X-Pyr 2026 – Markus Anders claims an outstanding second place
The X-Pyr once again proved why it is regarded as one of the world’s toughest Hike&Fly races. Covering more than 500 kilometres across the Pyrenees, athletes faced demanding terrain, unpredictable weather and countless tacticaldecisions.
After 3 days, 9 hours and 20 minutes, Markus Anders reached the Mediterranean to secure an outstanding second place.
From the very beginning, Markus and his supporter Florian Schmid stayed composed and trusted their strategy. The decisive tactical move came on day 1. While most teams were concerned that the strong winds would make flying impossible and therefore stayed further south together. Markus chose the northern line, believing it would offer better flying conditions. This decision allowed him to make the most of the flyable conditions, gain a significant advantage and build the lead that ultimately carried him to the finish. It was a bold tactical call that laid the foundation for his outstanding result.
Throughout the race, Markus combined efficient flying with determined hiking, carefully balancing performance and risk. Against one of the strongest X-Pyr fields ever assembled, his consistency, tactical awareness and race management earned him a well-deserved place on the podium.
The final day demanded one last crucial decision. With strong wind forecasted for the afternoon, Markus deliberately chose the running route through the flats instead of committing to another flight. It was the calculated option to protect his position. But when he learned that Lars Meerstetter was flying behind him trying to close the gap, he picked up the pace and pushed hard on foot. By maintaining his advantage all the way to the Mediterranean, Markus secured an outstanding second place.
For skywalk, however, X-Pyr 2026 was about much more than a single result. We are incredibly proud that every member of our skywalk PEOPLE team reached goal, each overcoming the unique challenges of the Pyrenees and demonstrating resilience, teamwork and pure passion for flying.
skywalk PEOPLE
- Markus Anders – 2nd
- Simon Oberrauner – 12th
- Mattin Iñiguez – 22nd
- Pauline Müller – 36th overall | 3rd women
We are equally proud to see outstanding performances from pilots flying skywalk equipment:
- Maël Baguet – 6th
- Manel Gras – 26th
The race also provided the perfect proving ground for the next generation of skywalk equipment. Alongside the X-ALPS6 and the proven RANGE X-ALPS3 Athlete Version, Markus Anders, Simon Oberrauner and Mattin Iñiguez competed with a prototype of our upcoming race harness. Designed specifically for elite Hike&Fly racing, it completed a setup built for maximum performance, where every gram and every decision counts.
Congratulations to Markus on an outstanding second place, and congratulations to every skywalk pilot who crossed the finish line. Results like these are built on months of preparation, bold decisions, resilience and an unwavering commitment to performance. X-Pyr 2026 once again demonstrated what is possible when talented athletes, dedicated supporters and innovative equipment come together. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone who represented skywalk at X-Pyr 2026.
