Adventure Racing
Red Bull X-Alps 2027 is calling: Why more female athletes should apply
The countdown is on. Athletes can apply until August 31, 2026, for Red Bull X-Alps 2027 and take their chance to become one of the 35 athletes selected for the world’s toughest adventure race.
Red Bull X-Alps is reserved for the best hike-and-fly athletes: those with the endurance, flying skills, mountain experience and mindset needed to take on an adventure unlike any other. But what makes applying worthwhile? And why should more athletes, including more women, take that step?
Eli Egger, the first woman to finish Red Bull X-Alps in 2023, Celine Lorenz, Red Bull X-Alps 2025 participant, and Romy Sweda, Wildcard Winner of the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026, share what drives them to take on these challenges and why the experience goes far beyond the race itself.
Take the step for yourself
Asked what advice she would give to athletes considering to apply for Red Bull X-Alps, Eli Egger is clear: the motivation has to come from yourself. "I think the most important thing is simply that you do it for yourself, and not to prove something to someone else," she says. "It doesn't matter whether that's your partner, your family, or society. What matters is that you feel it from within yourself: 'Hey, this is something I want to do.'"
I think the most important thing is simply that you do it for yourself, and not to prove something to someone else.
Eli Egger (AUT4) is the first woman ever to finish the race
© zooom / Christian Lorenz
Eli Egger performs during Red Bull X-Alps in Misurina
© zooom
Eli Egger performs during Red Bull X-Alps 2023 in Valda, Italy
© zooom / Lukas Pilz
It is a perspective which is shared by Celine Lorenz: “If you feel that Red Bull X-Alps is something you want to experience, then take the chance and go for it.” For both athletes, what stays with you is about much more than a result. Red Bull X-Alps challenges athletes physically and mentally, creates unforgettable moments with their teams and offers an opportunity to discover what they are capable of.
If you feel that Red Bull X-Alps is something you want to experience, then take the chance and go for it.
For Eli, the race became a turning point, both as an athlete and as a person: "You get to know yourself, your whole team, what your body and your mind are capable of, on a completely different level," she explains.
Celine also values the experiences and moments that remain long after the race: “My last main race was a complete rollercoaster ride. I had some incredibly high moments, but also tough moments when I had to keep fighting. It was amazing to experience it with my team, and I was so happy to have them there with me. Overall, it was a great time, full of experiences I don’t want to miss”.
Celine Lorenz took part in the 2025er edition
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
Celine Lorenz flying in the Dolomites on Day 2 of Red Bull X-Alps 2025
© zooom / Lukas Pilz
Celine Lorenz (GER2)
© zooom / Stefan Stöger
Growth starts outside of your comfort zone
Two athletes are already confirmed for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027 start line: Aaron Mathis and Romy Sweda, who both earned the Wildcards presented by Bergfreunde at the first-ever Red Bull X-Alps Challenger in Mayrhofen earlier this year.
Romy Sweda becomes the first Female Wildcard Winner
© zooom/ Christian Lorenz
For Romy, securing her place was another important step in her development as an athlete. "Red Bull X-Alps Challenger, or other races, are great opportunities to discover new areas where I can continue to grow," Romy says. "Specific goals like finishing a race, flying a certain distance, or learning a new maneuver are the means to this end. They serve as milestones that give direction and motivation."
I see the adventure, the challenge, the opportunity to discover new landscapes through this wonderful sport.
And when she looks ahead to Red Bull X-Alps 2027, it is the experience that excites her: "I see the adventure, the challenge, the opportunity to discover new landscapes through this wonderful sport, the possibility to push my limits, learn more about myself and grow as a person, and the chance to share this experience with a great team of people."
Support that goes beyond competition
Behind the individual challenge is a hike-and-fly community built around sharing knowledge, experiences and support. Celine also values the open exchange of experiences within the hike-and-fly community: “I’m always happy to exchange ideas and share my perspective. Whenever someone asks me, I’m very open to talk about everything. I also share some insights on social media because I think it’s important to keep that exchange going.”
Celine Lorenz (GER2) with her supporter
© zooom / Sebastian Marko
Romy sees that openness as an important part of encouraging the next generation of athletes, particularly women, to take the next step. "I feel that the community is very open and supportive." she says. "Seeing other women competing at a high level makes it easier for aspiring female pilots to imagine themselves doing the same. More female participation also creates more exchange, motivation, and competition, which helps everyone improve and reach their full potential."
It doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman: everyone can grow beyond themselves, and Red Bull X-Alps showed me just what's possible.
For Eli, the message to future Red Bull X-Alps athletes is simple: "It doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman: everyone can grow beyond themselves, and Red Bull X-Alps showed me just what's possible."
Apply now for Red Bull X-Alps 2027
Ready to take on the adventure and be part of Red Bull X-Alps 2027? Don’t miss your chance. The Athletes Applicationcloses on August 31, 2026. Apply here!
