Paragliding
Athletes are ready for the race
French hopeful Maxime Pinot (FRA2) prepares to challenge the champion Christian Maurer (SUI1) in 12th edition of world’s toughest adventure race.
He has won every edition of the race since 2009, but at the age of 42 Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) has acknowledged his time at the top cannot be taken for granted.
At a press conference in Kitzbühel, Austria on the eve of the 12th edition of the race, the eight-time champion made no mention of the performance in Thursday’s one day Prologue in which he finished 22nd.
Speaking at the start house for the famous Hahnenkamm ski race, he said: “I’ve had eight good editions, and I know well how much luck I’ve had. In the end it’s a new race, a new adventure. This year the route is even longer. There are many young athletes here. We’ll have to keep an eye on that and fight for the win.”
In this edition of Red Bull X-Alps Chrigel will face challenges like he’s never seen before. The route is the hardest yet, only by a distance of 60km longer compared to 2023, but the mandatory via ferrata climbs, complicated terrain and the element of the unknown make it much more challenging. He has told his team to prepare for a long race.
You must prepare, but prepare to be surprised
Meanwhile, there is no shortage of challengers, chief among them the multiple champion and record holder Maxime Pinot (FRA2). In his three outings in Red Bull X-Alps he has placed second, fourth and third. His decision to take on the challenge again was never certain. After 2023 he made no secret of the toll of the race and how it pushed him well beyond his comfort zone. But his second consecutive victory in the Prologue means he begins this edition with a good mindset.
He said: “We try to take to each day as it comes, avoid big mistakes and manage the risk. I try to avoid thinking about the results as that doesn’t work for me.” When it comes to strategy he said it was all about being flexible: “You must prepare, but prepare to be surprised. You also need to be careful in your choices, know when to push, when to take tactical risks and when to be conservative – these are the difficulties.”
The athletes at the press conference in Kitzbühel
© zooom / Vitek Ludvik
Also speaking at the press conference was Celine Lorenz (GER2), the only female athlete competing in the race. She said: “I’m super excited by what’s to come. I feel ready, way better than last time. I will try to do my best and fly as much as possible. I know I cannot follow the guys on the ground, but we will see. The weather looks promising so I will try to catch them in the air.”
When asked, she added that there were some advantages and disadvantages to being the only female in the race. “The difference between men and women in strength and endurance is nothing new. We also have a cycle that we have to manage and how we feel with energy. But girls have a more sensitive feeling, we are not so much driven by testosterone. Sometimes we are a bit more sensible and this will help me a lot.”
Ulrich Grill, co-founder and organizer of the race, said: “It’s been a great week so far – Kitzbühel - Kirchberg has been the perfect location. We’ve been super lucky with the weather and it’s looking good for tomorrow. We’re all fired up and excited. This year we have three via ferratas so it’s a lot more adventurous, there’s a lot more vertical and in terms of strategy, this makes the timings crucial.” He also raised the prospect that this edition could see a new generation taking over. “Out of top 10 in the Prologue, only three were veterans. Either the veterans were taking it easy or we are seeing a change of generation – it will be interesting to see.”
I think they will be at Turnpoint 2 by Sunday evening
The weather forecast is looking promising for athletes. Race director Ferdinand Vogel said: “I think they will be at Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites by Sunday evening, even earlier, so they can already do the via ferrata. Then they will manage to be at Turnpoint 4, Merano 2000 by Monday evening. But first they have to cross the main chain of the Alps. This will not be easy when the cloud base is low and thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon.”
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Related
The main race begins in Schulgasse 2, Kitzbühel on Sunday at 11:30. Experience the catching atmosphere at the race start in the town center or follow the live coverage online. The stream begins on our YouTube channel with race reporters Tarquin Cooper and former athlete Gavin McClurg at 11:15 and the 3D Live Tracking will be available at 11:30 on redbullxalps.com.
