Paragliding
Strong winds and hard decisions
The second day of Red Bull X-Alps 2025 was battled in windy conditions.
Day 2 of Red Bull X-Alps 2025 began in the mountains, as thunderstorms forced several athletes to spend the night in a mountain hut near Turnpoint 3, Toblinger Knoten – either on their way up or descending. The front of the pack, who had already passed the third Turnpoint earlier, were camping further ahead.
Windy day
After the morning, athletes took to the skies. Today's conditions were very windy, which made launching and flying challenging. However, athletes were still able to cover ground while flying, and more than half of them were able to pass Turnpoint 4, Merano 2000, and Turnpoint 5, Schenna.
In a showdown Aaron Durogati (ITA1) and Christian Schugg were battling for pole position at Turnpoint 4. At the fifth Turnpoint, Christian kept the lead, but Tommy Friedrich (AUT2) and Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) were able to pass Aaron.
Decisions, decisions
At Turnpoint 5, Schenna, the leading pack split into two groups. The local legend, Aaron, followed by Tommy and Tim Alongi (FRA3), decided to hike up the slope on the north side of Merano.
Aaron Durogati (ITA1) on his way to Turnpoint 4, Merano 2000
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
However, not everyone decided to follow Aaron. Chrigel aimed for a takeoff on the southwest side of Merano, followed by Christian, Simon Oberrauner (AUT1), Damien Lacaze (FRA1), and Nicola Heiniger (SUI3).
As Tom de Dorlodot explained, the north slope was a difficult one. The takeoff was in the leeside of the wind, meaning that the wind created turbulence and blew from behind, which made taking off and flying difficult.
The path on the southern side proved to work better and Simon, Chrigel, Christian and Damien Lacaze (FRA1) got ahead. Out of the people on the north hill, Tommy and Tim decided to glide to the southern side and join the others. Aaron, however, continued to hike upwards.
Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) launching off towards the next Turnpoint
© zooom / Adi Geisegger
Aaron's vast local knowledge of his home turf paid off! Aaron managed a magic flight and caught up with the leading athletes.
Right before the rest period kicks in, Simon is a few kilometers ahead of the other athletes. On his heels are Aaron, Lars Meerstetter (SUI4), Chrigel, Christian, Nicola, Damien, Tommy, Gabriel Jansen Rabello (BRA), and Rémi Bourdelle (FRA5).
The hardest decision of the day was made by Maxime Pinot (FRA2), who chose to withdraw from the race. We show our greatest support and respect to this amazing athlete.
Join us on WhatsApp
Click here to follow the Red Bull X-Alps WhatsApp channel for the latest race news, magic moves alerts and expert insights. Don't forget to turn on notifications to ensure you never miss a moment.
