X-Pyr 2026: Chrigel Maurer Wins in Record Time — Fifth Title in Style
The flying world has a new benchmark. Chrigel Maurer has done it again — winning the X-Pyr 2026 for a record fifth time, and in the fastest time ever recorded.
The legendary Swiss pilot crossed the finish line on the beach at El Port de la Selva in just three days and seven hours, completing the 528km trans-Pyrenees crossing well ahead of the chasing pack. Germany’s Markus Anders took second place, arriving two-and-a-half hours later. Switzerland’s Lars Meerstetter claimed third, with France’s Arthur Moindrot in fourth.
A Race for the History Books
The seventh edition of the X-Pyr kicked off on the beach in Hondarribia, Spain on Sunday 21 June — midsummer’s day — with a record field of 50 pilots. Under scorching conditions, the athletes set off from Spain’s Atlantic coast, heading east across the Pyrenees towards the Mediterranean.
What followed was a blistering few days of racing. Pilots covered up to 200km per day in the air, flying at altitudes above 4,000m while dodging cumulonimbus clouds and afternoon thunderstorms. For those who dream of flying big distances in challenging terrain, having your gear organized makes all the difference — and our Fast Pack Bag is designed for exactly that kind of adventure.
Chrigel’s Tactical Masterclass
Maurer used all his experience early on, threading his way through a stormy sky to break away from the field. By Wednesday afternoon he had completed the entire west-to-east course, landing within a straightforward 5km jog of the final turnpoint and goal.
Notably, this year marked a major equipment change for Maurer. After years as an Advance Team Pilot, he switched to Ozone for this edition, flying an Ozone Zeolite wing and an Ozone Sublite harness. It was also the first time the Swiss ace has raced using a sub-style harness in a major hike-and-fly event. Always previously skeptical of their advantages, his experience in the Red Bull X-Alps 2025 changed his mind.
Chrigel has occasionally switched brands when he felt the race demanded it — flying a Nova Bantam in the Red Bull Dolomitennman or an Enzo 3 in competition. But this X-Pyr victory proves his adaptability is unmatched.
What’s Next?
While Maurer enjoys the beach for the rest of the week, the chasing pilots have until 6pm on Sunday 28 June to make goal. More finishers are expected over the coming days as the remaining racers push through the Pyrenees.
Whether you’re preparing for your own hike-and-fly challenge or simply dreaming of your next mountain adventure, having the right equipment is everything. Check out our Concertina Bag for keeping your wing protected on long journeys, and the Harness Simulator for off-season training. And don’t forget your Your Journey Bottle to stay hydrated on those big days in the mountains.
Follow the remaining action at x-pyr.com.
Source: Cross Country Magazine