Benoit Outters (FRA4) is the Rookie who almost clinched the crown – and, if you believe in miracles, still could.

As he makes his way to the same launch Christian Maurer (SUI1) used for his final flight yesterday, he is just 39km behind the four-times champion. Having covered 2,020km, the final margin is miniscule. A strong early flight could narrow it even further.

The numbers also tell a tale. Benoit has taken a more efficient route than Chrigel (a total distance so far of 2,018km, compared to Chrigel’s 2,253km), but hiked further (760km to Chrigel’s 517km). A different turn here, a lucky thermal there, and he could well be in the lead.

Either way, Benoit has raced one of the world’s greatest athletes right to the line.

©zooom / Vitek Ludvik