Red Bull X-Alps | Interview

  • Admin
  • Jul 1, 2013

Table of Contents

When and why did you begin paragliding?
In 2004 when I met David Arrufat, the owner of Blue Sky Paragliding

Do you paraglide competitively? List rankings and events.
No

What is your mountaineering experience?
I am one of only a few people to have climbed Mt Everest and flown from the summit in a tandem paraglider. Launching an attempt of the ´Seven Summits by Paraglider´ starting with Mt. Kilimanjaro in February 2013.

What is your paragliding experience?
Flying for over 8 years and working as a tandem pilot for the last 4 years. I am the only person to have crossed Nepal by Tandem Paraglider.

What is your adventure racing / endurance sport experience?
After climbing and flying from the Mt. Everest I kayaked for a month from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. For this, with my friend Lakpa Sherpa, we were named National Geographic Adventurers of the year 2012. I also spent a month walking and flying across Nepal.

What does your typical training week consist of?
I am currently in the Alps preparing for next year´s Red Bull X-Alps. I´m flying cross-country every day and have met with Chrigel Maurer and other accomplished pilots who are advising me on how best to fly in the Alps. When I am not flying, I am walking and running with my equipment regularly.

What are your best and worst adventure/flying moments?
My best moment is when I flew from the summit of the highest mountain in the world! There has not been a ´worst´ moment yet.

What are the sporting moments you are most proud of?
Climbing and flying from the Mt. Everest and crossing my country, Nepal.

When and how did you first hear about the Red Bull X-Alps?
Through friends in Nepal, 5 years ago, who’ve had competed in this event.

Have you competed in the Red Bull X-Alps before and if so, when?
No

What appeals to you about the Red Bull X-Alps?
The challenge.

What will be your strategy during the race?
It´s still too early to say that.

On average, over a third of the Red Bull X-Alps participants fail to finish the event. Why do you think you will make it?
Because I have a good team behind me, and a big desire to succeed.

What scares you the most about the event?
Not reaching my potential.

Have you ever done anything of this magnitude before?
Yes.