Paragliding
Countdown to start
Less than a month before the 12th edition of the world’s toughest adventure race begins.
Preparation is almost complete. In a matter of weeks, the grueling physical training will be over, and 34 athletes will take to the start line of the Red Bull X-Alps Prologue on June 12.
The Prologue is a fast and furious one day battle that sets the stage for the world’s toughest adventure race. For athletes it’s a chance to prove themselves and win a strategic advantage they can take into the main race. For the public it’s a chance to see the world’s top adventure athletes up close and in action as they race by foot and paraglider.
37km course around eight Turnpoints
In the Prologue, athletes have to hike and fly a 37km course around eight Turnpoints set around the mountains of Kirchberg and Kitzbühel, Austria.
The pace is unbelievable
“The Prologue is a spectacular introduction to the race where fans and public alike get a close-up view of the athletes as they run, hike and fly the course,” comments race co-founder Ulrich Grill. “The pace is unbelievable. It is also a great opportunity to see whose training has paid off, who is looking strong and which rookies are the ones to follow.”
The Prologue 2025 route
© zooom productions
The Prologue not only determines the start times for athletes on Day 2 of the main race (with the winner starting first) the top three athletes also each win an additional Night Pass, which lets them break the mandatory rest period. This means they can hike through the night to get ahead or into a good strategic location.
Red Bull X-Alps is the world’s toughest adventure race. In this year’s edition 34 athletes from 17 countries – including one female – take on the 1,283km long route through five countries – on trails, mountain paths, via ferratas and in the air by paraglider. It follows a figure of eight course via a total of 16 Turnpoints.
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Never seen before X-Turnpoint
At the center of the route is the X-Turnpoint, the Swiss resort of St. Moritz, which athletes pass on both the outward and return legs. New features to the route this year also include three mandatory via ferrata climbs in Italy and France, testing athletes’ adventure skills.
“This year we expect the race to be even more competitive than ever. Never before have we seen so many talented adventure athletes,” adds Grill. “The race will be extremely challenging and tough – and super exciting for anyone following the action via our 3D Live Tracking.”
I can’t wait to take on Red Bull X-Alps again
Celine Lorenz (GER2) who is competing for her second time, said: “I can’t wait to take on Red Bull X-Alps again! For me, it’s the ultimate adventure – a mix of pushing limits, connecting with the mountains, and embracing the unexpected. Being the only female athlete this year is such an honor, and it motivates me even more to give it my all.”
All eyes will be on the eight-time winner Christian ‘Chrigel’ Maurer (SUI1). Now 42-years-old, he’s seeking his ninth consecutive win. “I’m really motivated for my ninth edition of Red Bull X-Alps,” he says. “The goal is to win again but having an adventure is the most important.”
Red Bull X-Alps kicks off with a one-day Prologue on Thursday, June 12, 11:00am (CEST) with the main race beginning on Sunday, June 15, at 11:30. It finishes 12 days later on June 27. Follow the action via 3D Live Tracking on the website and on social media @redbullxalps!
