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RED BULL X-ALPS 2011: Applications Open JULY 15, 2010

Press Release / 13.07.2010

Applications for the 2011 Red Bull X-Alps, the world’s most spectacular adventure race, open on July 15, 2010 and budding athletes have until September 30, 2010 to register their intent to participate.

The Red Bull X-Alps 2011 will be the fifth edition of the extremely popular adventure race where athletes must hike or paraglide their way across the Alps from Salzburg in Austria to the Monaco on the Mediterranean coast.

Motorised transport is not allowed but athletes may have one supporter to provide food, shelter and advice. The non-stop race ends only when the first athlete reaches goal, and fans can follow every participant’s move on the official website’s Live Tracking map.

A race committee will select thirty international athletes from the applicants, based on their endurance, flying ability and overall grit and determination.

In 2009, Swiss rookie Christian Maurer (SUI3) blitzed the field with an incredible display of paragliding skill and tactical nous. The 28-year-old reached Monaco in just 10 days – a record time for the event. Alex Hofer (SUI1) was second and Honza Rejmanek (USA) third.

“In 2009, Maurer raised the bar for the Red Bull X-Alps,” says race organiser Hannes Arch. “He showed everyone that exceptional preparation, a high endurance level, good strategy and a great supporter are key to success.

“The 2011 applicants will have to show us that they are highly capable in all these elements.”

Applications can be made via the official website, www.redbullxalps.com from July 15, 2010.