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The Rules

Welcome to ASCEND

ASCEND is a full-distance extreme triathlon and a qualifier for the XTREME World Championships. More than a sporting performance, it is a human adventure—an inner quest in a wild and majestic high-mountain setting. You will discover the raw magic of the Pyrenees, glacial lakes, legendary mountain passes, a finish line among the stars… and within yourself, an unsuspected strength.

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REGISTRATION

Entry Fee
The registration fee for ASCEND XTRI is set at €450.

This fee includes:

  • Race pack (bib number, swim cap, timing chip, GPS tracker)

  • One exclusive ASCEND goodie

  • Two ASCEND bags for cycling and running gear (to be handled by the support team)

  • One black FINISHER t-shirt for athletes who reach the Pic du Midi

  • One white FINISHER t-shirt for those finishing at the Col du Tourmalet

  • One support crew t-shirt (additional t-shirts available as an option)

  • One sticker for the T2 bag

  • Two stickers for the finish line bags (athlete + support)

  • One sticker for the optional drop bag (run leg)

  • Two stickers for the support car

  • Access to official aid stations:

    • On the bike course (e.g., at major passes)

    • On the run course at km / km / km / km / km (TBD)

  • Two post-race dinner vouchers (athlete + support)

  • Two meal vouchers for the awards ceremony lunch (athlete + support)

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Bib Slots – ASCEND 2026

For the inaugural edition of ASCEND XTRI, 300 slots will be available.

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Cancellation Policy

Race slots are personal and non-transferable. They may not be sold or given to another individual.
No refunds, deferrals, or credits will be issued, regardless of the reason.

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Optional Cancellation Insurance

In partnership with XTRI World Tour and Protect Group, ASCEND offers optional cancellation insurance at the time of registration.

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CUT-OFF TIMES

Strict cut-off times are in place to ensure the safety of all participants, especially due to potentially extreme weather conditions at high altitude.

In case of athlete withdrawal, the support team must immediately notify the organization using the emergency number provided during the official briefing.
This is essential to ensure everyone's safety and accurate race tracking.

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DISTANCES

  • Swim: 3.8 km in Lake Lourdes. Wetsuit mandatory.

  • Bike: 187 km / 4476 m elevation gain, several major mountain passes. Open traffic.

  • Run: 43 km / 2803 m elevation gain, including a climb to the Pic du Midi (2877 m).

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PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum age: 20 years old by 2026

  • Valid triathlon license required (or day license + medical certificate for non-licensed athletes - you can also use XTRI 365-X Insurance)

  • CE-approved helmet, fully functional bike with front and rear lights

  • Bib number must be visible (back for cycling, front for running)

  • GPS tracker mandatory

  • Timing chip provided by the organization

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SUPPORT TEAM

Each athlete must have at least one support person, who must:

  • Be present throughout the race for logistical and moral support

  • Be allowed to accompany the athlete on foot during the run (bikes and vehicles prohibited)

  • Carry a backpack with mandatory equipment for the final climb (food, water, warm clothes, headlamp, phone, etc.)

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Bike Course & Support Zones

The bike course includes four major climbs:

  • Port de Balès (km 99.5)

  • Col de Peyresourde (km 124.5)

  • Col de Val Louron-Azet (km 142)

  • Col d’Aspin (km 173.5)

Open traffic conditions apply – strict compliance with road regulations is mandatory.
Support is forbidden before km 70. Authorized zones include:

  • Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (km 70)

  • Port de Balès (km 99.5)

  • Col de Peyresourde (km 124.5)

  • Col de Val Louron-Azet (km 142)

  • Col d’Aspin (km 173.5)

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Run & Accompaniment

From km 20 (col de la Courade) onward, every athlete must be accompanied by a member of their support crew.
This person provides assistance up to the summit.
Trekking poles are permitted starting from this point.
Mandatory mountain gear must be carried in a compliant backpack, handed over to the organization pre-race.

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MANDATORY GEAR FOR FINAL CLIMB (From KM18– Finish)

  • Headlamp

  • Waterproof jacket with hood (min. 10,000 mm; 20,000 mm recommended)

  • Gloves, beanie, thermal shirt

  • Windproof full-length pants

  • Water, nutrition

  • Phone with number shared with the organization

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CUT-OFF TIMES

  • Swim exit (T1): 2h15 after race start

  • Bike finish at Campan: 17:00

  • Run km 20 (Col de la Courade) : 19:00

  • Col du Sencours (km 35 run): 18:15

Only athletes passing Col du Sencours before 18:15 will be allowed to continue to the Pic du Midi.
Others will be redirected to the Tourmalet finish line.

The organization reserves the right to reroute athletes to an intermediate finish line at lower altitude in case of delay or safety concerns.

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WEATHER & SAFETY

ASCEND takes place in a mountain environment that can be extreme and unpredictable. Athlete and crew safety is paramount.

Expected conditions:

  • Water temperature: ~15.5°C – wetsuits mandatory

  • Air temperature: between 3°C and 25°C at 1800 m

Possible course adjustments due to weather:

  • Swim: may be shortened, replaced or cancelled if too cold, foggy, or dangerous

  • Bike: route may be altered due to snow or storms

  • Run: route to the summit may be modified if weather is unsafe

Safety rules:

  • Wetsuit and safety buoy mandatory (verified at check-in)

  • Support car must carry water, food, and spare warm clothes for the athlete

  • No bike start without front and rear lights

  • No run start without headlamp, water, and food

  • No solo climb allowed after km 18 – athlete must be accompanied

    If support cannot continue, athlete may wait and join another pair (mutual consent required)

Mandatory Gear Transport:
Support + athlete backpacks with required gear must be submitted to the organization pre-race and will be made available at T3 on race day.

Post-Finish:
All finishers will have access to appropriate recovery food and drinks, regardless of their finish location.

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CORE RULES

  • Open road: athletes must fully comply with traffic laws

  • No littering: any discarded waste = immediate disqualification

  • No phones, headphones, or music during the race

  • Support may assist only when vehicle is fully stopped with hazard lights on

  • Support vehicles must not drive slowly behind athletes

  • Bib numbers are personal and non-refundable. Optional cancellation insurance available

 

RANKINGS & REWARDS

  • No prize money

  • Black Finisher T-shirt for those reaching the Pic du Midi

  • White Finisher T-shirt for those finishing at the Col du Tourmalet

  • 4 XTREME World Championship slots (Top 2 male & female)

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