Thrilling Dolomitenmann Relay Race Pits Teams Against the Elements

Thrilling Dolomitenmann Relay Race Pits Teams Against the Elements
Paragliding is one of the sports in the Dolomites Man relay race. (Reuters)
Reuters
10/3/2018
Updated:
10/3/2018

Billed as “the world’s toughest relay race,” athletes from all over the world battled against air, wind, and water at the Dolomitenmann in Lienz, Austria on Sept. 8.

Now in its 31st year, the Dolomitenmann (Dolomites Man) relay race is split into four legs beginning with mountain running, followed by paragliding, mountain biking, and wildwater kayaking.

Team Kolland Topsport Professional, whose team included 2016 World Mountain Running champion Joseph Gray from the United States, took the honors on the day, winning three of the four legs and setting a new record time of four hours, six minutes, and six seconds.

The event is the brainchild of retired alpine skier Werner Grissmann. Over a hundred teams with athletes from all over the world took part, including Olympic and world champions.