RED BULL X-ALPS 2009 ATHLETES REVIEW: WHO ARE THE TOP FAVORITES?

There’s no doubt that this year’s Red Bull X-Alps contains the strongest field yet seen at this biennial adventure race. On the start line on July 19 in Salzburg’s Mozartplatz will be some of the world’s best pilots and endurance athletes, raring to begin their 818km journey to Monaco.

Here’s a look at how five of the top favorites rate, with a verdict from respected and seasoned Red Bull X-Alps editor and expert, Hugh Miller.

The Champion: Alex Hofer (SUI)
Just how does one go about beating this guy? The two-time champion is yet again the number one favorite, and the canny Swiss is bound to have some cunning strategies up his sleeve. His flying skills are unquestionable and his large frame makes him a natural athlete.

The 32-year-old, who lives and works in China, describes the route as “fantastic” and anticipates “a thrilling race.”

“I am feeling well prepared for the first time,” he says. “I am looking forward to July 19 when the preparations come to an end and we can finally start to play.”

Hugh Miller’s verdict: He’s the man to watch. Expect unique tactical decisions that will give him the advantage over competitors.

The Runner-up: Toma Coconea (ROM)—pictured at top
One of the most recognisible figures in the race is ‘Running Man’ Toma Coconea. The Romanian has taken part in every Red Bull X-Alps, one of only two to have done so (Andy Frötscher, ITA2, is the other). His strength is his amazingly high endurance level, and he has perfected a technique of running and walking in bursts, and changing his shoes at regular intervals to reduce blisters.

He says he has improved on his flying skills and is well used to dealing with the exhaustion. “I have long learned to ignore any pain and by focusing more on my ultimate goal,” the 33-year-old says. “No fear or pain will ever stand in my way.”

Hugh Miller’s verdict: If his flying has improved as much as he says, then he may well be first in Monaco.

The Newcomer: Christian Maurer (SUI3)
A top pilot, Christian Maurer is a strong bet for a rookie win in 2009. A former paragliding world cup winner, Maurer is one of the most talented paragliders around. Whether his running, strategic and mental skills are up to the task is the big question and won’t be known until the race is well underway.

“For us the mountains around Zermatt are very interesting,” he says of the route. “There are many options to choose from and so it is the most tactical part of the 818km.”

“Every athlete will be strong, so the route, tactics and weather will decide.”

Hugh Miller’s verdict: One to keep an eye on. Well worth placing an outside bet on if you’re feeling lucky.

The Comeback Kid: Honza Rejmanek (USA)
One of the great stories from 2007, though probably not for the man himself, was Honza’s comeback after spending the first few days of the race crippled by food poisoning. A suspect salami sandwich was blamed, but once over the worst, the cheerful American got on with the job in hand, cutting through the field and eventually finishing in the top ten.

Now determined to watch what he eats, his main weakness will be lack of knowledge of the route. He describes the event as “the perfect game”, and has been training hard, racking up hundreds of kilometres of running.

Hugh Miller’s verdict: Probably the best chance for a winner outside of Europe. After last year’s debacle, Honza will be extremely motivated to win.

The Local Boy: Heli Eichholzer (AUT)
In 2005, Austrian Heli Eichholzer reached the float in the Mediterranean Sea in fourth place, a terrific performance. He took a break in 2007, but has now returned to the race, looking forward to the challenge of competing against “myself and mountain”.

Starting in his home region of SalzburgerLand, Eichholzer will be familiar with most of the terrain but he is also excited about other parts of the route.

“At first glance, the route looks quite similar to 2005 and 2007,” says the multiple Austrian national paragliding champion, “but if you look at it in more detail the GPS tracks of the athletes will be completely different than in the previous years.”

“(The Matterhorn) is one of the most famous mountains in Europe and will be a great spectacle when the pilots walk or fly around it.”

Hugh Miller’s verdict: Austria’s great hope, Heli is a great pilot and athlete. Can he wrestle the title from the grasp of the Swiss athletes?

Images by Vitek Ludvik/ Red Bull Photofiles