6,500 Watts to Fly: Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe Tows a Glider

Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe has redefined the concept of preseason teambuilding with a world-first feat of human-powered aviation during their training camp in Mallorca. In a stunt that required surgical precision and brute force, nine riders formed a single line to tow a glider into the sky. Under the technical direction of former INEOS engineer and aero-specialist Dan Bigham, the squad utilized a custom-designed harness system to manage the physics of the tow. The team had to accelerate to 54 km/h without drifting inches out of alignment, generating a massive combined output of approximately 6,500 watts over a grueling 90-second effort.

The logistical challenge was immense, requiring safety permits and complex engineering to ensure the bike connection points could withstand the tension without destabilizing the riders. Sprinter Jordi Meeus described the exertion as "unbelievably tough," noting that while the physical suffering was high, seeing pilot Andy Hediger achieve lift-off was a "goosebumps moment." While the team’s marquee signing, double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, was present testing his new Specialized equipment, he sat out the heavy lifting, watching his new lead-out train literally launch an aircraft.

Key Stats

• Total Power Output: ~6,500 Watts
• Max Speed: 54 km/h (33.5 mph)
• Duration of Effort: ~90 seconds
• Riders Involved: 9
• Engineering Lead: Dan Bigham