Why did you choose the X-Pyr?
It;s a life long goal to compete in a long hike and fly race. Having vol biv’d across the Pyrenees previously and supported twice in the Redbull X-Alps I feel like its time to give it a go myself.

What is your greatest sporting success?
Flying with my brother we came third in the World for Sycro Acro.

When and why did you start paragliding?
I see it as the ultimate way to fly, something you can carry on your back and use the elements to fly long distances. It is the ultimate freedom!

What is your mountaineering experience?
Australia doesn’t have any real mountains for “proper” mountaineering, but I love the mountains we have, regularly hike and climb them, including rock climbing, lots of abseiling and hike and flying when the mountains are suitable. I have also completed multiple trips to the Pyrenees, Alps and Himalayas to play in real mountains.

What are your best and worst sporting memories?
Best memory: a very scenic approximately 8 hr flight in Pakistan, had a mix of all flying styles, low and slow, high and booming and then got to watch the sunset from the sky before gliding off in the golden hour and Bivvying for the night.
Worst was going in hard while doing stabilo touches, the outcome was ok, but the thoughts that went though my head when I hit the ground were terrifying.

Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
Yes, I have crossed the Pyrenees west to east vol biv and have spent a lot of time in Organyà.

Is there anything you like to see (or not) in the route?
It would be cool to go to Àger, or through Andorra.

Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
Have lots of fun!

What does your typical training week consist of?
Weekly 60 – 100 km running, and a hike and fly most days, plus a few days in the gym.

What has been the hardest part of your race preparation so far?
Finding the right environment to train in. In Australia we are quite limited with mountains, so I moved >2000 km to the Australian Alps so can train properly flying and hiking.

What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
The camaraderie and the adventure!

What worries you the most about the event?
Bad weather!

How do you know your assistant?
Good friend, I also supported him in the X-Alps.

What are your assistant’s main strengths?
Previously competed in the X-Pyr and X-Alps so has a very good understanding of the race, preparation and flying, plus he’s super fit.

What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
Which way?

Anything else you like to comment?
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”