Windy conditions may have foreshortened the Red Bull X-Alps 2019 Prologue race on 13 June, but there was still plenty to see. Here are some of the best images from the day, from Cross Country Magazine photographer Marcus King.
Athletes wait at the start of the Red Bull X-Alps 2019 PrologueAnd they’re offThe leaders half way up the ascentHome teams – Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) and Simon Oberrauner (AUT2) on the ascentToma Coconea (ROU) is the only athlete to have been in all nine X-Alps racesGavin McClurg (USA1) said his heart rate was at 180bpm on the way upPatrick Von Känel (SUI2) is one of the rookies in this year’s event but looks strongOne of only two women in the event, Poland’s Dominika Kasieczko showed her speed uphillTom de Dorlodot (BEL) looking relaxed on the way upChrigel Maurer (SUI1), Maxime Pinot (FRA4) and Benoit Outters (FRA1) crossed the finish line togetherA happy Benoit Outters (FRA1) at the top, where the clock stopped. Athletes could then choose to fly or walk downPaul Guschlbauer (AUT1) in discussion about the conditions with his supporter. There was Föhn wind making flying less than pleasant and some athletes chose not to fly but most, like Paul, opted to save their legs and fly down.Benoit Outters (FRA1) prepares his kitBenoit Outters (FRA1) waits for the moment to launchChrigel Maurer (SUI1) has made sure all the other athletes know he is in top form with a 300+ km FAI triangle flown last week, and winning an extra night pass in the PrologueMaxime Pinot (FRA4) launches from the turnpointChrigel style! Maurer (SUI1) poses for the cameraPaul Guschlbauer (AUT1) ready to launchTaking off in front of the crowdsTobias Grossrubatscher (ITA2) is one of the youngest athletes in the fieldGavin McClurg (USA1) enjoying the momentAnd he’s off – Gavin McClurg (USA1)Pilots flying down to the goal in Wagrain-Kleinarl, AustriaTom de Dorlodot (BEL) gets ready to take his place on the launchHelmut Schrempf (AUT3) finds a space amongst the crowds and camera menTom de Dorlodot (BEL) sort his lines before launchDominika Kasieczko (POL) about to launchDominika Kasieczko (POL), controlling the wing in the turbulent conditionsMexican pilot Eduardo Garza watches the conditionsPopular with the crowds, Toma Coconea (ROU) prepares to launchChikyong Ha (KOR) takes to the skiesRussia’s Evgenii Griaznov, a veteran of four races, makes light of the tricky conditionsAll the athletes gathered for the opening ceremony at the top of the Griessenkareck above Wagrain-KleinarlOrganiser Ulrich Grill (right) at the opening ceremonyBenoit Outters (FRA1) with his Night PassChrigel Maurer (SUI1) also won a Night Pass
