SAFA Skysailor Magazine

23 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR All attention was riveted on Christian Maurer (SUI1), whether he can continue his reign against rising competition like Pinot (FRA1), who recently won the Bornes To Fly event. Other noteworthy competitors included Re- naud-Goud (FRA5), von Känel (SUI2), Genovese (FRA3), Lacaze (FRA2), Michal Gierlach (POL), and Inniger (SUI3). Genovese was one of four women vying for victory, including first-timer Egger from Austria. The 28-year-old expressed her excite- ment, noting, “There are some big mountain ranges to cross, so it will be quite a challenge. Maybe the 2023 edition will be the first time a female competitor makes goal.” To keep up with the action, a state-of-the-art live tracking system, including a 3D pilot’s view, provided unprecedented access to the race. Thursday, 8 June: Prologue In a stunning day of action in Kitzbühel- Kirchberg, Pinot (FRA1) won the Prologue as five athletes sprinted for the finish followed by Maurer (SUI1), Durogati (ITA2) – who collapsed exhausted at the finish – Tanguy Renaud-Goud (FRA5) and Tobias Grossrubatscher (ITA1). The first three each won an additional coveted Night Pass – allowing them to break the minimum race rest period to gain an advantage while their rivals are forced to stop. Friday, 9 June: Press Conference Maurer revealed that his own preparation took an unplanned turn when he had to change his team: “Sometimes things have to be right, espe- cially in the mind to feel that it can go well, and if not, you have to change. It’s the same process as deciding to be safe in the air.” Prologue winner Pinot said: “I will just try to have fun, be efficient and my only goal is to go all the way to the end. There are so many decisions and anyone can make a dream or nightmare.” Sunday, 11 June: Start Day One At exactly 11:30 in the morning, the centre of Kitzbühel echoed the blast of a start gun, sig- nalling the launch of the epic alpine adventure via 15 turnpoints (TP) in five countries. Nine times veteran Belgian Tom De Dorlodot: “It’s not just a game of physical endurance but strategy. If you want to be fast you have to go slow.” Female athlete Kinga Masztalerz (NZL) spoke for many of the line-up when she said: “We come with many goals. Some come to win. Some come to challenge themselves.” Athletes arrive at TP Niesen, Switzerland, 14 June Photo: Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool Competitors at Hochgruendeck in Wagrain, Austria, 11 June Photo: Lukas Pilz / Red Bull Content Pool