PREPARATIONS FOR “RED BULL TIMELINE”: DRONE CONNECTS THE PALACE OF CULTURE AND SCIENCE AND VARSO TOWER
The planned slackline crossing between the iconic Palace of Culture and Science and the ultra-modern Varso Tower is not only a test for Jaan Roose, but also a major logistical challenge. Preparations for the “Red Bull Timeline” project, led by a specialist technical crew, have been underway since Tuesday, 26 May. At 4:00 a.m., the first line, deployed using a drone, successfully connected the two buildings. The athlete’s crossing will be broadcast live on 31 May at 8:00 a.m. on TVN24, Onet.pl, and the Red Bull Facebook page.
Suspending an almost half-kilometre-long slackline approximately 180 metres above the ground required extraordinary precision. The process of establishing the aerial route began with a drone pulling a 1-millimetre pilot line (known as a fishing line) between the buildings. This served as the first outline of the Timeline stretching across central Warsaw.
Using this line, two additional pilot ropes were then pulled across, and only afterwards was the actual slackline installed. On the same day, Jaan Roose tested the setup by traversing the route in a climbing harness, similar to a zipline. On Wednesday afternoon, he also completed several test steps on the slackline itself.
The main line is 20 millimetres wide and woven from an ultra-high-strength fibre known as Dyneema. It will be tensioned with a force of approximately 500 kilograms, giving it its characteristic curve and elasticity. The slackline itself weighs around 9.5 kilograms, while the complete system, including the necessary safety line, weighs approximately 20.5 kilograms.
A highline differs from a rigid circus tightrope in that the webbing is not stretched completely taut. During the crossing, the Estonian athlete will have to contend with the line’s movement under his body weight as well as wind conditions.
The “Red Bull Timeline” project has been fully secured and prepared by an experienced technical team. In addition to the main slackline, a comprehensive backup system has been installed.
KEY FACTS ABOUT RED BULL TIMELINE
• Athlete: Jaan Roose (Estonia)
• Age: 34
• Route: Palace of Culture and Science – Varso Tower
• Distance: approximately 500 m
• Height above ground: approximately 180 m
• Slackline width: 20 mm
• Tension force: approximately 500 kg
• Maximum sag: up to 25 m
• Estimated crossing time: 25–35 minutes