Under threat of thunderstorms, 32 athletes from around the world set off on the biannual adventure race today, the Red Bull X-Alps. Their destination? The blue waters of Monaco. On their way they must conquer 13 Turnpoints and some of the highest peaks and passes of the Alps across Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France. 

The start gun fired at the Mozartplatz, Salzburg at 11:30am, and athletes set off through the old city to cheering crowds, curious onlookers and the peal of church bells. But their sightseeing tour through the old town was quickly over as they crossed the Salzach river and began the grueling ascent to Turnpoint 1, the Gaisberg, up to 1 287m. 

The first athlete to reach the summit was Maxime Pinot (FRA4) in a time of 1h 05m 50s. 
Following quickly on his heels, just 24 seconds later, was the Austrian local hero Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1). In third place was Simon Oberrauner (AUT2). 

Ulrich Grill, race organiser, said: “What these athletes are undertaking is one of the world’s greatest adventures. Crossing the Alps only by foot or paraglider from Salzburg to Monaco is an incredible performance, demanding not just physical endurance but mental strength. It’s the perfect challenge of body and mind. It’s going to be an exciting race.”

There was some doubt whether the athletes would be able to fly from the summit due to the risk of thunderstorms, however, amid hundreds of supporters and fans athletes flew off to Turnpoint 2, Wagrain-Kleinarl. 

With so many factors at play, there’s no telling who is going to take this year’s first place. So, be sure to follow all the action as it happens on Live Tracking at www.redbullxalps.com.