SAFA Skysailor Magazine

33 November | December 2020 SKY SAILOR Red Bull X-Alps 2021 goes ahead The athlete line-up for the 2021 race has been announced! The 10th edition of Red Bull X-Alps is set to kick off on 20 June 2021. The return of the world’s toughest adventure race will see 33 athletes from 17 nations arriving in Austria, competing to hike & fly their way to the finish line. Starting in Salzburg, the competitors will put their body and mind to the ultimate test, navigating their way over 1,000km through treacherous alpine terrain. Often covering 100km a day, only by foot or paraglider, the athletes must combine skill and strategy, pushing through pain, injuries and fatigue to reach each turnpoint and avoid elimination. Athletes put their abilities to the test in an effort to beat not only personal, but also world records; in 2021, 14 are rookies and three are female. Each athlete is assisted on the ground by a dedicated supporter, ensuring they get the support needed. The line-up for Red Bull X-Alps 2021 is one of the stron- gest yet. International competitors come from countries including Brazil, Japan and Russia. Race director Christoph Weber says, "We always try to have an international field of athletes, we want to give the whole world a chance to take part in this race." Apart from veteran competitors, former winners and finalists, the closest team from our region comes from New Zealand with veterans Nick Neynens (NZL1) and Kinga Masztalerz (NZL2). Finish at Monaco Photos: www.redbullxalps.com Christian Maurer, 19 June 2019