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SA athlete in Alps race

South African Pierre Carter is vying to become the first non Swiss athlete to win the “Red Bull X-Alps adventure race”.

The race, which started in 2003 and is held bi-ennially, has only ever been won by Swiss athletes. This year 31 extreme athletes  from around the world  will attempt cross the Alps from Salzburg, Switzerland into Monaco by paragliding and hiking.

The X-Alps adventure is one of the toughest competitions of its kind, with competitors hiking over 80 kilometres or gliding over 200 kilometres on average each day. The race can last up to 14 days and to reach Monaco, the winning athlete will have to travel at least 1200 kilometres.

Carter, a construction contractor from Johannesburg, will be taking part in the event for the second time. The 43-year-old took part in the 2007 edition but pulled of the 2005 race because of an injury. He is the only South African taking part.


The rules of the event dictate that athletes may only travel by flying with a paraglider or hiking while carrying their gliders.
 
The race will start in Salzburg on July 17 and the athletes are allowed to choose any route as long as they pass by eight checkpoints on their way to Monaco. The checkpoints are Gaisburg, Dachstein, Grossglockner, the Cime, Piz Palu, the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Mont Gross.


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