Paragliding
Red Bull X-Alps ends with final athlete reaching goal
Dutch athlete makes heroic push to get to finish line through heavy storms.
As the clock on the world’s toughest adventure race counted down to the final whistle – 11:30 on Friday, June 27 – there was just one athlete still left on the course – the Dutch American adventurer Sebrand Warren (NED). Despite storms rolling in across the Alps, he made a heroic effort to reach Zell am See, the finish line of Red Bull X-Alps 2025, hiking over a marathon through the rain to make it. He reached the finishing float at 09:33.
I didn't think I would be here
On arrival he was overcome with emotion. He said: "I can't even comprehend. It feels like such an unexpected moment! I didn't think I would be here. It's really amazing."
His efforts brought a dramatic end to the race, which takes place every two years. It started almost two weeks earlier with 33 athletes from around the world setting off from Kitzbühel - Kirchberg, Austria. Their goal – to hike and fly a 1,283km course around the Alps via 16 Turnpoints and several mountaineering sections to the goal in Zell am See.
Sebrand Warren (NED) on his way to Zell am See
© zooom / Maximilian Gierl
It began fast – with an ascent up the Hahnenkamm, the most famous ski run in the world. First to the top was Aaron Durogati (ITA1), proving that when it comes to speed on steep terrain, he has no equal. He would go on to prove that he was also unequalled in the air.
The first leg saw athletes cross the Alps for the first time, to Sexten, Italy. While Aaron was an early leader, rookie Christian Schugg (GER4) surprised many with a commanding push. The day ended dramatically at Turnpoint 3, Toblinger Knoten, where thunderstorms and lightning forced a via ferrata closure, splitting the field and leaving some athletes stranded.
By Day 2 the storms had passed but strong winds remained, causing difficult flying conditions. A bold strategic split at Turnpoint 5, Schenna, saw Aaron's local knowledge shine through with a "magic flight" that brought him back to the front. On Day 3, the race became an aerial spectacle. Durogati was first into the X-Turnpoint, St. Moritz, perhaps making up for the fact that he was not first into his hometown of Merano.
Gabriel Jansen Rabello (BRA) briefly challenged Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) for the lead towards Turnpoint 7, Disentis Sedrun, but it was Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) who ultimately flew ahead in the final hours of the day to tag it first, as conditions shut down on others.
Lars Meerstetter (SUI4) at Turnpoint 4, Sexten Dolomites, Italy
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
As the race progressed, Lars Meerstetter (SUI4), a formidable rookie, began to dominate. By Day 5, he had pulled significantly ahead after Turnpoint 10, Les 2 Alpes, showcasing incredible flying skill. Despite the mid-race grind – including a remote landing deep in the mountains for Celine Lorenz (GER2) and injuries forcing out Christian Schugg, Patrick Harvey-Collard (CAN2) and Gabriel – the leaders maintained an intense pace.
Day 6 saw the race solidify into a thrilling contest: the rookie Lars versus veterans Aaron and Chrigel. Lars impressively tagged Turnpoint 12, Bellinzona, while the others were still catching up. On Day 7, athletes passed the X-Turnpoint in St. Moritz for the second time, as another storm rolled through, forcing leading athletes to hike on foot. All eyes were on Aaron as he activated his Night Pass, setting the stage for a dramatic overnight push.
Aaron Durogati wins Red Bull X-Alps 2025
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
The climax arrived on Day 8. Aaron made a genius strategic move, taking a bold, solitary line on the north side of the Innsbruck valley, while his main rivals, Lars, Simon and Chrigel chose a longer southern route. For many hours it was neck and neck, but the audacious gamble paid off. In the closest finish in Red Bull X-Alps history, Aaron was crowned as the new champion, a novelty since 2009. Lars secured a well-deserved second place, with Simon taking third place.
Final rankings
- Aaron Durogati (ITA1) – 7d 8h 31m
- Lars Meerstetter (SUI4) – 7d 9h 2m
- Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) – 7d 9h 18m
- Christian Maurer (SUI1) – 7d 9h 21m
- Damien Lacaze (FRA1) – 8d 1h 35m
- Rémi Bourdelle (FRA5) – 8d 8h 55m
- Tobias Grossrubatscher (ITA2) – 8d 23h 8m
- Patrick von Känel (SUI2) – 8d 23h 23m
- Tanguy Renaud-Goud (FRA4) – 9d 5h 29m
- Nicola Heiniger (SUI3) – 9d 6h 15m
- Markus Anders (GER1) – 9d 22h 5m
- Jared Scheid (USA) – 9d 22h 31m
- Juraj Koren (SVK) – 10d 0h 23m
- Jean de Biolley (BEL2) – 10d 2h 24m
- Benedikt Dornauer (AUT3) – 10d 2h 47m
- Thomas Friedrich (AUT2) – 10d 3h 11m
- Shane Tighe (AUS) – 10d 3h 55m
- Davide Sassudelli – 10d 5h 56m
- Samuel Tanner (AUT4) – 10d 6h 36m
- Erlend Ukvitne (NOR) – 10d 22h 45m
- Sebrand Warren (NED) – 11d 22h 6m
Race director Ferdinand Vogel said: “This edition was one of the hardest we have ever seen. The route was longer, it had more mountaineering sections and for the first time in many years, the route pushed deep into France. Above all, it was the closest fought race ever with four athletes in contention for the podium right to the end. I’m incredibly in awe of their strength and tactical skill. My congratulations go to Aaron Durogati for a brilliant campaign and inspiring race – and to all athletes who showed great endurance, piloting skill and for making good decisions in difficult situations.”
This edition was one of the hardest ones
Ulrich Grill, who co-founded the race in 2003, said: “This has been the most dramatic and the most exciting race in years. For the first time we have a new champion, and my congratulations go to Aaron Durogati for a brilliant performance as well as the rookie Lars Meerstetter and veteran Simon Oberrauner. I also salute Chrigel Maurer, who has won this race eight times. This wasn’t his year but he’s still a formidable athlete and I hope we’ll see him return in 2027.”
He added: “This was one of the toughest editions we’ve ever put on with three via ferratas in steep mountain terrain. For the first time athletes had to climb halfway up Mont Blanc to tag the Turnpoint rather than in the air like in previous editions. Storms also meant many athletes spent long hours on the ground, covering up to 100km in a single push. The physical endurance needed to complete this race is extraordinary. Chapeau to all athletes.”
