Red Bull X-Alps
Battle Between Maurer And Pinot Heats Up
Press Release / 19.06.2019
Maurer reaches Kronplatz to claim Salewa Trophy
The race for the Red Bull X-Alps 2019 crown took a new turn today as French rookie athlete Maxime Pinot (FRA4) battled to keep up with the five-time champion Chrigel Maurer (SUI1). They took off together this morning and crossed the main ridge of the Alps to reach Turnpoint 4, the Italian mountain station of Kronplatz.
But it was Maurer who arrived first, swooping in with his customary coolness to claim the Salewa Trophy, which was presented to him at the signboard.
"We took off a bit late," he said. "But it was a two hour flight in very good conditions." He then unfurled his wing and promptly took off again, destination Turnpoint 5, Lermoos Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.
15 minutes later Pinot came in – and the Frenchman was not pleased to have lost ground to Maurer.
"I didn't fly so well so I'm not so happy," he said. "It will be better this afternoon. Lermoos is possible if there is no thunderstorm."
His supporter then helped stuff a baguette and some biscuits into his chest pocket and he too was off.
Both of them now face tricky conditions to avoid the no-flying zone around Innsbruck airport.
"The Inn valley is a crucial point," said race director Christoph Weber. "You have to fly quite low, underneath the maximum altitude and that is quite tricky. Of course, Pinot can still catch him, but Chrigel would need to make a mistake, otherwise it will not be possible."
In the mid-pack a race was on between Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) Simon Oberrauner (AUT2), Patrick von Känel (SUI2), Benoit Outters (FRA1), Antoine Girard (FRA3) and Tom de Dorlodot (BEL) who were all within a few kilometers of each other on the way up to Turnpoint 5. Alongside but on the other side of the valley were Aaron Durogati (ITA) and Manuel Nübel (GER1). It's possible the pack can work together to reel in Maurer.
At the back of the field, the battle is on between Dominika Kasieczko (POL) and Rodolphe Akl (LBN). The last placed athlete is eliminated first thing Wednesday morning. Kasierczko was already 15km ahead of Akl by mid afternoon and she has opted to pull a Night Pass today, meaning she can hike through the night to stay ahead of him.
"His chances of coming in front are really small," added Weber. "From my experience she is quite strong."
Be sure to follow all the action on Live Tracking at www.redbullxalps.com
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ABOUT RED BULL X-ALPS
Red Bull X-Alps 2019 is the world's toughest adventure race, covering over 1,138km of alpine terrain. It started on June 16, marking the ninth edition of the race. 32 world-class athletes from 20 nations take part in this grueling journey from Salzburg to Monaco only by foot and paraglider – their every move tracked and played out to an audience of millions via the Live Tracking. The competition field consists of 16 veterans, 15 rookies and one defending champion who will be looking to add a sixth consecutive victory to his resume.
Along the way, the athletes will pass 13 Turnpoints in 6 different countries. Prior to the main event, the one-day Prologue race will see athletes jostle for a prime position. The top three finishers will earn themselves an additional Night Pass; allowing them to continue onwards once through the mandatory rest period.
This year's route brings the racers into both familiar and new terrain – but you can count on every single day showing us rocky ascents, dizzying flights and crucial, strategic decisions – a challenge for body and mind. With a more demanding route than ever before, Red Bull X-Alps 2019 will be full of drama, adventure, and high-alpine action. The winner will need to be smart, strong, a master of both planning and reactivity – and have a little bit of luck.
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