Paragliding
Tough choices on Day 3
The race heats up with a close pack of leaders gathered waiting to launch, but the wait could cost them.
As the field spreads across the stunning South Tyrolean landscape, individual tactics and decision-making skills are already proving crucial. From solo breakaways to tactical hop flights, the opening stages are showcasing the mental chess game that makes this race so compelling.
Celine signs in at Schenna
Celine Lorenz (GER2) continued to prove her determination, signing in at Turnpoint 5, Schenna. The German athlete, and sole female competitor in this year's field, had her sights set on the race's defining feature: the X-Turnpoint at St. Moritz – which athletes must pass twice during their epic journey across the Alps.
Celine Lorenz (GER2) is determined to reach the X-Turnpoint today
© zooom / Maximilian Gierl
After her 2023 debut was derailed by a pre-race ankle injury, Celine is clearly focused on making every kilometer count this time around. Her progress through the early Turnpoints demonstrates the determination that brought her back to the start line.
Brazilian brilliance
Gabriel Jansen Rabello (BRA) was already showing the tactical awareness that could make him a surprise package in this year's race. The Brazilian rookie executed a smart "hop" flight across a valley this morning, choosing efficiency over the traditional hike-only approach in marginal conditions.
This tactical decision highlighted exactly why Gabriel impressed observers despite having only four years of flying experience. Rather than simply following the pack, he demonstrating the kind of creative thinking that can make the difference between finishing in the middle or making a real impact. These short flights before thermals properly develop can save precious time and energy - resources that become increasingly valuable as the race progresses and fatigue sets in.
For an athlete from outside the Alpine regions, Gabriel's early race management suggests he's done his homework and understands the nuances of European mountain flying.
Swiss rookie takes the lead
In a move that has caught the attention of race watchers, Nicola Heiniger (SUI3) broke away from the main group and took the overall lead. While a cluster of favorites - including Simon Oberrauner (AUT1), Damien Lacaze (FRA1), Tim Alongi (FRA3), and Lars Meerstetter (SUI4) - remained grouped together, the Swiss rookie chose a different southern route.
Nicola Heiniger (SUI3) with his supporter
© zooom / Maximilian Gierl
This represents exactly the kind of high-stakes decision that can define an athlete's race. Is Heiniger making a rookie error by going it alone, or has he spotted an opportunity the more experienced athletes have missed?
The waiting game
The psychological pressure of race tactics was perfectly illustrated by the dilemma facing the main group of contenders. After scouting potential launch sites, Damien Lacaze's team reported disappointing conditions: no wind, high clouds, and blue sky moving in - not the recipe for the powerful thermals needed for big alpine flights.
This created the classic Red Bull X-Alps conundrum: wait for better flying conditions and risk being overtaken by athletes who choose to hike, or hike forward and potentially miss the opportunity to make big gains in the air. These split-second decisions, often made with incomplete information and under physical stress, separate the champions from the rest of the field.
The mental pressure is enormous. Athletes know that a single wrong decision about when to launch or whether to wait can cost them hours or even days in this race. With the 1,283km route being the longest in race history, every tactical choice carries amplified consequences.
What lies ahead
As the afternoon progresses and thermal conditions potentially improve, we'll see whether Nicola's solo move pays off or if the more conservative approach of the main group proves wiser.
With more via ferratas, the new X-Turnpoint, and multiple crossings of the main Alpine chain still to come, these early tactical battles are just the beginning.
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