With the 2022 edition of the X-Scotia Hike & Fly now complete I think it’s fair to say the race was a success!
As the forecast fluctuated in the days leading up to the event, some pilots decided they weren’t quite feeling up to the challenge. The X-Scotia is after all, not just a paragliding competition. It’s a hardcore adventure race through serious mountain terrain, that takes place even when flying conditions aren’t perfect.
As pilots dropped out last minute, the field of competitors became smaller than we originally expected. But while the numbers were low, their motivation to make the most of what the Scottish mountains had to offer could not have been higher.
From the moment they left the starting gates, the athletes gave it absolutely everything. It was an incredibly exciting race that really tested these adventurous pilots against the full spectrum of conditions. They faced everything from low cloud, wind and rain, to big flights with booming thermals and huge distances covered on foot. It was certainly the full Scottish mountain experience and made for a superb Hike & Fly battle in the highlands.
On behalf of myself and the other organisers I would like to again extend a huge thank you to everyone that took part in the event. All the athletes put in such a great effort, both in the air on on the ground. We were honestly on the edge of our seats for two days. You guys brought the rain or shine attitude that’s needed to make this event possible and should be really proud of your efforts. Scotland is a spectacular, but equally often hostile, mountain playground that we are lucky enough to call home. So thanks again guys and hope to see you again next year!
The final scores for the X-Scotia Hike & Fly 2022 edition were:
- John Westall – 265 points
- Andy Howson – 230 points (Bivy Bonus)
- Stephen Ashley – 215 points (Bivy Bonus)
- Greg Chilton – 210 points
- Adrian How – 140 points (Bivy Bonus)
- Ian McHardy – 75 points
- David Drewette – 20 points
In addition to the podium, our race partners Salewa have kindly donated some extra prizes to recognise the pilots that covered the most distance on the ground and in the air. Not surprisingly, the winners were…
Ground Distance Prize
Andy Howson for hiking and running an eye watering 100.96 km during the race
Flying Distance Prize
John Westall for flying 56.52 km during the race
We will have a video round up of the race coming soon so stay tuned for that and more from what was an outstandingly exciting X-Scotia Hike & Fly!
Finally, a massive thank you all of our race sponsors and partners who helped make this event possible.
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