There is just a short amount of time left before applications for the Red Bull
X-Alps 2009 close, and all budding athletes are invited to apply online at
www.redbullxalps.com.

There have been a record amount of entrants so far, but anyone who think they
have what it takes to compete in the world’s toughest hiking and paragliding
adventure race should send in their forms immediately.

“The level of interest in the 2009 race has been greater than ever,” says Race
Organiser Hannes Arch. “We have a tough task selecting 30 athletes to compete
since the standard of applicant is extremely high.”

Potential participants have until September 30, 2008 to fill out the online
form, and an official selection announcement is scheduled for mid-October. The
race starts on July 19, 2009.

Defending champion, Alex Hofer has already signalled his intention to race again
in 2009, and says in an interview on www.redbullxalps.com that he wants to be
more prepared than in 2007.

“This time I will come to Europe quite some time before the competition to fly
some hundreds of kilometres,” says the 31-year-old Swiss, who currently lives in
China. “I am bit out of practice after the years!”

The release date for details of the 2009 route is planned for the next few
weeks.

“Details and permits are being finalised,” says Arch. “As soon as everything is
complete and put in place, we will make the course public.”