Garmin International Inc. announced a sponsorship of the Red Bull X-Alps adventure race as the official partner, providing action cameras, GPS watches and GPS handhelds.
Beginning July 5, 2015, athletes from across the globe, including Garmin-sponsored athletes Paul Guschlbauer and Tom De Dorlodot, will use Fēnix 3 multisport watches, GPSMAP 64 handhelds and Virb action cams as they take on the 1,000-kilometer route through the Alps from Salzburg, Austria to Monaco by foot and paraglider.
“Widely considered the world’s toughest adventure race, Red Bull X-Alps tests the limits of some of the world’s top adventurers,” said Jon Cassat, Garmin’s vice president of communications. “We’re excited to team up with Red Bull again to integrate our products into the fabric of the competition, and share with the world how intense this 1,000-kilometer journey is.”
First launched in 2003, Red Bull X-Alps is one of the world’s most challenging adventure races. Athletes must navigate their way along the 1,000-kilometer route beginning in Salzburg, Austria; check in at a series of turnpoints throughout the Alps and aim to cross the finish line in Monaco. Every kilometer must be covered either on foot or by paraglider, and it’s not uncommon for athletes to hike more than 100 kilometers in one day. Starting on July 5, 2015, fans at home can follow all the action here.
Red Bull X-Alps athletes will capture their experience with Virb Elite action cams as they test their mental and physical endurance through the Alps. With the built-in GPS and unique data overlays, Virb will provide a complete experience of what it’s like racing through the Alps by foot and paraglider. Additionally, athletes will use Fēnix 3 multisport watches and GPSMAP 64 handhelds to track important data like altitude, air pressure and mileage, while also keeping them on the right track to the finish line in Monaco.
Garmin will have two sponsored athletes competing in the Red Bull X-Alps. Endurance athlete Paul Guschlbauer is gearing up for his third appearance, after finishing third 2011, and veteran Tom De Dorlodot is preparing for an impressive fifth appearance after overcoming an injury in summer 2014. Albeit an extreme challenge, the simplicity of the Red Bull X-Alps is what draws athletes back year after year. Requiring not only extreme endurance, but also expert paragliding skills, athletes will cover hundreds of kilometers on foot and climb thousands of meters in altitude by the end of the race.
As part of a global initiative with Red Bull, a highly recognizable brand known for action and adventure, Red Bull X-Alps is just one event showcasing the wide-range of markets Garmin serves as a leader in GPS technology, including fitness, extreme sport and outdoor pursuits. In addition to Red Bull X-Alps, Garmin also serves as the official action camera sponsor of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship and is competing in the series as Garmin Racing.
