Adventure Racing
Do you have what it takes?
With applications for Red Bull X-Alps now open, we take a look at the skills and experience athletes need in order to be selected into the world’s toughest adventure race.
Taking part in the Red Bull X-Alps is the dream of hundreds of hike-and-fly athletes all around the world but only a small percentage can be selected, with entries limited every edition to approximately 30 athletes. Below, we take a look at what is going to impress the race committee.
Have a good Red Bull X-Alps performance
Having taken part in previous Red Bull X-Alps editions can help, but it’s no guarantee of a return entry. There are many athletes who have competed one time only in the past and didn’t get the second invite. Those with the best chance of returning placed high in the rankings.
Be a true adventurer
It’s important to remember that Red Bull X-Alps is an adventure race, not just a paragliding race. Real, bold and out-there adventures will attract the interest of the race committee. It could be a mountain you’ve climbed, a remote expedition you’ve undertaken or just some rad, bad or mad projects you’ve done. In the past, Red Bull X-Alps athletes have climbed the Everest, sailed around the world, hiked and flown the length of mountain ranges from Alaska to Mongolia and broken altitude records in the Karakoram. Rich and varied adventure credentials will definitely help your application.
Elisabeth Egger performs during Red Bull X-Alps 2023 in Valda, Italy
© zooom / Lukas Pilz
Get in on a rookie ticket
It’s not a fixed rule, but normally more than a third of the field of athletes are rookies. Whatever the exact number, every edition sees many rookies entering for the first time. It's important for first-time athletes to choose their moment carefully. Are you really ready, or would you benefit from waiting another two years?
Fly like a girl
Once the question was, ‘can women do the Red Bull X-Alps?’ Then the question became, ‘can women be as good as men?’ Both those questions have now been answered. With Austrian athlete Eli Egger being the first woman ever to reach the goal in the 2023 edition she proved that women can definitely compete equally with male athletes.
Related
Eli Egger signing at Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See, Austria
© zooom / Vitek Ludvik
Hike-and-fly results
In the early days there wasn’t a lot for the race committee to go on, but with dozens of hike-and-fly races now taking place every year around the world, there are numerous races where athletes can prove they can compete with the best. Having lots of race experience is a must.
Fly a LOT of hours
To be taken seriously, you should be flying at least 200 hours a year. But they can’t just be easy ridge soaring flights along your local hill. Potential athletes need to demonstrate they can fly safely in the mountains in less than perfect conditions – which means they must have lots of hours of mountain flying under their wing.
Simon Oberrauner flys during Red Bull X-Alps in Italy on June 17, 2023.
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
Come from a non-paragliding country
It’s an unfortunate fact that you have better chances of qualifying if there isn't so much competition in your country. There are not exact quotas, but entries are limited for each country. So, if you come from France or Switzerland where there are dozens of athletes all capable of competing, it will be harder. Whereas if you come from a country where you’re the only serious adventure hike-and-fly athlete, you’ll have a better chance. But of course, only if you qualify on all of the points above.
