Finally we have started the Red Bull X-Alps! Although the prologue is kind of just a tease...just when I get going, I have to stop again. For the prologue we had 3 turn points, one across a lake. The weather was pretty stable, and the only condition was that I had to finish. No penalty in the main race for taking a long time.
So I hiked slowly to save my legs, and hoped I could fly to the finish. It wasn't to be. The weather was pretty stable and I launched on a down cycle. I had to fly around below launch for almost an hour before I could get high enough to cross the lake. My supporters Jim, Jarek, Boga, Cano and Chuck were all on launch to see me off, and I felt bad they had to watch me struggling!
Then once across the lake, I had to work hard to get even higher to the second checkpoint. That wasn't to be either. After circling in almost nothing for an hour, I finally side hill landed about halfway up and hiked up to the top. This was a better option than maybe sinking out and having to hike up 1000 meters to the summit. Anyway, by then I was the absolute last one on the course.
An easy launch from the top and I glided out into the wind and landed in the valley again. Then I had 4k to walk to the finish. It was hot and I could only think of jumping in the lake at the finish. Which I did, shoes and all!
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| Chrigel and Jim talking on the hike up to launch |
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| All the Red Bull we can drink? |
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| Getting interviewed at the Prologue award ceremony |
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| Photo credit for most of these: Jarek Wiezcorek |
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| My official supporter Jarek of Antofaya Expeditions |
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| Flying over Red Bull Headquarters |
Finally we have started the Red Bull X-Alps! Although the prologue is kind of just a tease...just when I get going, I have to stop again. For the prologue we had 3 turn points, one across a lake. The weather was pretty stable, and the only condition was that I had to finish. No penalty in the main race for taking a long time. 
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