Paragliding
Fast flying towards finish
With excellent flying conditions predicted for Day 8 and the goal within reach, the lead group prioritized positioning over distance gains setting up for what could be a decisive day.
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The lead athletes made a calculated decision on the night of Day 7, choosing rest and strategic positioning over aggressive night hiking. They prepared for a day which many believe could see the first arrivals in the finish in Zell am See.
Strategic rest over night push
Last night, the lead athletes began their rest periods around 21:00, all within a few kilometers of each other in a remarkably tight race. Only Aaron Durogati (ITA1) used his Night Pass, but not to break away from the pack.
"I took the Night Pass to be more chill,” he said. “Otherwise, I would have to run, and I don't want to run. We decided to take the Night Pass to be able to go easier." The Italian veteran moved just 10km to position himself better for the morning start on Day 8 rather than push for distance.
Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) and Aaron Durogati (ITA1) in the morning of Day 8
© zooom / Vitek Ludvik
Perfect time for launch
The lead group's strategy became clear as Day 8 unfolded. They began hiking around 04:00, with Aaron and Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) hiking together in first and second position, having taken the lead from Lars Meerstetter (SUI4) the night before. Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) was further back in fourth position.
By 06:00, Aaron and Simon arrived at their first launch site and took off just as Chrigel was launching from a separate site further behind. The defending champion made a tactical move, choosing to glide around the west side of the peaks while the leading pair launched from Fuorcia Stragliavita.
Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) made a tactical move in the morning
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
Strategic convergence
Aaron and Simon flew around 10km to the base of their next hike, while Chrigel's longer 16km flight brought him to within just 1.5km of the leading pair. By 09:00, they had hiked up and arrived together at the top, with no rush to launch. "There wasn't any rush, and the group waited for conditions to become good, sharing stories and fueling for a potentially long day of flying," one observer reported.
Across a valley, just 5km to the west, Lars had arrived at a different launch site around the same time. The Swiss rookie launched first at 09:50, with the others also taking off within minutes.
With excellent flying conditions predicted for Day 8, the strategic question arose: would hiking through the night have provided any real advantage? "On a good flying day, you have to be on the take-off at 09:00 and fly the whole day," Lars explained.
The group dynamic
The lead pack's approach suggested a shift from individual racing to collective strategy. Lars captured the mindset: "I think we will fly together because no one wants to be the first and to make a mistake."
I think we will fly together because no one wants to be the first and to make a mistake
With predictions of reaching the finish by the end of Day 8, fatigue management became crucial, especially after a tough day on the ground one day earlier. The leaders ran 42km on their way to the X-Turnpoint, St. Moritz, and then a further 30km in the afternoon for a total of 72km of hiking! Being tired for a long day in the air would not only increase the likelihood of costly mistakes but could potentially cost an athlete the podium.
The group strategy appeared clear: fly together and move fast. Rather than pushing aggressively ahead, the focus seemed to be on not getting left behind in what could be the decisive phase of the race.
With the finish line at Zell am See potentially within reach today, every decision matters. The lead group's choice to prioritize positioning and energy management over distance gains overnight may prove to be the winning strategy as they prepare for what could be the final sprint to the goal.
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