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The Red Bull X-Alps is pleased to announce that 31 athletes from
21 countries have been selected to take part in the world’s toughest adventure
race next July 7 — an almost 900km race across the Alps from Salzburg to Monaco,
in which competitors must either hike or fly.

The line-up consists of some legendary characters and many familiar names in the
10-year history of the Red Bull X-Alps. But there is also plenty of new talent
keen to take on the world’s toughest adventure race — and challenge the two-time
champion Christian Maurer (SUI1).

Applications came from all over the world and include champion paragliders,
Everest summiteers and explorers. One of the main names to watch will be the
Nepalese adventurer Babu Sunuwar (NPL), competing for the first time. In 2011,
the 29-year-old climbed Mt Everest (for the fourth time), paraglided from the
summit, then kayaked to the sea, a feat that earned him the accolade, National
Geographic ‘adventurer of the year’.

Other athletes coming from far away include Australian gold prospector Lloyd
Pennicuik (AUS), back for a third time in his quest for a different kind of
gold. Familiar names include Michael Gebert (GER1). Unsurprisingly, he is hoping
to spend more time in the air this time around — in 2011 he famously hiked
991km! Another athlete famous for his capacity for endurance is Toma Coconea
(ROM) who has competed in every Red Bull X-Alps to date. He is back for his
sixth dose of suffering, pain and glory.

Some athletes bring impressive mountaineering talent — Antoine Girard (FRA2) has
soloed K2 without oxygen. Others spring from a wide range of professions such as
Stephan Haase (USA2) and Iñigo Gabiria (ESP) — both firefighters — to three-time
athlete Honza Rejmanek (USA1), whose job as an atmospheric scientist gives him
an analytical understanding of the sky.

Christian Maurer (SUI1) will of course be on the start line to defend his title.
The Swiss flying ace, a former paragliding world champion, smashed the course
record in 2009 and dominated the 2011 edition from the start. Will 2013 see a
challenger to his reign?

Other names to watch include Max Mittmann (GER3), who will be competing for the
first time. The 36- year-old finished 2nd, just one kilometer behind Maurer,
when they raced against each other at Bordairline Interlaken. A big-wall and
alpine climber who’s run a 2:50 marathon, Mittmann’s race strategy is to ‘enjoy
the torture’. Another is Thomas Hofbauer (AUT3), 40, also a rookie. He has
achieved several paragliding podiums including a first place at the 2012
Crossalps. For the fans following the action, whether on location or via Live
Tracking on the website, the Red Bull X-Alps will provide a feast of drama,
action and adventure.