X-Alps: The leaders go their own way

For Maxime Pinot (FRA1), the day began shortly before 5 a.m. at the foot of the long climb to the Simplon Pass, which connects Switzerland with Italy. He also started quickly - even his supporters couldn't believe the pace he was setting as he ran the 1.000 meters up to the top of the pass. “If my body tells me I can push, then I push,” he said. After spending yesterday glider-to-glide with Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) - and leading most of the time - he was motivated to give it his all today, especially now that Mont Blanc is behind him. Fifteen kilometers further north, Maurer decided on a completely different route to reach the next turnpoint, a virtual cylinder above the Piz Palü, 140 km further east. He chose a more northerly line that partially overlapped with the route towards Mont Blanc. That was faster, but also longer. Late in the morning he passed athletes flying in the other direction, including Théo de Blic (FRA3), near the Furka Pass and had a 50km lead by midday. But the road back to Italy is complicated and demanding and it remains to be seen whether his decision will pay off. Both athletes have drawn a night pass for this evening, Maurer clearly determined to further extend his lead; Pinot equally ready to catch up with him again. Meanwhile, third-placed Benoît Outters (FRA2) didn't give up without a fight. “He's hard to stop,” said his supporter Martin Beaujouan. During the course of the race, the firefighter and paramedic had covered an incredible 350 km on foot and was still going fast. “He’s very motivated,” Beaujouan added. Around midday he managed to overtake Pinot. South Tyroleans continue to get involved French athlete Damien Lacaze (FRA5) was given a 12-hour penalty for violating airspace, which he must serve after his next rest period. Cody Mittanck (USA2) left the race this morning with severe pain in his legs. With the mandatory eliminations and withdrawals, there are now only 23 athletes left in the race. These include Tobias Großrubatscher and Aaron Durogati. The two South Tyroleans are currently in 6th and 8th place.

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X-Alps: The leaders go their own way

After circumnavigating Mont Blanc, the front runners chose different routes heading east through Switzerland and Italy towards Piz Palü and Kronplatz.

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