Austrian athlete Simon Oberauner has competed in the Red Bull X-Alps five times and has always finished in 6th place or better. In this year’s race he placed third for the second time, a mere seconds behind Lars Meerstetter after over 1200 kilometers (course line!) and 8 days of ferocious racing across the Alps. Simon reflects on his amazing experiences in this years race and the importance of attitude, teamwork, and training evolution. He shares insights on navigating risks, the legacy of the 8-time champion Chrigel Maurer, and offers suggestions for improving the race experience. Simon emphasizes the balance between safety and adventure, highlighting the need for understanding one’s strengths and the role of a supportive team in achieving success. Simon is the athlete everyone loves to love, he’s always smiling, always having fun, always relaxed. And clearly it works when it comes to results!







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Simon competes in the 2025 Red Bull X-Alps. Photo Adi Geisseger











Takeaways







Simon’s consistent performance in X-Alps showcases his dedication and skill.A positive attitude is crucial for success in challenging races.Team dynamics play a significant role in an athlete’s performance.Training should evolve with experience and competition demands.Understanding one’s strengths is key to navigating the race effectively.The importance of enjoying the journey, not just focusing on results.Kriegel’s legacy sets a high standard for competitors.Risk management is essential in adventure racing.The balance between safety and adventure is a constant challenge.Improvements in race organization can enhance the experience for athletes and fans.







Chapters







00:00 The Journey Begins: Reflecting on Past Races05:21 The Secret to Success: Attitude and Enjoyment09:16 Team Dynamics: The Importance of Support14:18 Building a Winning Team: Roles and Responsibilities23:07 Training Evolution: From Adventure to Competition27:26 Key Insights for Aspiring Athletes33:57 Kriegel’s Legacy: The Challenge of the Champion40:39 Navigating Risks: Decisions in Adverse Conditions49:20 The Nature of Adventure: Risk vs. Reward01:04:15 The Future of X-Alps: Suggestions for Improvement