Paragliding
The adventure begins
Athletes launch into the longest route in race history as the 12th edition gets underway in Kitzbühel - Kirchberg.
The wait is over. After months of preparation and anticipation, 33 of the world's best adventure athletes began their epic journey across the Alps. At exactly 11:30 on Sunday morning, the athletes set off from Kitzbühel - Kirchberg on what promises to be the most challenging route in the race's 22-year history.
A perfect start to an epic adventure
Race reporter Tarquin Cooper captured the atmosphere perfectly, describing the incredible heat and atmosphere at the start line as crowds gathered to watch the athletes assemble and wish each other good luck before embarking on their monumental journey.
The 33 athletes – 32 male and one female - set off at a moderate pace from the start line, staying together as a group as they moved through the historic town of Kitzbühel. With the longest route ever - 1,283km spanning five countries – every athlete knew the next 12 days would test their limits like never before.
The race to Hahnenkamm
The first major test came immediately: the climb to Hahnenkamm. This iconic mountain, famous for its terrifying downhill ski race, would become the first destination. Athletes were predicted to reach Turnpoint 1 in around 45 minutes from the start. After the moderate pace through Kitzbühel and cheering spectators, the hike up Hahnenkamm was an opportunity to gain the lead.
He's running up the Streif! It feels vertical
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Aaron Durogati (ITA1) arrived first in an incredible display of fitness after approximately 47 minutes. He pushed ahead in a breakaway move, followed by Nicola Heiniger (SUI3), Tanguy Renaud-Goud (FRA4) and Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) just seconds behind. "He is running up the Streif! It feels vertical," said race reporter Tarquin Cooper as Aaron passed by.
Aaron Durogati (ITA1) hiking up Hahnenkamm
© zooom / Lukas Pilz
First flights of the race
The first athletes began preparing their wings on top of Hahnenkamm immediately. Race commentator Gavin McClurg predicted conditions in the air could become "really dynamic," setting the stage for challenging flying ahead. "The crux is getting across the spine of the Alps," explained Gavin. "They really want to get on the south side."
Aaron Durogati (ITA1) transitioned to the air as fast as possible, only pausing to share a kiss with his girlfriend before launching first into the air. Impatient for home, Aaron was also the first athlete to head south but had to return to get more height.
Second and third into the air were Davide Sassudelli (ITA4) and Tommy Friedrich (AUT2).
What's next
Gavin McClurg was in the air to see the first athletes setting off on their first flights. “These conditions are beautiful,” he said. “This is going to be fast to Sexten.” By late afternoon, athletes were predicted to be arriving at Turnpoint 2, Sexten Dolomites and the race against time – and weather – had begun.
Over the next 12 days, these athletes will push their bodies and minds to the absolute limit as they race across the mainchain of the Alps by foot and paraglider. Follow all the action live on 3D Live Tracking on redbullxalps.com.
