Cesar: 14th in Eigertour with Tigra / Tuna

BGD's acro test pilot Cesar Arevalo took part in this summer’s Eigertour with the TIGRA and TUNA combo. This was the 9th edition of this high-level, four-day high-mountain hike-and-fly race.

It is a very technical race – pilots have to land at multiple mountain refuges perched high in the Swiss Alps. It’s beautiful, rugged and hard and attracts a really strong field of expert pilots.

This was Cesar’s first real hike-and-fly competition and he was up against many experienced X-Alps athletes. Did he enjoy it? “It was one of the best experiences of my life – if not the best!“

Was it hard? Oh yes! “Mainly when you make mistakes and the idea of giving up comes to mind. As it is a non-supported race, everything depends on you, and that gives more pressure.”

The race began in Grindelwald, Switzerland on 1 July, in heavy rain. Fortunately, the following days saw more flying opportunities.

Athletes had four days in which to tag 27 turnpoints to cover a distance of 266km. Cesar made goal in 14th place, having hiked a total of 40km with 5,000m of ascent. Twenty-four of the 41 pilot made goal before the cutoff.

The TIGRA / TUNA combo performed really well. Cesar said he felt really comfortable, and could be competitive and fast. “When we were able to fly, I managed to move from 41st place to 12th place, which is a proof the combo was performing well!”

Overall, Cesar said this was “An incredible experience. More dangerous and strict than I thought, but it help me to learn more about myself and my abilities for hike-and-fly racing, and also to believe in my capabilities.”

Results
1. Chrigel Maurer (11h 21m)
2. Lars Meerstetter (11h53m)
3. Tim Alongi (12h10m)

14. Cesar Arevalo (14h 51m)

Photos: Airphoria_Paragliding