Despite an uncertain forecast and a risk of showers, most of the athletes have launched and are now airborne. Even a sled-ride down to the valley floor will save them valuable energy.

Fitness and endurance are key in the Red Bull X-Alps, but the race is almost certainly won in the air.

Turnpoint 2, Wagrain-Kleinarl, is approximately 50km to the south and the athletes will be hoping to cover as much of it under their paragliders as possible. Those who land will have to continue on foot as their rivals fly past them overhead.

So far, the going looks slow with a low cloudbase, but the lead gaggle is making progress. Follow the action at: www.redbullxalps.com/live-tracking.html