My experience
We sat down with Maxime and talked about his Red Bull X-Alps 2021. He told us about his highlights and stand-out moments and how the race compared to his previous ones.
What was your highlight of the race?
Day 7 going around Mont Blanc because I still felt super strong, both in the air and on the ground. And it was probably the coolest flight of the race. It was nearly normal conditions, something very unusual during this edition.
What was the toughest part for you?
Knowing that it was over for the victory during Day 8. Mentally, it’s probably the worst moment I had in the competition.
What was THE stand-out memory for you?
My 9-hour flight from Locarno to Kronplatz, passing over Pitz Palü and Ortler. Definitely a very challenging flight in strong winds, in which I was struggling to not fall asleep when I was arriving in Merano because of the Night Pass.
How was this race in comparison to your other Red Bull X-Alps races?
Much more demanding in the air, often struggling with strong winds and thunderstorms. From time to time, I felt on the edge of what one can do with a paraglider.