I heard about the Red Bull X-Alps competition

I heard about the Red Bull X-Alps competition shortly after entering the paragliding world and it just caught me from the first moment. Since then, I have religiously followed every edition, tracking all pilot flights in real-time during the race and watching every published video. There are few things I find more thrilling than the X-Alps race. The challenge of crossing the Alps only by air or foot, over many days, taking your pilotage and mountaineering skills to the very limit, is something that triggers my imagination and I dream of experiencing something similar one day.

I met Marko when I was looking for paragliding lessons in Mexico, without even knowing he was preparing for the Red Bull X-Alps. I found that out a few days later and Marko probably recalls my silly face when he told me so. I have had the privilege of obtaining A1, A2 and A3 APPI titles under Marko's supervision, as well as attending his SIV and XC clinics. Thanks to Marko, I have managed to overcome fears and he has possibly taught me the most important lesson in this sport: there are always things to learn and there is always room for improvement.

Following Marko on the X-Alps for almost 2 weeks has been a great experience. It is not the same as participating in the race, but being able to share with him both the best and the toughest moments, has been the closest thing I could ever imagine next to competing in the X-Alps. I hope Marko does not get tired of me when I see him again and ask him all the questions I have.. and I do have!. Maybe I will never get to participate in the X-Alps, but I intend to seize the most out of a real competitor and continue my learning with him, and who knows where the future will lead me to.

Álvaro Navas
Spanish paragliding pilot