A cold front swept across the northern Alps yesterday, bringing thunderstorms, strong föhn winds and difficult flying conditions, forcing athletes to shoulder their packs, and cover as much distance as possible on foot.
The first athlete to reach Turnpoint 5 is awarded the Salewa Brenta Trophy. Shortly before 1pm that honor went to Chrigel Maurer (SUI1). The Turnpoint is situated at the Maria e Alberto ai Brentei hut in the Brenta mountains of Italy. Dominated by the towering vertical walls of Cima Tosa, 3,173m, it’s an area of outstanding beauty.
But that was probably the last thing on most athletes’ minds as they trudged up hillsides and along roads. The field is now down to 31 athletes after the athlete in last place was eliminated at 06:00am this morning. That was Yvonne Dathe (GER2) who failed in her tactic to race ahead by flying, instead of choosing to take a Led Lenser Night Pass.
“I think we made a good effort,” she said. “We reached our goal to have fun. I’m a little bit sad the race ended so fast for us but it’s ok.”
That leaves Dawn Westrum (USA2) as the only woman left in the race. Last night she hiked about 35km through the night.
“It’s been raining like crazy,” she said. “I went through this rain storm, there was massive lightning. It was awesome! The rain then went around me and I could see the stars. I had my husband walking with me for a while. It worked out pretty well but my feet hurt quite a bit.”
She wasn’t the only athlete hurting. Ivan Colás (ESP) called a doctor Wednesday morning after suffering intense pain in his legs. He was given some anti-inflammatories and given the all-clear. “It’s ok now,” he said, “I feel fine and on my way to Lermoos.”
Also hurt was Dave Turner (USA4). He was attacked by a swarm of bees. “I had to run down the hill. I got bee stings all over the back of my neck, my arms, my legs!” he reported on his athlete diary. Fortunately, he recovered ok. “I’m fine,” he later said.
The seventh edition of the Red Bull X Alp remains as unpredictable as ever – and a serious and grueling adventure for everyone taking part.
Photo: Christian Maurer (SUI1) arrives at Brenta first and takes home the Salewa Brenta Trophy. ©zooom/Kelvin Trautman
INFO: Red Bull X Alp
