TEAM Unlimited, a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, created the sport back in 1996. It started in Maui with a single race and evolved into the XTERRA Global Tour with more than 100 races in 16 countries this year.

In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of the fittest on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The race was called Aquaterra. It consisted of an open-ocean swim, a mountain bike race, and a trail run. It represented a bold new racing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts, mostly mountain bikers and triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid-back style and bold self-assurance. The triathletes brought their hard-core training and avid dedication. They soon discovered a common spirit and attitude that pulled them together. For as different as they are, neither could resist the challenges and thrills this new multisport offered. 

ALL XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONS: