Why did you choose the X-Pyr?
I love the idea of hike and fly racing and the X-Pyr is one of the top races in the world!

What is your greatest sporting success?
Getting second place in the 2023 Eigertour Challenge Race

When and why did you start paragliding?
I started in 2018 after a friend lent me an old, non-airworthy setup to kite with. I took lessons for my novice rating, immediately went to Valle de Bravo to fly cross-county and got hooked on the adventure and endless possibilities of paragliding.

What is your mountaineering experience?
I have spent most of my adult life traveling in the mountains, skiing, rock and ice climbing, and most recently flying over them. I’ve climbed and skied (and flown) from the summits of some of the highest peaks in Colorado.

What are your best and worst sporting memories?
The best memories are all the big cross-country flights I’ve shared with friends. My worst memory is breaking my back in a high wind kiting accident.

Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
This will be my first time to the Pyrenees.

Is there anything you like to see (or not) in the route?
I’m just hoping for great flying conditions all the way along the courseline.

Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
Be patient, fly slow and top land when needed.

What does your typical training week consist of?
Lots of long duration, low intensity aerobic workouts. This is usually 5 or 6 days per week of running, ski touring, or hike and fly when the weather is good.

What has been the hardest part of your race preparation so far?
Training consistently around work and social obligations has been difficult.

What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
I’m looking forward to attempting one of the hardest things I’ve ever set out to do.

What worries you the most about the event?
I’m hoping my feet can handle all of the road miles.

How do you know your assistant?
Ryan is a fellow pilot in my local community in Boulder, CO.

What are your assistant’s main strengths?
He is an accomplished hike and fly pilot himself. He is great with weather and strategy and is also a great cook!

What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
What is something you wish you had trained more before your first race?