Adventure Racing
The veterans are stronger than ever
Fitter, stronger and faster than ever before – the veterans will be in no mood to make way for the rookies.
This year’s line-up of veterans features some of the most experienced athletes to ever compete in Red Bull X-Alps. Many have been in the race several times – and they are still at the top of their game.
I will try to compete in the yellow bib again in 2029
For the first time this edition there is an exciting new dynamic to the line-up. There are two champions, one eager to hold onto his crown, the other determined to wrestle it back. “I will try to compete in the yellow bib again in 2029,” says eight-time champion Chrigel Maurer (SUI2).
The duel between Chrigel and seven-time veteran and 2025 winner Aaron Durogati (ITA1) has the potential to be a thrilling showdown. Both are looking stronger than ever. Chrigel showed he hasn’t lost his winning touch, taking victory in the X-Pyr race across the Pyrenees and also winning the overall Red Bull X-Alps Challenger race last summer.
Hike-and-fly world record
Aaron meanwhile recently broke the hike-and-fly world record, hiking an astonishing 19,424m in 24 hours. Both athletes are in their 40s. The hike-and-fly record was previously held by Tanguy Renaud-Goud (FRA1). the only returning French veteran, who is back for the third time.
Aaron and Chrigel are not the only veterans with their eyes on the prize. Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) is back for the sixth time. He’s previously come third twice and could have won last edition. The same could be said of Lars Meerstetter (SUI1) who came second in 2025. He’s unbelievably strong on the ground too.
There are 20 veterans in the 2027 edition. In total they have 51 editions between them! For Chrigel, this will be his tenth time taking part. Tom de Dorlodot (BEL) is also taking part for the tenth time. His first outing was in 2007, when the race’s youngest rookie, Aaron Mathis (SUI6) was just a year old.
The Red Bull X-Alps 2027 veterans
© zooom productions
Patrick von Känel (SUI3) is another longstanding veteran who’s been competing since 2019. His best performance came that year when he placed second but has struggled to challenge for the podium in recent editions.
One female veteran
There is one female veteran – Celine Lorenz (GER2). This will be her third outing, and she will be hoping for “third time lucky”, her previous two races having been marked by bad luck. In 2023 she twisted her ankle just before the race start. In 2025 she got stuck near the Grimselpass after landing the wrong side of a river.
I know I have more potential
“I know I have more potential,” she says. “The experience taught me a lot, and I’m motivated to come back stronger.” This edition she will no longer be competing as the race’s only female athlete – there are six other women taking part.
Other veterans in the line-up include the Polish athlete Michal Gierlach. He first competed in 2017 and then again in 2021 and 2023. Although he made goal in 2023, he says he can do better. “Unfortunately, I wasn't happy with my performance,” he says. “Now is the time to do better!”
Another veteran who will be hoping to do better is Ondrej Prochazka (CZE), who is back for the third time. In 2023 he bombed out on the first day and never recovered. In 2025, despite making the longest flight in the race – 261km – he didn’t make goal.
Related
Several athletes are back for the second time. They include Sam Tanner (AUT2), who came 19th in 2025, Gabriel Jansen (BRA) and Patrick Harvey-Collard (CAN), who were both forced to retire due to injury. Davide Sassudelli (ITA2), Sebrand Warren (NED) and Nicola Heiniger (SUI4) are also back for the second time.
“The first time was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Sebrand says. His goal this year? “To have even more fun than I did last time.” On that score, he could be the winner. As the saying goes, the best athlete is not always the victor, but the one having the most fun. Click here to get to know the veterans (and rookies!) and find out more about their journey so far.
