Two victories in three days, but a World Cup lost by a single point. Originally from Falicon, near Nice, Maxim Chané signed off on a spectacular end to the season in Suzhou, China, at the 2026 XTERRA final.
A double victory in the streets and mountains of Suzhou
On Friday, October 30, the Frenchman won the Short Track held around the Panmen ramparts. On Sunday, November 1, he repeated the feat in the long course, combining swimming in Lake Taihu, mountain biking on the Yuyang Mountain trails and running.
Chané crossed the finish line in 2 h 17 min 40 s, ahead of Italian Michele Bonacina (2 h 18 min 04 s) and Frenchman Nicolas Duré (2 h 18 min 38 s). After the best time on the mountain bike course, he increased his lead on foot.
One point gap in the world standings
Despite his perfect weekend, Chané finishes second in the overall standings with 829 points. Arthur Forissier, fourth on Sunday, maintains first place with 830 points. The trophy is therefore decided by the smallest possible margin after seven stages spread across four continents.
The comeback after a back injury
This result takes on particular significance following the back injury that had hampered Chané. His progression throughout the year has brought him back among the best specialists in off-road triathlon in the world. In Suzhou, he won everything he could win, without managing to overturn the overall standings.
For the Nice hinterland, this international double also highlights the place of athletes from the Côte d’Azur in endurance disciplines. The 2026 season ends with a second-place finish worldwide and two resounding victories at the final.
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