X-Pyr 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Ultimate Hike-and-Fly Race
The seventh edition of the X-Pyr kicks off on Sunday 21 June, and this year’s race is bigger than ever. A record field of 50 pilots from 20 countries will line up on the beach at Hondarribia on Spain’s Atlantic coast, ready to race across the Pyrenees on foot and by paraglider.
Their goal? Reach the Mediterranean finish at El Port de la Selva in what is widely regarded as one of the most demanding hike-and-fly competitions in the world. If you’re passionate about paragliding, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
The Route: 528km Across the Pyrenees
This year’s course spans 528.8km with seven turnpoints stretching from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. After the traditional hike from the start to Larun — where pilots are finally allowed to launch — the route dives deep into the central Pyrenees.
Key waypoints include Villanúa (strategically important as the gateway to the southern Pyrenees “XC highway”), the race’s highest point at Aneto (3,404m), Pic du Midi/Arbizon, Pic des Trois Seigneurs, and Sant Joan de les Abadesses before the final push to Santa Helena de Rodes and the beach finish.
Who Are the Favourites?
Chrigel Maurer (SUI) is the obvious benchmark. The eight-time Red Bull X-Alps champion has won every X-Pyr edition he’s entered — four victories in total. He returns to the Pyrenees as the man to beat.
But the competition is fierce:
- Simon Oberrauner (AUT) — defending champion, determined to repeat
- Christian Schugg (GER) — runner-up last time around
- Pierre Remy (FRA) — world and European champion with invaluable local Pyrenees knowledge
- Toma Coconea (ROU) — veteran endurance specialist
- Standa Mayer (CZE) — proven long-distance racer
In the women’s field, Elisa Deutschmann (GER) leads the charge as the highest-profile female competitor. Francesca Mugianesi (ESP) has hometown advantage, Silvia Galli (ITA) arrives fresh from winning the women’s category at Bornes to Fly, and Pauline Müller (AUT) brings momentum from her recent competition wins.
Weather and Race Outlook
With temperatures forecast to hit 35°C at the start, conditions on the ground will be grueling while the air promises fast flying. Organisers expect the first pilots to reach the Larun turnpoint by midday Sunday, and if conditions cooperate, leaders could cover enormous distances in the first 48 hours. The fastest could reach goal within four days.
For pilots preparing for their own cross-country adventures, having the right gear organization is essential — and the lessons from X-Pyr racers about efficient packing and quick transitions are invaluable.
How to Follow X-Pyr 2026
This year features the biggest media team in the race’s history. Roving reporter Ben Hodgson will be chasing pilots across the mountains, with a full film and social media crew providing daily coverage.
Official channels:
- Official website
- Flymaster live tracking
- LiveTrack 24
- YouTube — Live broadcasts from 09:15 CET on race day, plus 19:00 CET evening updates
Key Times
- Sunday 21 June: 9:30am CET — Race start
- Sunday 21 June: From 12:30pm CET — Pilots at first turnpoint
- 7pm CET daily: Live evening updates
- Late Wednesday / Thursday: First pilots potentially in goal
Don’t miss what promises to be an incredible race across one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain ranges! Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or dreaming of your first mountain adventure, X-Pyr 2026 is pure inspiration.
Source: Cross Country Magazine