X-Pyr 2026: The Ultimate Hike-and-Fly Challenge Kicks Off This Sunday
The wait is almost over. On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the seventh edition of the X-Pyr will send 50 of the world’s best hike-and-fly athletes racing across the Pyrenees — and this year’s field is the biggest in the race’s history.
Starting from the beach at Hondarribia on Spain’s Atlantic coast, pilots have one week to reach the Mediterranean finish at El Port de la Selva. They’ll cover 528.8km on foot and by paraglider, crossing some of Europe’s most demanding mountain terrain along the way.
A Record-Breaking Line-Up
Fifty pilots from 20 countries will take the start — a record for this event. The roster mixes battle-tested veterans with hungry newcomers: 21 athletes have previous X-Pyr experience, while 29 will be making their debut. Organizers are also celebrating a record number of female participants at this level of competition.
The Favorites: Can Anyone Beat Chrigel?
All eyes are on Chrigel Maurer. The Swiss legend, who has won the Red Bull X-Alps a record eight times, has never lost an X-Pyr — he’s won all four editions he’s entered. He returns to the Pyrenees as the clear benchmark.
But the challenge is real this year. Defending champion Simon Oberrauner (Austria) is back to retain his title. Christian Schugg (Germany) finished second in the last edition and will be pushing for the top step. Pierre Remy (France) — former World and European Champion — brings both elite cross-country pedigree and intimate knowledge of the Pyrenees, which could prove decisive. Also watch out for Romanian veteran Toma Coconea and Czech endurance specialist Standa Mayer.
The Route: 528.8km of Pyrenean Drama
The 2026 route traces the Pyrenees from west to east with seven turnpoints:
- Start: Hondarribia beach (Atlantic)
- Larun: Pilots must hike to this first turnpoint before they’re allowed to launch
- Villanúa: Strategically critical — from here, pilots can access the famous southern-Pyrenees “XC highway” known for massive distance days
- Aneto (3,404m): The highest point of the race
- Pic du Midi / Arbizon
- Pic des Trois Seigneurs
- Sant Joan de les Abadesses
- Santa Helena de Rodes → Finish: El Port de la Selva (Mediterranean)
The inclusion of Villanúa as turnpoint two is expected to shape race strategy significantly. The “XC highway” it unlocks has been the scene of race-defining moves in previous editions.
Women to Watch
The female field is the strongest ever seen at this level. Elisa Deutschmann (Germany) is the highest-profile woman on the start list. Francesca Mugianesi (Spain) has local knowledge and home support. Silvia Galli (Italy) won the women’s category at this year’s Bornes to Fly in the French Alps. And Pauline Müller (Austria) comes in as the winner of the Wanderbird Hike & Fly Championship 2025.
When Will It Get Decisive?
The first pilots are expected to reach Larun between 12:00 and 12:30 on Sunday — just hours after the 9:30am start. If the weather cooperates, the lead group could cover huge distances in the opening 48 hours.
Sunday’s forecast calls for 35°C at the start — “blistering” conditions that will test pilots on the ground and deliver fast air until the evening. Race organizers say the leaders could reach the Mediterranean finish in as little as four days.
How to Follow Live
This year’s X-Pyr has its biggest media team ever, with roving reporter Ben Hodgson tracking the action and a full film/photo/social crew on the ground.
Key links:
- Official website – x-pyr.com
- Flymaster live tracking
- LiveTrack 24
- Burnair live tracking (unofficial)
- YouTube – @XPyrChannel (live start broadcast from 09:15 CET Sunday + daily 19:00 CET updates)
- Instagram – @xpyrrace
- WhatsApp channel
Key Times (CET)
- Sunday 21 June, 9:30am: Race start, Hondarribia beach
- Sunday 21 June, from 12:30pm: First pilots at Larun turnpoint
- Daily, 7:00pm: Live updates online
- Wednesday/Thursday: First pilots potentially in goal
Thinking of taking on a hike-and-fly adventure of your own? Having the right gear makes all the difference when you’re moving fast across the mountains. Check out our Fast Pack Bag — designed for pilots who need to move quickly between takeoff and landing — and our Concertina Bag for protecting your wing in transit. Every adventure starts with smart preparation at YOWFLY.com.
Source: Cross Country Magazine (xcmag.com)