Land Rover Defender to Support the World’s Toughest Adventure Race
June 8, 2021
The award-winning Land Rover Defender will demonstrate its capability and durability as a support vehicle for the extreme Red Bull X-Alps
Red Bull X-Alps athletes will negotiate more than 745 miles of demanding alpine landscape in up to 12 days, from June 20 to July 2, 2021. Each of the 32 competitors will combine hiking, ultra-running, mountaineering and paragliding in a true test of human endurance and stamina. On a typical day, the athletes can expect to hike over 31 miles with vertical ascents of up to 5,000m, burning as many as 6,000 calories.
The Land Rover brand’s most capable and durable 4×4 will provide transport and shelter from the ever-changing conditions, while carrying vital supplies and equipment. The rugged 4x4s will come kitted with Autohome Roof Tents to aid athletes and crew members in their much-needed recovery, providing a safe and comfortable place to rest.
Seven of the athletes will be supported by Land Rover, including six-time Red Bull X-Alps winner Christian Maurer of Switzerland. Joining him are Red Bull X-Alps veterans Paul Guschlbauer (Austria), Gavin McClurg (USA), Tobias Grossrubatscher (Italy) and Markus Anders (Germany), who have participated in 11 races between them. There will also be debuts for Laurie Genovese (France) and Théo de Blic (France) as part of #TeamLandRover.
Ulrich Grill, Race Organizer, said, “Land Rover is synonymous with endurance adventures and the Defender will play a vital role in the Red Bull X-Alps challenge, supporting the competitors and race organizers as they battle the elements across the 1,238km course. Its unstoppable capability and practical cabin mean it promises to be one constant throughout the 12-day event that participants will be able to rely on come rain or shine.”
The role of support vehicle will see crew members test the Defender vehicle’s expedition credentials to the extreme. With a maximum payload of up to 1,984lbs, dynamic roof load of 370lbs3 and static of 661lbs, each vehicle will be loaded with equipment and supplies. Terrain Response® 2 technology – including world-first Configurable Terrain Response – will allow the drivers to fine-tune the vehicle to suit their driving preferences and the conditions.
Accessories including Portable Rinse System, Exterior Side-Mounted Gear Carriers and Integrated Air Compressors will combine with the Defender vehicle’s integrated 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and the Autohome Roof Tents1 to give competitors everything they need to rest and recover properly at the end of each day and to complete the epic event.
Following its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019, Defender has won more than 58 international awards, including the 2021 World Car Design of the Year title at the annual World Car Awards.
The 2022 Defender model range will go on sale in the U.S. in summer 2021, priced from $47,7002. Configure yours at www.LandRoverUSA.com and watch the race unfold at www.redbullxalps.com/livetracking
OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
