Touted as the toughest adventure race on the planet, the 20th edition of Red Bull-Alps will debut in Kitzbühel-Kirchberg, Austria on Sunday 11 June. 35 athletes (31 men and 4 women) from 18 different countries must cross the Alps in nothing more than their paragliding equipment and hiking boots. The Spanish Jordi Villaltra is one of them.
For two weeks, athletes will tackle one of the most demanding routes in the history of the event. The 1,223 km route that starts in Kitzbühel-Kirchberg will pass through the highest mountains in Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy and end in Zell am See.
Catalan Jordi Villaltra is the sole Spanish representative at the Red Bull X-Alps 2023. Jordi, 38, picks up the baton from José Ignacio Arevalo, the last Spanish participant in the race during the 2017 edition. Backed by extensive experience as a firefighter Jordi approaches this experience with the enthusiasm of a novice and the passion to hike and fly. “I started flying in 2009, I remember Chris Maurer winning his first Red Bull X – Alps that year. Being able to be a contemporary of the best athlete in history has made me an unconditional fan, it’s like you liked basketball in the time of Michael Jordan”, the Catalan athlete confesses.
For Jordi, Red Bull X-Alps is a unique opportunity to connect with the cradle of the sport he loves and a lesson in self-improvement that he hopes to learn as much as possible from. “I am very versatile and stubborn. Also, mentally I have managed to find a fine balance between persistence and ease. I believe that, with hope and persistence, anything is possible” attitude that will help you beat the competition Completion may allow being one of the few participants: on average, no more than a third of participants reach the finish line.
Four women will feature in the 20th edition of the Red Bull X-Alps, setting their sights on seven-time Swiss champion Chigel Maurer. “Maybe the 2023 edition will be the first time a goal is scored by a competitor,” says Austrian rookie Elisabeth Egger.
In addition, race fans will be able to enjoy an immersive experience and follow all the action live through the latest technology live tracking which will include the possibility to jump into the cockpit with a 3D driver’s view. “This year will not only be a historic edition, but it also promises to be one of the most exciting”, commented Ulrich Grill, co-founder of the race. “This year’s route will challenge athletes physically and mentally like never before.”
Red Bull X-Alps begins with a one-day prologue in Kirchberg this Thursday 8 June at 11:00 CEST, with the main race starting at 11:30 on Sunday 11 June. It will expire after 12 days.
