Red Bull X-Alps

New Developments for Red Bull X-Alps This Year

Press Release / 01.06.2023

As athletes prepare to arrive for the one-day Prologue in Kirchberg next week, we reveal the new rules, updates – and faces – of Red Bull X-Alps 2023

Athletes start to arrive for the Red Bull X-Alps over the next few days. Years of experience, months of training and many days of final preparations have led 32 of the world’s top adventure athletes here. 
 
They will get their chance to show the world if their efforts have all been worth it – the one-day Prologue begins in Kirchberg, Austria, on June 8 at 11:00 CEST with the main race kicking off in Kitzbühel, Austria, on Sunday June 11 at 11:30. 
 
Here’s what’s new for the 2023 edition
 
New Start

This year is the first time since 2009 that the race has a new start location. The Prologue begins in Kirchberg while the main race kicks off in Kitzbühel. Athletes have welcomed the change, with seven-time winner Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) saying: “I’m happy about it as the other places we know already.” “There are also no airspace issues,” adds Patrick von Känel (SUI2). 

New Rest Rules

There is a change to the rest period. Previously athletes had to stop between 22.30 and 05:00. This year the rest period has been extended. Every athlete must now rest for a minimum of seven hours, but it can be taken any time between 21:00 and 06:00. That means a team can push on until 23:00 and rest until 06:00 or stop early at 21:00 and start at 04:00. 

Comments race co-founder Ulrich Grill: “Bringing in flexibility to choose the extended minimum rest period will benefit the individual strategic approach of the athletes and their daily recovery.”

Night Pass 

There is also a slight change to the Night Pass. Athletes now have until 20:00 to announce their intention to hike through the night – meaning they can do so at the last minute. In the past, athletes had to announce it by midday.
     
Supporters given additional responsibility 

Another new rule means supporters have to confirm their athlete has rested properly and is fit to fly – every day – via the race app, even when they have taken a Night Pass.  

Gavin McClurg returns as Reporter and Commentator 

Former US athlete Gavin McClurg, who took part in four editions (2015-2021) is returning this year – as a reporter. He’ll be going live with Tarquin Cooper every day from the heart of the race action, providing unparalleled insights and expert analysis on our social channels. 

Schedule

Prologue: June 8, 11:00, Dorfplatz, Kirchberg 
Press Conference: June 9, (registration only) 10:30 at Hahnenkamm Start House, Kitzbühel
Race Start: June 11, 11:30 at Schulgasse 2, Kitzbühel 

Follow the action live as it happens on Live Tracking on redbullxalps.com

Follow the field in 2D mode or join your favorite athlete in the air with 3D virtual reality view and experience the race as if you are there! It comes with integrated hiking and flying stats and features an integrated newsfeed updated every 15 minutes as well as the latest social media posts from athletes.