Paragliding
First-time finish for three nations
Australia, Norway, and Slovakia celebrated their first-ever Red Bull X-Alps finishers in 2025, as three determined athletes wrote their names into adventure racing history.
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For 22 years, Red Bull X-Alps has pushed the world's best adventure athletes to their limits across the Alps. While some nations have celebrated multiple podium finishes, others have waited patiently for their breakthrough moment. Before the start, everyone questioned whether Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) would make this his ninth win. At the finish, it was Aaron Durogati (ITA1) who not only de-throned the champion, but the Swiss nation – which has won every previous edition.
Red Bull X-Alps 2025 delivered breakthroughs for three other countries in spectacular fashion with their first ever athletes to arrive at the finish. Shane Tighe (AUS), Erlend Ukvitne (NOR), and Juraj Koreň (SVK) didn't just finish the world's toughest adventure race – they became pioneers for their nations.
Juraj Koren (SVK) – The adventurer returns
- Hiking distance: 295.1km
- Flying distance: 1,416.3km
- Total time: 10d 0h 15m
- Final position: 13th
Juraj Koreň's path to becoming Slovakia's first Red Bull X-Alps finisher was anything but conventional. The veteran had competed once before in 2019, finishing mid-field and 300km from goal – a performance that left him "really disappointed" and determined to return stronger.
Juraj Koreň at Turnpoint 16, Schmittenhöhe
© zooom / Maximilian Gierl
Between his first and second Red Bull X-Alps attempts, Juraj embarked on some of the most audacious climbing and flying projects in the sport. His solo winter ascents of the north face of the Eiger, Matterhorn, and Grandes Jorasses with flying gear showcased an appetite for adventure that few can match. He had also flown 300km cross-country flights, crossed the New Zealand Alps by paraglider, and achieved flights above 7,000m in Pakistan.
I wanted to be part of this – it just took 16 years
"I was 18-years old, when I saw Chrigel flying in Red Bull X-Alps for the first time," he said. "He flew 200km across the Alps. I wanted to be part of this... and I am! It took just 16 years." He said he now understood all the desperation, suffering, exhaustion and ultimately the happiness of Red Bull X-Alps.
His finish represents not just personal redemption, but Slovakia's breakthrough moment on the stage of the world's toughest adventure race.
Shane Tighe (AUS) – The rising star from down under
- Hiking distance: 427.4km
- Flying distance: 1,245.5km
- Total time: 10d 3h 45m
- Final position: 17th
Shane Tighe arrived at Red Bull X-Alps 2025 with impressive credentials that suggested he could achieve something special. The rookie had already made waves in the international hike-and-fly scene, most notably with his third-place finish at the 2024 X-Pyr race across the Pyrenees – remarkable for someone competing in his first ever hike-and-fly race.
Shane Tighe (AUS) celebrates at the finish in Zell am See
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
His preparation for Red Bull X-Alps was thorough and adventurous. With 15 years of paragliding experience under his belt, Shane had pushed boundaries with solo vol biv flights in Pakistan at altitudes above 5,500m, camping wild in some of the world's most challenging terrain. His cross-country credentials were equally impressive, with dozens of 200km flights and one epic 300km journey.
Shane had served as a supporter for teams in both 2017 and 2023, giving him invaluable insight into the race's demands and strategies. This experience showed during the Prologue, where he achieved third place – the highest performance ever by an Australian athlete in the competition.
I ticked all my goals
"I really enjoyed it," he said. "It's the ultimate adventure race. For me it was a challenge and I ticked all my goals, one of which was making it to the finish."
Shane's achievement represents years of dedication to mastering both flatland and mountain flying, which led to him becoming the first Australian to cross the finish line in Zell am See.
Erlend Ukvitne (NOR) – Nordic strength meets alpine challenge
- Hiking distance : 404.3km
- Flying distance: 1,404.4km
- Total time: 10d 22h 45m
- Final position: 20th
While athletes from outside the Alpine regions traditionally struggle at Red Bull X-Alps, Erlend Ukvitne had been systematically building his skills. The Norwegian rookie brought superhuman endurance to the race, demonstrated during his attempt to break Tanguy Renaud-Goud's (FRA4) hike-and-fly record, achieving an incredible 16,178 vertical meters climbed in a single day.
Erlend Ukvitne representing Norway at Red Bull X-Alps in Zell am See
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
His competitive experience was extensive, with over ten hike and fly races under his belt and victory in the Norwegian vol bivouac challenge. Erlend combined mountaineering expertise with advanced flying skills, having made multiple 100km+ flights in the Alps and understanding the unique challenges of high-altitude European flying.
It's almost unbelievable to be here
"It's almost unbelievable to be here," he said. "To know that I've covered the whole route, I can't really explain it. I had my doubts, but I still wanted to believe I could get here. A dream come true."
Erlend's combined mountaineering and flying experience carried him through 1,283km of the world's most challenging terrain to become Norway's first Red Bull X-Alps finisher.
Breaking new ground
The achievements of Juraj, Shane and Erlend represent more than individual success stories. They demonstrate that Red Bull X-Alps' appeal and accessibility continues to grow globally, inspiring athletes from diverse backgrounds and training environments to take on the ultimate Alpine challenge.
Each brought unique strengths to the race and their historic finishes in Zell am See will inspire future generations of athletes from their home countries. They show that with unshakeable determination and the right preparation, any nation can celebrate at the finish line of the world's toughest adventure race.
