Why did you choose the X-Pyr?
I chose the X-Pyr for the challenge it represents! For me, it’s a legendary race during which my team and I will have to push our limits.
What is your greatest sporting success?
I would say without hesitation that I don’t yet have greater successes to share, but this year I am training extremely hard to be able to achieve this. Why not during the X-Pyr?
When and why did you start paragliding?
I started paragliding 6 years ago, the year I arrived in Annecy for my studies. I am from the north of France so before I had no idea of being able to practice this sport one day. I did a 5-day introductory course. I remember the first day I flew alone, Justin (who assists me at the X-Pyr) took me to the Semnoz near Annecy, we flew for one and a half hours and we even rested at the top, for a first solo flight outside the school I was so happy.
What is your mountaineering experience?
I come from the world of indoor climbing. Like paragliding, I started mountaineering when I arrived in Annecy. I’ve done a little bit of everything, ice, rock… For the past year I have been training a lot for trail running in order to be able to be competitive in hike and flying races.
What are your best and worst sporting memories?
I think one of the best moments I had in sports was during high school. We won the French team adventure race championships, we had a great race together and it was a great experience. My worst moment was during a climbing competition, I forgot a quickdraw on a semi-final route and my competition was over in an instant, a big disappointment…
Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
I’ve already flown in the Pyrenees for the World Cup in 2023 in Font Romeu, We did some great tasks, it was incredible.
Is there anything you like to see (or not) in the route?
I’d like an ambitious route like the previous edition!
Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
My strategy is my team, I would be surrounded by extraordinary people, very, very good in their field. I just have to be 100% physically and mentally to be at the top of my game.
What does your typical training week consist of?
At the moment the conditions are not yet good for flying so I am training a lot in running. I run once or twice a day and about 100 km a week, I will add more and more elevation gain over time but also more walking and flying and weighted running. The goal is to start specific training from the end of March.
What has been the hardest part of your race preparation so far?
For me, the most complicated part is the logistical organization and gathering the necessary resources so as not to be limited during the race week.
What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
I’m really looking forward to pushing my limits over several days, seeing how my body reacts to this type of effort. I’m also really looking forward to sharing moments with my team!
What worries you the most about the event?
I think what worries me the most is an accident. We’re going to have to push our physical and mental limits but be careful not to go too far!
How do you know your assistant?
I met Justin and Theo during my studies several years ago, we share a lot together, sports, parties, our passions…
What are your assistant’s main strengths?
My assistant for the paragliding part will be Justin Puthod, we started paragliding together, he a year before me but since my beginnings I have been flying with him. I’ve had my best flights with him, he’s a monster in terms of weather and routing. I will also be accompanied by Theo Aubert, he is a paraglider pilot but also a trail runner and ski mountaineer. He’s a ball of positive energy and a monster in sports. He was the one who motivated me to start running again last year.
What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
I should get advice from the veterans of the race, and I’d be happy to do that. If I had to give them one piece of advice, it would be to pay attention to the youth who are enlightened by the experience of old age.
