The Dolomites are calling

On September 9, 110 teams each comprising one mountain runner, paraglider, canoeist and mountain biker will be battling against steep mountains, treacherous winds, alpine white-waters and breakneck downhill runs: the "Red Bull Dolomite Man" will be pushing body and mind to the very limits for the 19th time.

The premiere was held in 1988, since when the annual "Dolomite Man" competition has proved beyond doubt that this competition was invented for the "toughest guys under the sun": the 19th event begins on Saturday, September 9 at 10am. A total of 330 teams applied to take part, 110 places were available - so in that respect, the competitors can count themselves lucky. Just how much will, however, be called into question on September 9...

First of all, 110 mountain runners will have to cover 12 kilometers and an altitude of 1700 meters to reach the top of the Kühboden-Törl in the Dolomites, which is 2441 meters above sea level. The quickest runners will need about 90 minutes, although mountain "running" is not always the most appropriate description - not even for the runners themselves: some parts are so steep that the competitors will be reduced to all fours.

Once the mountain runner has finished his stint, the teams' paraglider can start the race. He will have to glide through the rugged peaks of the Dolomites, making his way towards Lienz. After a brief intermediate landing at Moosalm, the paragliders have to ascend 500 meters on foot to the second jump-off point, from where they descend to Leisach, where the canoeist is already waiting.

The kayak section, comprising a regatta race and an upstream white-water stretch, leads back to Lienz. The canoeist will have to battle against the currents of the Drau and Isel rivers for around 45 minutes. Once out of the boat, the canoeists have to climb the river bank slope to the end of the section, where the teams' mountain bike partners will already be waiting to start.

Over a 12 kilometer stretch, the mountain bikers will climb around 1300 meters and will be forced to carry their bikes several times owing to the extreme gradients of the course. Having reached the top of the Hochsteinkreuz at 2062 meters above sea level, the mountain bikers will take the notorious H2000 downhill ski track to the finishing point on the Lienzer Hauptplatz.