Red Bull X-Alps 2009

The toughest paragliding competition in the world has started at 11:30 AM on July 19, 2009.

Thirty pilots from all over the world are competing each other using nothing more than their wings and feet. They have to fly or hike the entire 818 km route from Salzburg to Monaco passing by checkpoints. All paragliding pilots must carry the entire fly equipment (20kg) during hiking or flying.

The rules:

• Athletes travel only by flying with their paragliders or by foot
• Pilots must carry at all times a paraglider, harness, rescue parachute, helmet, emergency signal rocket, reflector belt and tracking device
• Athletes may choose any route they want as long as they pass all turnpoints
• Each pilot has one team supporter which takes care of him
• It is forbidden to travel through tunnels
• All flies should be carried on according to VFR (visual flying rules)
• The race stops 48 hours after the winner reaches the goal