avalancha team

He's the most successful athlete in Red Bull X-Alps history, winning the 2005 race on his debut, repeating the feat in 2007 and coming in second place in 2009. An impressive record, but Alex Hofer (SUI2) doesn't consider a runners-up spot in the world's toughest adventure as a success and is out to reclaim his title.

The athlete diaries have been up and running for a month and the entries posted so far give a great insight into their preparations.

Meanwhile, Pawel Faron (POL) has uploaded some spectacular images of him training in the Polish mountains. Pierre Carter (RSA) has been knocking up some serious kilometres in between climbing expeditions as part of his Seven Summits project.

Globetrotter Evgenii Griaznov (RUS) is currently in Nepal, getting caught up in colorful local ceremonies and Michael Gebert (GER) has been enjoying the scenery in Iceland. Check out all the diaries at www.redbullxalps.com/athletes

Impressed by their efforts? Leave a note of encouragement on their guestbooks!

Andy Frötscher (ITA) has started all previous editions of the Red Bull X-Alps. In this two-part interview, he explains how he trains for this exreme race, what he thinks of the route and why fans should never write anyone off for victory.

>> Read part one

>> Read part two