Tomorrow, 8 November, the serene bushland of Lake Leschenaultia, Chidlow will transform into a battleground for off-road endurance as the EXSS Off-Road Triathlon hosts the 2025 WA Cross Triathlon State Championships. Athletes from across the state will converge on the Perth Hills for a morning of adventure.
With trail names like Yeehaa, Woohoo, and Shakes n Ladders, competitors can expect a thrilling mix of single-track action and rugged terrain on the Lake Leschenaultia mountain bike trails.
Athletes from across the state will converge on the Perth Hills for a morning of adventure. Testing their limits in one of the state’s most scenic and challenging off-road settings.
Weather Forecast
Competitors can expect near-perfect racing conditions with temperatures ranging from 12°C in the morning to a high of 26°C. The chance of rain is minimal at just 5%, and skies are forecast to be mostly clear with light winds – ideal for both athletes and spectators. We will see you there!
Course Familiarisation Boosts Confidence
Last weekend’s course familiarisation session proved invaluable, especially for those new to the technical bike leg. Riders had the chance to preview the terrain and connect with fellow competitors, setting the stage for a confident and well-prepared field.
Age Group Showdowns
The 40–49 age group is shaping up to be the most hotly contested in both men’s and women’s divisions. On the women’s side, Kinga Hauge (Fremantle) and Sabine Bird (Stadium) are currently confirmed, though whispers suggest more may register today. For the men, a deep field includes Ian Moylan (Perth Hills), Mark Rademacher (No Club), Ben Procopis (Exceed), and Anthony Wales (Exceed) – all vying for leaderboard dominance.
Athletes to Watch
- Sarah Thorpe (Fremantle) returns to defend her lead in the 30–39 age group.
- Lizelle Smith (EFS Tri Club), fresh off the Multisport World Championships, leads the 50–59 age group, but will be challenged by Jo Kiddie and Erica Wilson from Perth Hills Tri Club.
- In the 60–69 age group, Richard Burnell (EFS) and Mark Jenkins (Rockingham) will go head-to-head, both bringing international experience from Wollongong.
Elite Battles: Open Categories
The men’s open race promises fireworks as Josh Pedlow (Exceed), a cross triathlon specialist recently back from the Xterra World Championships, faces off against Luke Bate (UWA), a seasoned World Triathlon campaigner. Expect a tactical and fast-paced duel.
For the women, Erin Driscoll (North Coast) and Billie Mincham (Fremantle) are the frontrunners. Billie’s recent representation of Australia in Italy adds prestige, while Erin’s consistent local form, including a fourth-place finish at the State Duathlon Championships – makes her a serious contender.
Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, tomorrow’s EXSS X-Tri Off-Road Triathlon & Duathlon at Lake Leschenaultia promises to be an unforgettable day in the Perth Hills. With championship titles on the line, world qualifier status, and a course that showcases the best of WA’s natural beauty, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness elite racing or even jump in yourself. Entries close at 5 PM today, so if you’ve been thinking about giving cross triathlon a go, now’s your chance to be part of something special. Come down, support the athletes, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most diverse events on the triathlon calendar!