The field of participants for the 2027 Red Bull X-Alps has been finalized: 37 athletes from 16 countries will tackle the next edition of the world's toughest adventure race. The starting field has never been so large or so female – and for the first time, there will also be a separate women's ranking.
Every two years, Red Bull challenges itself to X-Alps. the world's best hike-and-fly athletes Pushing themselves to the limit. On foot and by paraglider, they battle their way through the Alps, making tactical decisions under time pressure and having to cope with changeable weather as well as sleep deprivation and enormous physical strain. The lineup for 2027 already promises a particularly exciting edition.
Seven women and a historic premiere
Seven female athletes will be on the starting line in 2027. – more than in any previous edition. At the same time, the race organizers are introducing a separate women's classification for the first time. The only veteran in the field is Celine Lorenz (GER2). Her six competitors are all making their Red Bull X-Alps debut.
Romy Sweda (SUI7) is a particular focus. The Swiss athlete secured a wildcard entry with her victory at the 2026 Red Bull X-Alps Challenger. Elisa Deutschmann (GER4) is likely to be among her strongest competitors. Both have experience in the support team of eight-time champion Chrigel Maurer. Solène Rombourg (FRA6), an athlete who has trained in remote regions of the Andes and Patagonia, will also be competing.
16 rookies challenge the established stars
A total of 16 rookies will be looking to prove in 2027 that they can pose a threat to the experienced athletes. One of the youngest is 20-year-old Aaron Mathis (SUI6), who also secured a wildcard entry at the 2026 Challenger. French hike-and-fly champion Lucas Bonin (FRA4) narrowly missed the podium there and is considered another contender for an upset.
Charles de Beaufort (FRA3) also belongs to the new French generation. His message is clear:
I want to show that the new generation is truly motivated – and that the young guns can stand up to the legends.
Rookie Charles des Beaufort
Maurer vs. Durogati: Will there be a rematch?
Among the veterans, all eyes are on Chrigel Maurer (SUI2) and defending champion Aaron Durogati (ITA1). Maurer is starting for the tenth time and wants to reclaim the crown he held for 15 years. In 2025, Durogati ended the Swiss rider's long reign with a spectacular victory. This rematch is likely to be one of the race's biggest stories.
But the competition is fierce even further down the field: Lars Meerstetter (SUI1), runner-up in the 2025 edition, arrives with high ambitions. Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) finished third in both 2021 and 2025, while Patrick von Känel (SUI3) is making his fifth appearance. Tom de Dorlodot (BEL) returns in 2025 after an injury-related break. For the Belgian, this will be his tenth start since his debut in 2007.
One of the most exciting fields of participants
Race organizer Ulrich Grill
Race organizer Ulrich Grill describes it as one of the most exciting fields of competitors in the history of the Red Bull X-Alps. The level of performance is now exceptionally high. The record number of female athletes and the many rookies will add extra dynamism to the race – especially since several newcomers have the potential to compete directly for the podium.
This means that 2027 will see more diverse stories converge than ever before: a defending champion looking to assert his new role, a record-breaking champion seeking revenge, hungry up-and-coming talents, and a historically strong women's field. Full profiles of all participants are available on the official website of the Red Bull X Alps a DAK Bungalow.
That might interest you
- Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026: New hike-and-fly format starts in Mayrhofen
- Red Bull X-Alps 2025: Starting signal for the toughest adventure race in the world
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Cover image credits: ©zooom / Sebastian Marko