Paragliding
Longest flight in this year's race
Over eight hours in the air with Ondrej Prochazka (CZE).
Ondrej Prochazka (CZE) had an epic Day 8 in Red Bull X-Alps 2025. The Czech veteran tagged Turnpoint 10, Les 2 Alpes, around 12:30 after a 40km morning flight. Then came the decision that would define his day – rather than climb to the peak on foot, he launched low and committed to one of the longest flights of his entire race.
I think the second flight was around 240km
"It depends how you calculate it," Ondrej said. "But I think the second flight was around 240km. More-or-less straight line."
For an athlete who has logged over 10,000 flying hours in his career, this wasn't just about distance – it was about survival in the race. With eliminations looming and the field tightening, Ondrej needed every kilometer he could get in the air.
"It's not my record," he said, "but it's hard to do during Red Bull X-Alps because you always have to land."
Life in the air
Eight hours aloft means turning your paraglider into a mobile office, kitchen and bathroom. Ondrej explained his routine. "I eat and pee while flying. I drink and I'm checking the route and other things," he explained matter-of-factly.
His in-flight menu is carefully planned for sustained energy. Raw honey provides quick fuel, while more substantial meals keep him going for the long haul. "Like beans or lentils with vegetables, rice with eggs – a lot of eggs," he said, "and a lot of butter."
The flight itself was aggressive and committed. "I was flying really fast,” he said. “I was flying full bar most of the route." Flying with the speed bar engaged means the wing will fly with maximum forward speed. He was literally putting his foot down.
Racing against time
As the sun began to set and the 21:00 no-flying curfew approached, Ondrej touched down and immediately packed his glider. He slept where he had landed, still 30km from Turnpoint 11, Ascona-Locarno. "I was happy to do this flight," he said. "It would give me a chance to finish the race."
For Ondrej, the day wasn't just about tactical racing – it was about experiencing some of the most spectacular terrain the Alps have to offer. "I've flown around 10,000 hours in my life,” he said, “and I think these are some of the most intense and beautiful hours. It's a very scenic route."
The route took him through the heart of the Alps' highest peaks. "It's one of the nicest routes that there is in the Alps, crossing 4,000m peaks: Chamonix mountain range all the way to Monte Rosa, Matterhorn. Basically flying around twenty-plus 4,000m peaks. So it's one of the most beautiful routes."
Even in the heat of competition, with elimination threatening and every minute counting, Ondrej still finds time to appreciate the landscape scrolling beneath his feet. It's a reminder that at its heart, Red Bull X-Alps remains an adventure – one that just happens to be timed.
The race is still on
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