Aaron Durogati and other X-Alps participants during one of their flights near Stelvio. © Lukas Pilz/Red Bull

X-Alps: Durogati leaves South Tyrol as leader

Just two days after the start in Kitzbühel, the Red Bull X extreme athletes crossed the Alps into South Tyrol and further into Switzerland. By late afternoon, several athletes were already beginning to strategically plan their route for Turnpoint 9 on Mont Blanc.

June 17, 2025

From: pm/sn

It was an extraordinary start to the world's toughest adventure race. Conditions were extremely difficult. The 32 athletes had to contend with storms and strong winds, but on the third day of the race, the weather gods finally showed mercy: the athletes were able to complete almost 150km of the course through the mountains of Italy and Switzerland.

The day began in Vinschgau, about 40 km west of Merano. While most athletes started moving at 4 a.m., six had to wait until 7 a.m. due to their three-hour time penalty. Today's start wasn't easy for anyone, though: to fly, they had to tackle a long and steep climb.

The athletes soon formed groups, searching together for good thermals that allow them to gain altitude and cover distance.

Tobias Großrubatscher on the morning climb in Vinschgau. © Maximilian Gierl/Red Bull

After missing out on first place yesterday at his home base, Turnpoint 39 in Merano 1, 4-year-old Merano native Aaron Durogati (ITA2000) landed first near the crystal-blue Lake St. Moritz in the early afternoon. Patrick von Känel (SUI2) arrived shortly after him.

Brazilian athlete Gabriel Jansen Rabello (BRA) arrived at the landing zone in third place and was immediately greeted by a crowd of Brazilian fans and supporters. "I'm having a really good day. I woke up a little behind the main group, but I managed to close it, and I'm so happy to be here with my friends," he said. Tobias Großrubatscher, 31, from Kastelruth, is also holding his own in the field.

The athletes had no time to waste: they ran to the X-turnpoint in the center of St. Moritz before hiking back into the mountains. The next turnpoint is Disentis Sedrun—a distance of 81 km. By late afternoon, it looked as if some athletes might make it there.

The organizers' appeal

"Yesterday was a very tough day for the athletes, with very difficult flying conditions," said race co-founder and organizer Ulrich Grill. "We appeal to the athletes' common sense when it comes to safety. While we have rules to punish reckless behavior, ultimately the athletes must make their own decisions. Fortunately, yesterday's strong winds have subsided, and the weather forecast is now much better."

Meanwhile, Warren Sebrand (NED) and Hugo Alvarez Chamoreau (MEX) are fighting in the lower positions to avoid the first elimination on Wednesday morning, which will affect the last-placed rider.