After a gruelling climb, Rookie Maxime Pinot (FRA4) was first to reach Turnpoint 1, the Gaisberg in a time of 1.05:50. Pinot, who has been flying since the age of 13, reached the 1,288m summit of the landmark mountain just outside Salzburg in a time of 1:05:50, claiming the King of Gaisberg crown.

Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) came second in a time of 1:06:24, with Simon Oberrauner (AUT2) in third.

They were met by a large, cheering crowd who had gathered at the top to witness the 32 athletes reach the first turnpoint of the world’s toughest adventure race, a spectacular 1,138km straight line course from Salzburg to Monaco.

From Turnpoint 1, Gaisberg, the athletes must now head south to Turnpoint 2, Wagrain-Kleinarl. 

Follow the first flights live now via Live Tracking!