SAFA Skysailor Magazine

35 SUMMER 2025/2026 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR equal chances for athletes to prove them- selves. By introducing a women’s ranking, the race empowers female talent and opens the door to new athletes capable of joining the Red Bull X-Alps adventure. The spirit of the Challenger is about more than competition. It’s about growing the sport and fostering a diverse commu- nity. For fans, it’s also a unique chance to experience the magic of Red Bull X-Alps concentrated in one destination, with all the inspiration of the main race. The race format itself ensures a true test of endurance, skill, and determination. Day 1 includes 1250m of vertical gain, starts in the valley and climbs to a summit, where timing stops after the first 80 men and 20 women arrive. On Day 2, athletes face three rounds of short-distance mountain runs with 410m of vertical gain, each followed by fast paragliding descents. Only the top 35 athletes, including 28 men and seven women, advance to Day 3. On this final day, they tackle an 80km out and return hike & fly task, passing Mayrhofen twice. The women’s and men’s winners each earn a wildcard entry for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027 main race, while second and third place finishers secure a spot in the 2027 Prologue. It’s an opportunity to show- case your skills to the Race Committee for Red Bull X‑Alps 2027. As partner and host destination, Mayrhofen provides the perfect alpine terrain for the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger – supporting future talents while offering athletes and fans an inspiring environment that truly reflects the spirit of adventure at the heart of the race. Mayrhofen will host Challenger 2026 © BECKNAPHOTO Benedikt Dornauer during 2025 RB X-Alps © zooom / Lukas Pilz