Paragliding race starts July 23
10.05.2007
This year’s course starts in Krippenstein, Austria, and passes through the high Alps of Italy, Switzerland and France before finishing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco.
Racers enter in teams of two – comprising one athlete and one assistant. Athletes must have extensive experience in both mountaineering and in flying, as well as have a valid flying license. In the second edition of this race, Swiss competitor Alex Hofer had to spend one cold and wet night alone on a mountain peak, wrapping himself in his paraglider for protection. Hofer went on to take first place, with a time of just over 12 days and one hour.
The Red Bull X-Alps selection committee has confirmed the final list of 30 athletes due to contend the 2007 event.
Most recently added to the list are Colombian Hugo Jimenez, Honza Rejmanek (United States) and Ulric Jessop of the United Kingdom. Turkey will announce its representative following a national qualification event taking place at the beginning of May.
Unfortunately previously announced participant Holger Herfurth (Germany), who took part in the Red Bull X-Alps 2003, has withdrawn his entry due to increasing work commitments. Also unable to take the start is Israeli entrant Adam Wechsler.
Athlete profiles are currently available to view online on the offical race website and, from the beginning of May, the selected racers will be logging regular diary entries, keeping fans up to date with their training and preparation.
Stay tuned to www.redbullxalps.com for more information, and turn to the following page for a full list of competitors.
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