Already very popular in America of the past ten years, the XTERRA off-road triathlon is making its debut in the UK on 2/3 September. It's claimed to be the fastest growing multi-sport series in the world, and indeed already has up to 90 races held across America, Europe, Japan and New Zealand.

The format combines a gruelling 1400m swim, a 34k MTB ride (with 1000m of climbing) and a 10k run to finish it all of. There's a decidedly easier 750m swim, 17k MTB and 5k run if that all sounds a bit hardcore. If running and swimming isn't your thing though, Saturday sees the three disciplines separated, so you can take part in a 75k or 35k MTB enduro - without and running or swimming - with £2500 of prize money.

Neath Valley in South Wales will mean handy access by and public transport, and the area offers extremely challenging terrain for each discipline. For more information about XTERRA or visit www.XTERRA.co.uk or email info@xterra.co.uk or call 01639 761 619.