POKHARA, Nov 8: Nepali daredevil Sanu Babu Sunuwar, who set a world record paragliding off the Mount Everest, has been selected for Red Bull X-ALPS 2013, billed as the world´s toughest adventure race. Sunuwar is one among 31 athletes selected from 21 countries to compete in the final of the race that is set to kick off in Austria´s Salzberg from July 7, 2013.
All competitors of this extreme race will be required to traverse around 900 km distance, walking, running and paragliding, until they reach Monaco of France, the final destination.
To be selected in this world acclaimed adventure game is itself a great happening for every challenge seekers like us, shared Sunwar. "My selection in the race is not just about me, it is a matter of pride for whole Nepal," said Sunuwar.
Sunuwar informed that the finalists have been selected on the basis of their records set in running, paragliding and walking.
All competitors will travel through Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and finally cross over to France in the final leg of the race. "You have to have high stamina for all these sports. Proficiency in paragliding skills only won´t make you eligible for this extreme race. One must have the physical strength for intense walks and perform under extreme situations that are part of the race," said Sunuwar.
Sunuwar, who has been working as a tandem pilot for Blue Sky Paragliding in Pokhara for seven years, had participated in the one month selection training for the race in Austria in June. The training had lasted for a month.
"Even though no time limit has been set for completing the race, all the athletes should reach the final point within 24 hours of the first person doing so," said Sunuwar. "I am proud to be the selected, but still unsure how I am going to manage the huge expenses required for this game," he added.
Sunuwar´s selection has been published in the organizing committee´s website www.redbullxapls.com/athletes .html. The official website of the extreme race has foregrounded the selected athletes coming from all over the world.
Speaking about the athletes, director of the competition Christoph Weber in the web site has said, "Selecting these finalists with professional and experienced background in the required adventure sports was not an easy job. These are the best among the thousands of applicants coming from around the globe."
Weber also makes a special mention about Sunuwar. "Among the finalists is the bold Nepali paraglider Babu Sunuwar, who paraglided from the highest summit and descended to the sea level. He is the winner of National Geographic Adventurers award," he says.
PLEASE DESIST FROM ATTACKING THE WRITER PERSONALLY AND BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHER READERS.
Please give your full name while posting your comments. This is not to stifle the free flow of comments but your full name will enable us to print the comments in our newspaper.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Copyright © Nepal Republic Media Pvt. Ltd. 2008-10.