The RedBull X-Alps 2009
Thirty international athletes race non-stop from Austria to Monaco, through the Alps with just a paraglider and a pair of hiking boots to help them, their every move tracked by advanced technology and broadcast to an audience of millions.
Now established as one of the toughest and most spectacular adventure races in the world, the Red Bull X-Alps will be even more exciting for its fourth running in 2009. Thirty athletes will start in centre of the city of Salzburg in Austria and will work their way through the intimidating Alps, negotiating turning points in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France before finishing on the beach of Monte Carlo by the stunning Mediterranean Coast. The race goes on day and night, sun or snow, until the first pilot lands in Monaco. Athletes are forbidden any kind of motorized transport but can select a support to help supply food, equipment and information.
The facts:
Start: July 19, 2009 in Salzburg, Austria
Goal: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Duration: approximately 20 days
Number of athletes: thirty from as many different nations as possible
Distance: 818 km (506 miles) straight line distance
Average sleeping time: three hours per night
Longest distance covered on foot in one day in 2007: 100 km (62 miles) by Toma Coconea
Longest total hiking distance in 2007: 1020 km (634 miles) in two week by Toma Coconea
Longest flight in one day in 2007: 195 km (121 miles)
Maximum flying height in 2007: 4270 m (14,007 feet) above sea level
Number of athletes who reached the goal in 2007: five from 30 starters
