Land Rover Defender Completes Gruelling Red Bull X-Alps Race As Support Vehicle
The SUV remained with the athletes from start to finish
With attributes like maximum payload of up to 900 kg, towing capacity of 3,500 kg and wading depth of up to 900 mm combine, we know that the new Land Rover Defender is a very capable off-roader. But as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
In the recently concluded Red Bull X-Alps adventure race, a fleet of 12 Defenders were put to test as they were deployed as support vehicles that carried tents, supplies and equipment for the competing athletes as well as their crews. All in all, the Defenders covered more than 50,000 km and climbed the equivalent of 150,000 vertical metres across five countries.
Hailed as the world’s toughest adventure race, the Red Bull X-Alps race requires participants to hike, run, mountaineer and paraglide for a total distance of 1,200 km in the treacherous alpine conditions. This year’s event saw Christian Maurer grab his seventh victory after completing the race in eight days, six hours, 30 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Here’s the press release with more:
PRESS RELEASE
A fleet of new Land Rover Defenders travelled more than 50,000km
and climbed the equivalent of 150,000 vertical metres across five countries to support competitors in the Red Bull X-Alps race. Defender demonstrated its capability and durability alongside Christian Maurer, who won the race for an incredible seventh time.
The fleet of 12 Defenders played a crucial role in the world’s toughest adventure race, with athletes battling across more than 1,200km of wild Alpine terrain by hiking, ultra-running, mountaineering and paragliding. Maurer completed the test of human endurance and stamina in eight days, six hours, 30 minutes, and 28 seconds.
The vehicles – each kitted out with an Autohome Roof Tent – carried supplies and equipment and were with athletes every step of the way, providing safe transport and shelter to aid them and their crew in their essential rest and recovery.
Laura Wood, Land Rover Head of Global PR Brand and Partnerships, said: “Land Rover has a rich history both competing in and supporting adventure and endurance races and the Defender took the demands of the Red Bull X-Alps 2021 completely in its stride.
“The event was a huge success, and it was great to be part of history as Christian [Maurer] won for an astonishing seventh time. We are delighted to have played a part in supporting his pursuit of victory, as well as aiding athletes and crew members throughout.”
Crew members tested the Defender’s expedition credentials to the extreme, taking full advantage of its 900kg maximum payload and dynamic roof load of 168kg. Terrain Response 2 technology – including world-first Configurable Terrain Response – allowed drivers to fine-tune the vehicle to suit both their driving preferences and the conditions.
Ulrich Grill, Race Organiser, said: “The Land Rover Defender’s ability to navigate treacherous conditions while carrying essential equipment and supplies was vitally important in keeping athletes and crew members safe at this year’s Red Bull X-Alps.
“The Defender excelled as a mobile base camp for athletes, providing them with the means to rest and recover at the end of every day. From negotiating treacherous bends and climbing daunting mountain passes, to providing a fast and comfortable ride on the German Autobahn, the Defender once again highlighted its versatility and capability in the most demanding conditions.”
Following its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019, new Defender has won more than 58 international awards, including the 2021 World Car Design of the Year title at the annual World Car Awards.
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