With a legendary company between running and paragliding in the Dolomites, the South Tyrolean has passed the eight -time champion Charigel Maurer in a breathtaking ending. It is the first Italian since 2009 to do so
After more than a decade of attempts, Aaron Durogati, twice already paragliding world champion, has finally crowned the dream of winning the Red Bull X-Alps, the most extreme race-adventure in the world. For the first time since 2009, the podium saw a new winner: the South Tyrolean has in fact broke the hegemony of Charigel Maurer (Sul1), imposing itself in a competition that combines mountain running and paragliding through the Alps, from Salzburg to Zell AM See.
Winning move
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The key moment arrived at the Turnpoint 14, when lasted, after climbing 1,000 meters on foot to find the right point of take -off, chose a more direct route to the destination, flying north of Innsbruck’s airspace. A risky but winning decision: while the other competitors opt for the South, he quickly gained ground. At 19:24 on June 21 he touched the Turnpoint 15 (Schmittenhöhe) with an inclination advantage. Shortly thereafter, at 20:01, he landed in Zell Am See, closing the race in a triumphant way.
a desired victory
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A historical and emotion ending for harshness that has been welcomed between ovations and celebrations: “Being in the end is already crazy, winning is even more so. It was pure madness,” said the South Tyrolean that chased this victory since 2013. Behind him, Lars MeersTetter (Sul4) conquered the second place, followed by Simon Oberrauner (Aut1). The eight -time champion Charigel Maurer, fourth on the finish line and for the first time out of the podium, was the first to congratulate the blue, recognizing the merit of a historic company. Company also testified by the co -founder Ulrich Grill who said: “I have never seen such an exciting ending, it is incredible to have a new winner since 2009. Aaron deserved everything, his performance was spectacular”. We just have to applaud.
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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