Chrigel Maurer Wins X-Pyr 2026 in Record Time
Chrigel Maurer has etched his name deeper into paragliding history by winning the X-Pyr for an unprecedented fifth time. The Swiss legend completed the 528km trans-Pyrenees hike-and-fly race in just three days and seven hours—a new course record.
Under scorching midsummer conditions, 50 pilots launched from the beach in Hondarribia, Spain on June 21. What followed was an intense few days of racing, with pilots flying long distances, climbing above 4,000m, and navigating around developing afternoon storms.
Podium Results
- 1st: Chrigel Maurer (Switzerland) – 3 days, 7 hours
- 2nd: Markus Anders (Germany) – 2.5 hours behind
- 3rd: Lars Meerstetter (Switzerland)
- 4th: Arthur Moindrot (France)
Equipment Change
In a notable shift, Maurer switched from his longtime sponsor Advance to Ozone equipment for this race. He flew an Ozone Zeolite wing with an Ozone Sublite harness—his first time using a pod-style harness in a major hike-and-fly competition. The change came after his X-Alps 2025 experience convinced him of the aerodynamic advantages.
Race Highlights
Maurer’s tactical decision to push through stormy conditions early gave him a decisive lead. By Wednesday afternoon, he had crossed the entire Pyrenees range west-to-east, landing just a 5km jog from the final turnpoint at El Port de la Selva beach.
Markus Anders secured second place, crossing the line about 2.5 hours after Chrigel. Lars Meerstetter rounded out the podium in third. Many more pilots are expected to reach goal before the Saturday 6pm deadline.
For Pilots
Training for hike-and-fly races requires the right equipment. A Paragliding Harness Simulator lets you practice ground handling and harness control safely, building muscle memory for those critical launch moments.
Source: Cross Country Magazine