After three phenomenally successful editions, the Red Bull X-Alps is back and is now searching the globe for potential participants. From July 15, 2008, athletes can apply online via the official website, www.redbullxalps.com, to be part of the next instalment of this incredible event which starts on July 19, 2009. Applications will close on September 30, 2008 and a selection announcement will be made shortly after. A total of thirty international athletes will be chosen to race over an 850km route through the Alps, which is expected to take up to 20 days.  “We are looking for the best competitors, most interesting sportspeople and athletes who are fully motivated to push their limits and make it to Monaco,” says Race Organiser Hannes Arch.

Organisers are currently finalising the route, which will take athletes through turnpoints in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France before finishing on the Mediterranean Coast.  Promising to be as tough as ever, the new course will require an intelligent strategy and should allow for some very long flights should athletes get their planning correct.

Competitors must carry their equipment at all times, but can nominate a supporter to provide food, clothing and navigational advice. The race continues day and night until the first athlete reaches goal. 2007’s event was considered the most exciting yet, with Switzerland’s Alex Hofer reaching the final turnpoint, after some stunning last-minute flying, just a few hours ahead of Toma “Running Man” Coconea (ROM).

A huge amount of fans followed the action via the Live Tracking service on www.redbullxalps.com. The exact position of each athlete was pinpointed on an interactive map, showing whether they are hiking, flying or resting as well as allowing site visitors to view performance statistics and diary entries.

Check www.redbullxalps.com for updates.

Source: Red Bull x-alps
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