Maxim Chané and Alizée Patiès claim XTERRA Suzhou Short Track victories
France’s Maxim Chané and Alizée Patiès won the men’s and women’s XTERRA World Cup Short Track races in Suzhou, China, as the season-ending race weekend began at historic Panmen Square.
The 30 October contests combined a 400-metre non-wetsuit swim, an eight-kilometre mountain-bike leg and a three-kilometre run. The venue marked a distinctive setting for the off-road triathlon series, with racing taking place around Suzhou’s ancient water fortress.
Chané takes men’s victory
Chané recovered from a mechanical problem before the start to win in 39 minutes exactly. Italy’s Michele Bonacina finished second in 39:07, followed by French athlete Nicolas Duré in 39:15. Chané’s decisive move came on the run after Bonacina had led into the final transition.
Patiès controls women’s race
Patiès took control of the women’s event on the bike and extended her advantage on the run, finishing in 43:25. Romy Spoelder of the Netherlands followed in 44:16, with Britain’s Isla Hedley third in 44:29.
The performances leave the overall 2026 XTERRA World Cup rankings open ahead of the full-distance final scheduled for 1 November. Arthur Forissier retains the men’s series lead, while Marta Menditto leads the women’s standings.
Historic setting for the finale
XTERRA said the event marked its first World Cup race at Panmen, combining city-centre accessibility with a short, high-intensity format. The race weekend continues with a longer off-road event based around Lake Taihu and Yuyang Mountain.
Source: XTERRA official race report, 30 October 2026.