The worldwide best paraglider has won the Red Bull XAlps, the hardest Adventure Race in the world, for the fourth time in a row.
The worldwide best paraglider has won the Red Bull XAlps, the hardest Adventure Race in the world, for the fourth time in a row.
Chrigel heisst im Berner Oberländer Dialekt Adler. Diesen Spitznamen hat Christian Maurer schon seit seiner Jugend. Der dreimalige Welt und Europameister sowie fünffache Schweizer Meister im Gleitschirmfliegen, hat in diesem Jahr die Red Bull XAlps erneut für sich entschieden. In nur 8 Tagen, 4 Stunden und 37 Minuten mit einem Vorsprung von 110 Kilometern auf den Zweitplatzierten hat er die abenteuerliche Route zwischen Salzburg und Monaco überwunden. (Anmerkung der Redaktion: Der internationale Wettkampf wurde erstmals 2003 durchgeführt und wurde seither ausschliesslich von Schweizern gewonnen.)
5 questions to Chrigel
When did you discover your passion for paragliding for the first time?
My father started with paragliding when I was 4 years old and it has fascinated me from the very first day. I took off for the first time when I was nine and was captivated right from the first moment.
What was the greatest challenge in this year’s Red Bull XAlps Race?
A good and reliable team and suitable equipment are most important. During the race, I try to concentrate on my capabilities so that I am not subject to any external influence, i.e. stress. As the race continues without any breaks, I had to fight to keep awake since the middle of the race. I had to muster all my concentration to make the right decisions.
How do you prepare yourself physically and mentally for the XAlps Race?
I prepare myself with a specific power workout programme and several hours of walking carrying a 10kg rucksack.
How important is your equipment during this Hike & Fly Race?
The equipment is a very important success factor. I depend on highly functional clothing because of the extreme physical challenges, like walking uphill at great speed, and the flying at an extremely cold high altitude.
Will you be on the starting line again at the next Red Bull XAlps Race?
There is nothing that speaks against a participation in the next competition in 2017.
