What do you like about the X-Pyr that keeps you coming back for more?
What keeps drawing me back to the X-Pyr is the pure adventure. It’s real expedition-style racing, full of challenges that constantly test you — physically, mentally, and strategically. The Pyrenees offer a demanding environment where terrain and weather never let you relax for long, and that intensity is exactly what makes the race so special. At the same time, there’s a surprisingly friendly and respectful mood among the teams. Even though we compete hard, we share the same passion and understand what everyone is going through. And of course… I still have unfinished business — I want to finally swim in the Mediterranean Sea at the finish line.

How is the X-Pyr different from other H&F competitions you have taken part in?
What makes the X-Pyr truly different is its scale. A week-long race changes everything compared to shorter Hike & Fly events — especially in terms of recovery. It’s not just about daily performance, but about managing your physical energy and mental focus over many days in a row. The Pyrenees also add a special dimension for me. Unlike the Alps, in which I fly more often, this mountain range still feels relatively unknown and unpredictable, which makes the adventure even more exciting. And of course, the route itself is iconic — starting at the Atlantic ocean and finishing at the Mediterranean sea gives the race a symbolic character.

How was your race in your previous edition(s)?
I took part in the X-Pyr once before, in 2022, where I finished 9th — a result I’m genuinely happy with in such competition. Unfortunately, I didn’t complete the entire route due to extremely bad weather conditions especially in France; that year only four teams made it all the way to the finish. Despite that, it was an unforgettable experience and I had a great time with my team. And I also fulfilled one promise — back in 2016, when I was quite new to paragliding, I supported my friend during the X-Pyr, I told myself that one day I would stand on the start line as an athlete. In 2022, that promise finally came true.

What was the best thing that happened to you in your last X-Pyr?
The best moment of my last X-Pyr was definitely the final day. I managed to fly more than 100 kilometers — a long, committed flight that felt like the perfect way to close the race. I finished in Andorra, a place I had never visited before, which made the moment even more special. After landing, I had to wait about an hour for my team to arrive, so I sat there with a beer, replaying the whole adventure in my head. It was a simple but very satisfying ending to an intense week.

What was the worst thing that happened to you in your last X-Pyr?
The worst moment of my last X-Pyr was getting flushed down on the lee side to the ground. The flight itself wasn’t long, but it was extremely intense. I had to focus completely on staying safe and getting out of the situation. The climb to the next take-off cost me valuable time and energy. Meanwhile, the athletes who managed to escape from that valley gained more than 80 kilometers on me. It was a tough setback and a strong reminder of how quickly things can change in this race.

What did you learn during the previous edition(s)?
I learned that good strategy and patience are essential in a race like the X-Pyr. Decisions made in a rush, or simply trying to move fast at all costs, often end up costing more than they gain. I also realised how important it is to carefully evaluate all alternatives before committing to a plan — sometimes the most obvious option isn’t the right one. Finally, I learned that if there is a realistic chance that flying could work, it’s usually worth attempting rather than immediately switching to walking.

If you could have input into the route, what would you suggest to the organisation?
If I could have input into the route, I would suggest keeping it flexible and adaptable to the weather forecast, as adjusting the route based on conditions makes the race safer and more strategic. I also think it’s great to design the course with multiple options rather than a single obvious line, allowing pilots to make creative decisions. Finally, including turn points at interesting or iconic locations adds a real sense of adventure and makes the experience even more memorable.

What changes have you made to your equipment for this edition?
The equipment setup is still a work in progress, but for this edition I’ll be flying a newer model of both wing and harness. Apart from that, there will likely be a few small adjustments and optimisations, but nothing major. We were quite satisfied with our equipment setup in the last edition, so this time it’s more about fine-tuning details rather than making significant changes.

Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
Apart from flying as far as possible and minimising walking, my strategy will be to stay safe and enjoy the race. I want to focus on maintaining a good flow and making decisions that feel right. For me, the X-Pyr is not only a competition but also a chance to fully enjoy the mountains, the flying, and the adventure along the way.

What three pieces of advice would you give to Rookies in the race?
If I were to give three pieces of advice to rookies, I would start with training for the running sections with a backpack. No matter what the weather is like, the first 23-kilometer run to Larrun is always a challenge. Second, make sure to carry enough food and supplies for the entire day — it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where you can’t meet your team or buy anything along the route. And finally, don’t focus solely on the result; take the time to enjoy the adventure, the mountains, and the unique experience that the X-Pyr offers.

What about your training? How many hours do you fly a year?
In the winter, my training focuses mostly on ski mountaineering and Nordic skiing, while in the summer I split my time between running, biking, and, of course, flying. In previous years, I dedicated more time to other sports rather than purely flying, but now I feel motivated to spend more time flying again to feel comfortable in the air and confident for the X-Pyr.

How do you know your supporter? And have you worked as athlete/supporter before?
My supporter and I are good friends and have known each other for many years. We first met through winter skitouring and climbing trips in the High Tatras, and over the years we’ve learned how to communicate and work together smoothly under challenging conditions. He supported me during my previous X-Pyr edition, as well as in other Hike & Fly competitions, so we already have experience working together effectively.

Anything else you like to comment?
I’d like to take a moment to thank my sponsors and supporters for backing our team throughout this adventure. Their support makes it possible to take on the challenges of the X-Pyr and fully focus on the race, and it means a lot to have them alongside us in this journey.