Paragliding
Race the weather
A fast start, but thunderstorm cuts the race in half.
The incredible atmosphere at the start line in Kitzbühel - Kirchberg quickly gave way to an urgent race against time as Red Bull X-Alps 2025 athletes battled deteriorating weather conditions on Day 1.
Flying as fast as possible
Race reporter Gavin McClurg warned the small weather window would make everyone want to fly as fast and far as possible toward Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites, before predicted thunderstorms arrived. His prediction proved right as the day unfolded into a dramatic chase between athletes and the weather.
Related
Aaron Durogati (ITA1) was first to arrive at Turnpoint 1, Hahnenkamm, followed by Nicola Heiniger (SUI3) and eight-time champion Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) in second and third. The early positioning set the stage for an intense push towards Italy.
Christian Schugg (GER4) after arriving at Turnpoint 2
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
The race for Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites, produced one of the day's first surprises when Christian Schugg (GER4) took a commanding lead which shocked even his own team. "We didn't expect to be this far ahead," said Schugg's supporter Pirmin Maurus. The plan had been to stay with the main field, but the strong thermal conditions played perfectly to Schugg's strengths. “These are his conditions,” Maurus said.
Tim Alongi (FRA3) ultimately claimed first place at Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites, followed by Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) and with Christian Schugg maintaining his place with the leaders claiming third position.
Tim Alongi (FRA3) at the Turnpoint signboard in Sexten
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) after landing at Turnpoint 2
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
With no time to pause, athletes immediately began the climb toward the via ferrata at Turnpoint 3, Toblinger Knoten. But the weather window was rapidly closing as rain intensified and thunder rumbled ominously in the distance.
Safety Director Jürgen Wietrzyk monitored the deteriorating conditions carefully. "There are a couple of athletes on the via ferrata. They are very fast and will make it down in about 20 minutes," he explained, noting they were staying ahead of the rain. "But, for the next athletes it's going to be a problem. You can already hear thunder in the background. So, they have to wait here."
You can already hear thunder in the background. So, they have to wait here
The decision came quickly – the via ferrata was closed for safety reasons, creating a dramatic split in the field. In total, 17 of the 33 remaining athletes made it onto the via ferrata before closure, including front-runners Simon Oberrauner, Christian Maurer, and Damien Lacaze (FRA1).
Those who didn't make the cut face a very different evening. The race committee announced that Jean de Biolley (BEL2), Gabriel Jansen Rabello (BRA), Rémi Bourdelle (FRA5), Nicola Donini (ITA3), and Patrick von Känel (SUI2) were "encountering severe thunderstorms at Turnpoint 3, Toblinger Knoten" and would not be able to enter the via ferrata for safety reasons.
These athletes looked for shelter at the Auronzo hut for the night and were permitted to switch off their trackers until their mandatory rest period ended. Follow all the latest race developments via the 3D Live Tracking!
