9 Niviuk pilots to take on the X‑Pyr 2026 equipped with the new Rocket P
The X-Pyr 2026 returns as one of the toughest hike and fly races in the world: seven days to cross the Pyrenees from the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean, combining flying with long kilometres on foot: up to 14 hours of daily effort across technical, mountainous terrain.
To take on this challenge, the Niviuk pilots will compete with their new ultralight kit — the Klimber 3 P, Rocket P and Expe Race — equipment tested in extreme alpine conditions and optimised to deliver maximum efficiency with a total weight of just 5 kg.
This year, Niviuk presents nine pilots: four Team Pilots and five Sponsored Pilots, combining experience and first‑time participation in both groups. Nine stories, one shared goal: to reach El Port de la Selva before 27 June.
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The ultralight kit for high-mountain competition
The flying gear the Niviuk pilots will use in the X‑Pyr is the same equipment designed for the 2025 Red Bull X‑Alps. It offers lightness, efficiency and stability, and has proven solid and reliable performance in real alpine conditions and highly demanding competitive environments.
The Klimber 3 P (EN D two-liner) is our lightest wing for hike and fly competitions, designed specifically for tough conditions. It stands out for:
Very low weight (from 2.85 kg), easing long sections on foot.
Fast, controlled inflation, ideal for technical, alpine or tight take‑offs.
Optimised aerodynamic profile, enhancing glide performance and stability in active air.
https://niviuk.com/https://niviuk.com//legal/3
Rocket P: Ultralight competition harness
The Rocket P, a harness specially created for elite athletes and long‑distance mountain competitions. Key features include:
Aerodynamic design that reduces drag during long transitions.
Double keel, improving yaw stability and adding precision at high speed.
Apair inflatable protection (240 g), lightweight with excellent impact‑absorption capacity.
Ergonomic structure, ensuring great comfort during long flights in extreme conditions.
The Rocket P is currently not available, except for our pilots. We will provide updates when there is new information.
https://niviuk.com/https://niviuk.com//legal/3
Expe Race: Equip yourself to win
The Expe Race backpack designed to carry the complete kit throughout long race days, optimising the balance between volume, durability and lightness:
Extremely light, compact and functional.
Ergonomic fit, adapting to the body like an extension of the pilot for fluid movement on any terrain.
Optimised capacity, specific pockets and high‑resistance materials ideal for intense days.
This equipment brings together our expertise in lightness, durability and performance. With barely 5 kg in total, it offers everything needed to face a high‑mountain race with reliability and efficiency.
https://niviuk.com/https://niviuk.com//legal/3
Nine stories, one shared pulse
This edition features two groups beating as one: four Team Pilots and five Sponsored Pilots. Different ways of understanding flight and the mountains, all with the same objective: to land at El Port de la Selva before 27 June.
Team Pilots
They form the core of our team. Their profiles combine experience, physical capability and tactical understanding of mountain flying. They are pilots we have supported comprehensively throughout their careers.
Former World and European paragliding champion. Considered a true X‑Pyr reference, he knows the Pyrenees like few others: he lives on the French side and competes almost on home ground. With an extensive background in hike and fly and long‑distance races, he has multiple podiums in the PWC, the X‑Pyr and various European and world competitions. His experience makes him one of the most consistent pilots on the circuit.
A powerhouse in Hike & Fly. He has already proven what he is capable of by reaching goal in the X‑Pyr (6th) and the X-Alps (14th), both times as a Rookie. Known for his combination of physical strength, consistency and analytical mindset, he manages long stages with great efficiency. His positive attitude and adaptability make him a strong competitor.
Swiss Champion in 2021 and 2022, and ranked as the best H&F pilot in the world in 2025 (WPRS). In the previous X‑Pyr edition, he reached goal (11th). With solid alpine experience, he combines tactical precision with unwavering determination.
Making his X‑Pyr debut at just 25. Coming from competitive flying — where he already has several podiums — and the XC world, with notable +400 km and +500 km lines. He lives at the foot of Mont Blanc, which he climbs regularly.
https://niviuk.com/https://niviuk.com//legal/3
Sponsored Pilots
Niviuk‑sponsored pilots are athletes we support in this edition for their trajectory, commitment and potential in hike and fly.
A pilot who already competed in the previous edition using Niviuk equipment and returns to it for its reliability. Holder of Turkey’s national distance record — proof of his capacity to handle long, demanding flights.
A Belgian debutant with a strong physical and endurance base in the mountains: ski‑tourer, ultrarunner and alpinist. He moved to Switzerland to be closer to alpine terrain, and in 2025 supported Jean de Biolley in the X‑Alps — demonstrating his ability to handle long, demanding days.
A Catalan pilot facing his first X‑Pyr as a personal challenge and to enjoy the experience. Winner of the Vallespir and with deep knowledge of the Pyrenean terrain, as he works and flies at a local ski resort. A trail‑running enthusiast, perfectly suited for long hiking sections.
The French pilot’s first participation. He lives at the foot of Planfait, in Annecy, where he trains continuously: climbing mountains to fly down from them. He has been a supporter in previous editions, giving him a realistic insight into the logistics, effort and pace required for the race.
The only representative from the United States in this edition. Winner of the X-Red Rocks 2022 (Adventure Division) as well as the Hatcher and Wasatch races in 2023. His track record shows physical strength, strategy and consistency, qualities that make him a rookie to keep an eye on.
With the team now confirmed, all that remains is to keep training and refining every detail. The race is approaching, and our pilots are already working hard to be fully prepared for the start line.
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