Kerri-Ann’s Winning Fuel Plan at XTERRA

What is XTERRA?

XTERRA is triathlon with teeth. These off-road events combine open-water swimming (1500m), technical mountain biking (35km), and rugged trail running (10km). It's a format that demands more than just fitness, you need sharp skills, the ability to adapt, and a fuelling strategy that’s both flexible and bulletproof. Unlike road triathlon, there are no aero bars or smooth surfaces here — just roots, rocks, and adrenaline. If you’re not on it mentally and physically, the course will bite back. 

Race Day Conditions 

XTERRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine delivered a tough test, a dry, dusty course and 30°C heat. The race didn’t start until 2pm, which meant careful planning was essential. I sipped on an SiS Electrolyte Drink during the final hours before the start to stay on top of hydration. Once on the bike, I had another SiS Electrolyte Drink in my bottle and relied on water from on-course aid stations after that. I'm not a particularly salty sweater, so this approach kept things streamlined and effective. 

The Race Unfolds

After the swim, I exited the water in second place with a two-minute deficit to the leader — something I’d anticipated. My plan was to push hard on the bike and close the gap, but despite giving everything I had, I couldn’t quite bridge across. Whether it was the fatigue from XTERRA Belgium the week before or just a strong ride from the leader, the gap remained. 

Heading out on the run, I was still two minutes back. But I kept pushing and fuelling consistently. By the second lap, I caught sight of the leader again — she was clearly starting to fade on the hills. With around 2km to go, I went all in, attacked hard on the final climb, and managed to get a decisive break. Crossing the finish line in first was a surprise to the spectators and announcers — but it all came down to believing, fuelling right, and refusing to give up.

Fuelling Strategy 

My target was 90–100g of carbs per hour — a number I’ve been working towards over the past couple of years. I’ve built this up gradually, testing products in training and racing, learning what works under pressure, and most importantly, what my gut can handle. 

Before the start, I took an SiS Caffeine Gel for a sharp mental boost. On the bike, I used another SiS Caffeine Gel to maintain that alertness, followed by 2 x PF 60 Chews, 1 x SiS Beta Fuel Chew, and 1 x PF 30 Chew. All the chews were pre-opened and stored in my top tube box so I could grab them quickly — because in XTERRA, you rarely get a moment to take your hands off the bars. 

The beauty of off-road fuelling is also the challenge — it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it routine. You have to stay adaptable. I try to scope out sections of the course during practice where I know I’ll be able to eat safely, but you also have to go by feel and opportunity. It's a constant balancing act of fuelling when you can without compromising your speed or safety. 

Making the Gel Count

On the run, I strapped a STYRKR Gel 50 to my number belt — it’s high in carbs, easy to digest, and tastes great. I planned to take it halfway through the run, but honestly, I didn’t want it. I felt hot, slightly dehydrated, and was worried it might make me feel worse. But I forced myself to take it, and a few minutes later I got that all-important boost that helped me make my move for the win. That decision — even in a moment of hesitation — paid off big. 

Since increasing my carb intake in races, I’ve seen huge improvements in my run strength. It used to be my weakest leg, but now it’s consistently my strongest. No more stumbling across the line with grazed knees — I’m finishing fast, focused, and fuelled.

Lessons Learned 

I recovered well from XTERRA Belgium the week before with a focus on quality food, light training, and rest. When it came time to dig deep in France, I could still feel some residual fatigue, but good fuelling helped cover those cracks. 

Right now, I’ve got a formula that works — but I’m always open to refining it. XMiles is the perfect partner for that. With such a wide range of products and flavours, I can keep things fresh and experiment with new combinations as I look ahead to the rest of the season. Whether it’s chews, gels, or hydration, finding what works isn’t always straightforward — but getting it right can make the difference between fading and flying.