At 11:24 Christian ‘Chrigel’ Maurer (SUI3) landed in Monaco to become the 2009 Red Bull X-Alps Champion.

“Flying from the middle of the Alps to the ocean has long been my dream” Maurer said, just after landing. “And I did it!”

Maurer travelled over 190 km yesterday and did what many thought was impossible, by flying right over the coast to land at a beach east of Monaco by the evening.

He then hiked up Mt Gros, the final turnpoint, but when he arrived at the summit failing light and poor wind conditions meant he had to wait until today to complete the race.

Maurer flew and hiked the 818 km course in just 9 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes: this is a new race record.

The Red Bull X-Alps race will now finish at 11:24, Friday July 31. Rules state that the race closes 48 hours after the winner touches down, so the remaining athletes must push hard if they are to make Monaco.

Alex Hofer (SUI1), winner of the Red Bull X-Alps in 2005 and 2007, is currently 150 km north of Monaco, and flying fast. Race Director Steve Cox predicts he will arrive within the deadline, but it will be tight.

“This has been the toughest Red Bull X-Alps in history,” said Cox. “Athletes have had to contend with strong headwinds, fiercely turbulent thermals and a whole lot of pain in their journeys,” he continued.

Photocredits: ©Dean Treml, Olivier Laugero and Chris Hoerner/ Red Bull Photofiles.