As in 2009, the race will start in Salzburg, Austria. Photo: www.redbullxalps.com
Applications for the 2011 Red Bull X-Alps paragliding adventure race, have opened and athletes have until 30 September 2010 to apply.
The fifth edition of the race starts on 17 July in Salzburg. Participants must hike or paraglide their way 860 km across the Alps from to Monaco on the Mediterranean coast. Each athlete has a supporter who can provide food, shelter and advice. The non-stop race ends when the first athlete reaches goal, and fans can follow every participant’s move on the official website’s Live Tracking map.
A race committee will select thirty international athletes from the applicants, based on their endurance, flying ability and overall grit and determination.
In 2009, Swiss rookie Christian Maurer blitzed the field, reaching Monaco in just 10 days – a record time for the event. Alex Hofer (SUI1) was second and Honza Rejmanek (USA) third.
Turnpoint 1, the Gaisberg, overlooking Salzburg. Photo: www.redbullxalps.com
Organiser Hannes Arch says, “In 2009 Maurer raised the bar for the Red Bull X-Alps. He showed everyone that exceptional preparation, a high level of endurance, good strategy and a great supporter are key to success. The 2011 applicants will have to show us that they are capable of all these elements.”
There is a new route for 2011 with eight turnpoints in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France, which is expected to make things much harder for the athletes.
Check the trailer video for an overview of the new course and the route page for full details.
“It’s an extremely tricky new course,” said Hannes Arch. “I believe it will really make athletes think hard about their tactics.”
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