Red Bull X-Alps 2015 - Interview with Nick Neynens
VON HIKE&FLY.INFO · 22. June 2015

Nick Neynens in the interview with hikeandfly.info
Preparation
A minimum of 50 km has to be covered by foot during the event. How do you
prepare yourself for this prior to the event?
I've generally been walking a lot while travelling and doing trips into the
mountains, and while xalps is a major undertaking it's not completely
unfamiliar.
Do you check your pulse and if so, which level of pulse do you think you
perform the best?
Or do you simply listen to your body's feedback?
Not specifically, the event is really about endurance so it's more about
conserving energy and your body and having efficient habits.
Which kind(s) of shoes are you going to use in the event?
I'll be changing my shoes to suit the day. Normally I have one solid pair but
with the supporter I have the luxury of changing footwear at a whim.
What properties are more important to you for your choice of glider?
Performance or safety?
Performance is safety! I'm comfortable on my wing and have a always liked
whatever I've flown but I appreciate that performance widens the
envelope.
How do you plan your route? Which key areas, most difficult parts are you going
to check out in particular? Where do you reckon are these crux?
I've had a few trips in or near to the route in the past. I'll be spending lots
of time looking at maps. And I will try to fly and walk in the areas I don't
know so well in particular so I can remember the lay of the land and the major
features (peaks, towns, passes, valleys, lakes). The crux is highly weather
dependent. We will think about a few scenarios but of course the reality is
always evolving constantly and that's what makes the race so interesting.

Capability of making decisions
How do you make decisions in cases of bad take-off conditions on the mountain:
analysis, feeling or hope?
This is really the crux of the race. It's about weighing up the risks (time
delay, equipment damage or injury) and benefits (versus alternatives) in the
context of the situation. My vol biv experience is invaluable here to more
accurately gauge the merits of each option, and to be creative about finding
another option. In the end you'll go with your gut feeling.
How do you deal with subjective dangers? Exhaustion, over-estimation of your
own abilities, pressure to succeed?
The same as you do anytime you fly or spend time in the mountains. In my
experience when things get desperate it isn't very pleasant or conducive to
success - so it's smarter to take care of yourself and find the right balance.
When you are engaged and confident you find the sweet spot for optimum
performance.
Do you prepare to avoid these, and if so, how?
I've had lots of experience taking care of myself in the mountains and I've
been concentrating on flying. It's about smart thinking and good management
rather than pushing yourself into the ground.
How quickly can you switch from walking for hours to flight mode? Experience
shows, that people often get in a trance-like state when walking for a long
time. How do you switch to 100% concentration on takeoff?
It's an interesting question but generally I find flying is so engaging that
concentration comes naturally. It's probably better to err on the side of being
in a trance like state rather than to be too stressed.
How does exhaustion influence your reflexes/reactions and your ability to make
the right decisions?
Good rest is definitely essential for good performance in the most important
part of the race - flying. I'd agree that the compulsory rest period is the
biggest single thing you could do to enhance safety in an otherwise fairly
unregulated event.
Supporter
What is your relationship to your supporter? What made you choose your current
supporter? Were there any specific criteria?
Louis has been arguably the keenest pilot in New Zealand in recent years. His
enthusiasm for the sport, experience, and contacts makes him a very valuable supporter.
It's hard to find someone who can be as generous of their time and as
understanding of my sometimes against the grain individual attitude. We come at
things from different angles but we also have a lot in common. How things play
out will be an interesting aspect of the race but I'm confident we will make it
work.
How much say does your supporter have in decision making? In cases of unfavorable
conditions, do you ask your supporter for advice? How much do you take his/her
advice into consideration?
Through sharing thoughts and flying together in New Zealand we have a basis for
common understanding. We will work on this further during June in the Alps. In
the end of course I am the pilot and I will make my own decisions, but this is
based on the information available, and providing that is a key role of my
supporter.

Diet
What are you going to eat/drink during the race to keep fit?
During the race we will eat normal food but lots of it. Unlike normal
backcountry trips there is no requirement for weight or shelf life, but I’ll
want to be able to eat on the run.
Personal
What in particular are you looking forward to?
Xalps is like a vol biv trip but with support you don’t have to worry about
where to sleep and what to do. I’m looking forward to thinking about nothing
except flying and moving fast through the mountains.
What do you consider your personal strengths and weaknesses?
I think my well rounded experience is a strength, and my scratching in light
conditions is a weakness.
What is your personal goal? A good ranking or a time limit?
My goal is to have fun. The xalps is an amazing adventure. Racing against
others or against the clock will be considered if I think I’ll be having more
fun that way!
Last time, one participant took his fishing rod with him. Is there anything
special you are going to take with you? (Leuco tape, kinesio tape…)
I hope to take full advantage of the xalps format and
have my supporter carry everything except my minimum required equipment!
Follow Nick
www.sharemyjoys.com
www.facebook.com/nick.neynens
www.kiwiparagliding.co.nz
Nick thank you for your time! And all the best for the race.