A day for the records

Julia Skala sets new course record and Kristian Grue claims victory at Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon and XTRI World Championship 2025.

Photo: Tobias Gjerde

The 2025 edition of Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon – widely regarded as the world’s toughest triathlon – got underway at 05:00 this morning under calm but foggy conditions in Eidfjord, Norway.
A total of 256 athletes did the iconic jump from a ferry into Eidfjord, with water temperatures well above the normal icy waters. The athletes launched into a brutal test of endurance: 3 800 meters of open-water swimming, 180 km of cycling through dramatic mountain landscapes, and a full marathon ending at the top of Mount Gausta.

Men`s XTRI World Champion 2025, Kristian Grue (NOR).
Photo: Sylvain Cavatz

The Norwegian athlete Kristian Grue surged to the front from the very first swim stroke – and never let go. Showing incredible form throughout the day, he extended his lead during the bike and run segments and crossed the mountaintop finish line in an impressive time of 9 hours and 45 minutes. After multiple podium finishes in previous years, Grue finally clinched a decisive and well-deserved victory. Fellow Norwegian and former Norseman champion Hans Christian Tungesvik maintained a strong second place for most of the race but was forced to withdraw due to injury with only 14 km remaining in the final climb. Switzerland’s Christophe Martignier stepped up to claim second place in 10 hours and 29 minutes, while Juuso Manninen of Finland secured third in 10 hours and 34 minutes.

Women`s XTRI World Champion 2025, Julia Skala (GER).
Photo: Sylvain Cavatz

In the women’s field, Germany’s Julia Skala lived up to her status as one of the pre-race favorites. After exiting the water in fourth position, she quickly moved into the lead on the bike and continued to build a strong gap throughout the day. Skala crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 11 hours flat, setting a new women’s course record and breaking the previous record set by Mette Pettersen Moe in 2018 by an impressive 16 minutes. Her performance also earned her 6th place overall among all competitors – a remarkable feat in this grueling event. Second place in the women’s race went to Laura Kessler of Switzerland with a time of 11 hours and 52 minutes, followed by former Norseman winner Flora Colledge from the UK in 12 hours and 10 minutes.