When and why did you start paragliding?
I started in 2018, as a coincidence, joining my brother in law who had registered for a beginner course in Annecy. I was absolutely hooked from the start!

Why have you applied to participate in the X-Pyr?
To live an adventure, push my limits, together with a strong team.. and of course to discover the full mountain range of the Pyrenees.

Why are you attracted to hike & fly?
The gentle balance between pure physical endurance and the absolute freedom of paragliding. Hike and fly enables you to choose your own take-off, to define your own flight plan and to fly in all conditions. It’s how I live life and freedom in it’s purest form.

What is your greatest sporting success (flying or not flying)?
Flying a 225 triangle in the Alps, Belgian Championships (2nd Belgian Serial class), 25th at Bornes To Fly, X Ardween (1st).

What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
Discovering new places every day, hiking or flying, and this for 7 consecutive days.

What is your best result in a H&F competition so far?
1st ( X Ardween)

Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
I’ve never flown in the Pyrenees, but I hope to do some scouting before the race. I’ll definitely have a good answer after the race!

What does your typical training week consist of?
In winter : skitouring and skating (Nordic skiing) and some running
In summer : hike and fly, trail running, biking.

What worries you the most about the event?
Sleep deprivation will definitely be a great challenge!

Personally, how do you feel differently when you participate in H & F races in comparison to XC competitions?
Hike and fly gives much more freedom, the ups and downs of the race can be equally intense! However, the race is only over when you cross the finish line or if time’s up, and until then, there can be so many surprises. Keeping a positive mindset during the full race is key (with my buddy Jean de Biolley being a great source of inspiration for this).

How do you know your supporter? And have your worked as athlete/supporter before?
I met Matthieu in the mountains. He’s a very qualified mountaineer, and fantastic athlete with incredible endurance. It will be our first time racing together which brings lots of challenges with it, but also lots of learning opportunities! Can’t wait to prepare the race with him and Anthony who will also join us on the adventure!

What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
Which physical preparation is essential to be able to run so many marathons one after another, while keeping the body healthy?

Anything else you like to comment?