Red Bull X-Alps 2009 – the grand finale

Two athletes, Christian Maurer and Alex Hofer, made it to Monaco, fifteen hiked, ran and flew till the very last second. A further thirteen gave it their all until they retired through injury, elimination or rule infringement.

Only the athletes and supporters know how tough the last thirteen days of the Red bull X-Alps have been.

Soon after the race ended, Aidan Toase (GBR1) reported, "I'm sitting in a car! It's amazing just sitting here watching the world go by effortlessly!"

Toase was beaten into fourth place by Honza Rejmanek (USA) who claimed the final podium position with some brilliant flying over the past few days. He also battled against severe knee pains which meant he had to walk down mountains backwards.

Last night saw emotional scenes on top of Mt Gros, as Alex Hofer (SUI1) arrived to a joyous reception from his Mum, Dad and friends. He launched his paraglider and flew down to Monaco to gain second place, landing at 20:48. Race winner Christian Maurer (SUI3) was there to greet him.

“818 km of adventure racing, 30 athletes… there’s going to be one hell of a party tonight!” said race organiser Hannes Arch.

The prize giving and party takes place tonight at 19:30 at Stars n Bars, Monaco harbour.

FINAL RANKINGS
1 Christian Maurer, 2 Alex Hofer, 3 Honza Rejmanek, 4 Aidan Toase, 5 Evgeny Gryaznov, 6 Michael Gebert, 7 Jouni Makkonen, 8 Pal Takats, 9 Ramon Morillas, 10 Thomas de Dorlodot, 11 Julien Wirtz, 12 Andy Frötscher, 13 Kaoru Ogisawa, Max Fanderl, 15 Tom Payne, Jan Skrabalek, 17 Filip Jagla

Withdrawn: Helmut Eichholzer, Toma Coconea, Martin Müller, Peter Vrabec, Masayuki Matsubara, Vincent Sprüngli, Lloyd Pennicuik, Raul Penso, Ronny Geijsen, Pierre Carter, Leone Antonio, Pascale Primoz, Susa Christian Amon

Red Bull X-Alps 2009 from Planetmountain.com on Vimeo.