SAFA Skysailor Magazine

42 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2025 News Red Bull X-Alps 2025: Shane Tighe makes goal! Shane Tighe became the first Australian athlete to complete the X-Alps race by flying into Zell am See on 25 June 2025. “I really enjoyed it,” Shane said. “It’s the ultimate adventure race. For me it was a challenge, but it ticked all my goals.” Congratulations to Shane for this re- markable achievement! The race began in Kitzbühel, Austria, on 15 June. Italian Aaron Durogati went into an early lead as the race entered Italy on Day 2 under challenging flying conditions. By Day 3 a small group of leaders reached Switzerland, followed by tough competi- tion as they raced to France by Day 5. A battle between past winner Chrigel Maurer and other frontrunners developed on Day 6 and 7 as the group neared goal. On 22 June, Day 7, Aaron Durogati claimed victory in Zell am See, landing on the float ahead of Swiss Lars Meerstetter and Austrian Simon Oberrauner. With the cut off date of 27 June, several more athletes reached goal in the following days, including several nations competitors for the very first time, with Australian Shane Tighe, one of 6 rookies and 9 athletes to make goal on Day 11. We can’t wait to hear more about this adventure soon!