Why did you choose the X-Pyr?
Few years after starting to paraglide, participating at the X-Pyr became a defined goal.
What is your greatest sporting success?
Being a finisher of the Dolomitisuperfly was indeed a great success.
When and why did you start paragliding?
Started in 2014. Since I was 5 or 6 years of age I was standing in front of the mirrow with my arms wide open and trying to catch some air like the birds.
What is your mountaineering experience?
In winter and spring time I combine ski touring with some mountaineering. I also did some 4000m mountains in the Swiss Alps
What are your best and worst sporting memories?
Best: the fact that Hike and Fly is a small world and everyone slowly knows each other and the competitions become a gathering of friends.
Worst: making safety calls which lead to a lot of walking or loosing some positions.
Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
Ager, Orgañá, Castejón de Sos. I don’t really a favourite area.
Is there anything you like to see (or not) in the route?
I would prefer to stay on the Spanish side as much as possible. Ideally avoiding some of the no landing zones.
Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
Keeping a good spirit with the team is key
What does your typical training week consist of?
6 days of a mixture of strength, trail running, hiking, mountain biking and of course, flying
What has been the hardest part of your race preparation so far?
Getting air time
What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
The opportunity to be able to cross the Pyrenees and see beautiful and in some cases remote places
What worries you the most about the event?
The strong winds and the heat.
How do you know your assistant?
We met at a Ski and Fly competition in Switzerland
What are your assistant’s main strengths?
Determination, local knowledge and motivation.
What advice would you ask of one of the race veterans?
How different is the Pyrenees to the Alps? And how do you adapt to it.
Anything else you like to comment?
Let’s have fun.
An adventure is only when you don’t know the outcome.
