historic streets and seaside trails. One of the most inspiring moments came from a 71-year-old Italian athlete who completed the Full Distance with a smile. The day’s fastest time 2:11:50 was set by Marco Barison.

On Sunday, adrenaline peaked with a demanding MTB race through Čikat forest and rugged Mediterranean trails. The crowd roared as brothers Leon Gabriel and Luka Rafael Kišiček took first and second place, with Giovanni Zuliano of Italy finishing third. Runners in the 7K and 14K trail races took on routes that combined forests, sea views, and panoramic vistas. Victories went to Jan Berka (Czech Republic) and Nika Rimaj (Croatia) in the 7K race, while Vito Obrovac (Croatia) led the 14K.

An incredible weekend is behind us, and I can proudly say: together we created an event we’ll remember for a long time. As the technical director of the race and president of the Rival Triathlon Club, I had the honor and responsibility of coordinating the entire process from routing and securing the tracks, organizing all disciplines including Full Distance, Sprint, Super Sprint, MTB, trail races, and children’s races in the center of Mali Lošinj. I’m especially proud of the cooperation between XTERRA Croatia and our club. It was one of the best, if not the best, races in the history of Croatian triathlon.

Thank you to our tireless volunteers, technical staff, and partners who made it all possible. Their support, from logistics to accommodation, was key in ensuring Lošinj stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s top outdoor destinations – Miroslav Marić, Technical Director of the Race.

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.