When and why did you start paragliding?
In 2007 I started flying. As my father had been flying since 1989, it was always around me as I grew up. After a tandem XC with my dad I was finally motivated to learn at the age of 15.

Why have you applied to participate in the X-Pyr?
It is one of the top events for Hike and Fly, so naturally its on the wishlist. I enjoy the multi day races much more than single day H&F events, also for this event everything is lining up. Between my supporters: one speaks Spanish and the other French/Basque and both have family near the course line!

Why are you attracted to hike & fly?
After years of XC racing, I grew frustrated with the repetitiveness that came with each day… so much waiting around to race for just 2-3 hours. In H&F we race the whole day, even on the ground you find a way to make progress. Also, the bag in H&F is 25% of the XC comp weight!

What is your greatest sporting success (flying or not flying)?
UK XC Leauge 2021: 1st
Korean Championships 2020: 1st
Pre PWC Korea 2018: 1st
4th Korean League Round 2 2016: 1st
Pre PWC Nepal 2015: 2nd

What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
I want it to be fun. In the team we are three great friends and we will have a lot of humour through the week. I am excited to cross from coast to coast and enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean sea.

What is your best result in a H&F competition so far?
Eiger Tour 2025: 3rd
Jura Air Tour 2025; 1st
Gantrisch HnF 2025: 3rd
Flyback Frutigen 2025: 2nd

Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
Many years ago we had some XC competitions in Ager, but I think this area will likely not be useful for the race route (but who knows?).
Last summer Flo (supporter) and I spent a week crossing from Larrun to Organya vol biv style. The weather was not the best (I am saving my weather luck for the race) but we had some nice flying inbetween the hiking days!

What does your typical training week consist of?
Normally its 6-12 hours of physical training. I vary the training to avoid injuries and aid recovery. I will normally do between 1000m – 3000m of vertical hiking in a week. Some road biking, flat walking with a rucksack, jogging/running and a bit a strength training in the gym. Here and there a bit of climbing and skiing when there is time.
During my work I have the chance to train my flying skills.

What worries you the most about the event?
My main worry is the weather. If this forces me to do mainly hiking/running days, I am concerned that I could get injured. Also, if the wind is strong and its marginal for flying then there will be tough decisions between risk/competitiveness. I am worried about some of the airspaces too, fingers crossed that I understand it all before the race start.

Personally, how do you feel differently when you participate in H & F races in comparison to XC competitions?
I love the fact that even on the ground you are still racing in H&F. In the evenings your strategy for the next day will have an impact on your decisions and this is a really interesting aspecrt.

How do you know your supporter? And have your worked as athlete/supporter before?
With both of them we work in the same place, socialise together outside of work and train together.
With Flo (main supporter) we have competed in a few HnF events together and he is very logically minded so in the supporter role I am confident he will excel.

What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
About the airspace!

Anything else you like to comment?
Not really… Im just looking forward to the event!