After being forced to withdraw from the 2025 Red Bull X-Alps due to a serious infection, Thomas de Dorlodot opens up about recovery, risk, and the deeper meaning of flight. Dive into the mindset of a modern-day explorer. 

Thomas, you had to withdraw from your 10th edition of the X-Alps. Can you tell us more about what happened, the consequences, and how do you feel today? 

In March 2024, while preparing for a Greenland crossing, I crashed during a snowkite session in Norway and broke my tibia. The fracture itself wasn’t too dramatic, but unfortunately, I caught a serious infection during the first surgery. That changed everything. I’ve had nine surgeries since then, including bone grafts and long courses of heavy antibiotics. I’m working hard on my recovery, but I’m not quite ready yet for a race as demanding as the X-Alps. It’s been tough, but I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m back at my best. I’m in a good place mentally and I feel extremely well supported. We are going to go through this. ;-)

How difficult was it to step back from a race like the X-Alps, and how will you experience the X-alps from the sidelines?

The X-Alps has been a huge part of my life since 2007. I always dreamed of completing ten editions, so stepping back this year wasn’t easy. But honestly, I had no choice. Health comes first. That said, I’m excited to experience the race from a new perspective this time—sharing the behind-the-scenes, supporting other athletes, and staying connected to the community. My eyes are already on 2027.

Was there a flight or expedition that completely changed the way you see the world?

Many of my minimalist hike and fly long crossings like New Zealand, the Alps, the Pyrenees. These moments stay with you forever. But one expedition comes to my mind each time. Our expeditions with Horacio in Pakistan. Soaring on the faces of K2 and flying big lines between these immense mountains was something else… You see the world differently after a trip like this. It makes you humble. You realize how vast and beautiful this planet is and how little we really need.

Snowkite, sailing, exploring… What does paragliding give you that the other disciplines don’t?

Paragliding is immediate. You’re part of the air. There’s a purity to it—just a wing and you. Sailing, free diving, mountaineering or snowkiting are amazing too, but flying is the closest I’ve ever come to feeling like a bird. It’s instinctive, and incredibly personal. It’s my favorite way to totally disconnect.

There’s a growing trend toward vol-biv, hike & fly, and slower, deeper forms of adventure. Does that resonate with you?

Totally. I think people are craving meaningful experiences—something raw and immersive. Vol-biv is the ultimate way to travel slow and light, to really live the journey. You’re out there, managing everything on your own, and that’s incredibly rewarding. The gear are so much better than 10 years ago. I love the balance between the physical part of hiking and finding a take off and the mental part of flying and drawing cool lines in the sky.

How do you choose your equipment for an expedition? Is it about performance, weight, reliability—or all of the above?

All of the above. I need gear that I can trust in all conditions. I like to say “Light is right” but I’m not extreme, every gram counts, but so does peace of mind. The right equipment can make the difference between success and disaster. I’m lucky to have access to many of the ADVANCE models, I have the perfect glider for every specific activity and in the morning I get to choose the one I need. That’s a dream!

You’ve been flying with ADVANCE for a while now. What do you value most in this collaboration?

My first glider was an Epsilon 3, after that my first C glider was a Sigma. I have always loved the brand for so many reasons. I love how ADVANCE is constantly innovating but never compromises on safety or quality. The team at ADVANCE is really authentic and truly passionate about our sport. The Swiss quality is not a myth. The passion, talent, dedication and hard work the team is showing amazes me. Their gear feels like an extension of my body. But more than that, I value the relationship, the human connection, the trust. We truly share the same passion for adventure.

What advice would you give to a young pilot who dreams of tracing their own line—literally and figuratively?

Start small. Fly often. Listen more than you talk. There’s no shortcut, real progress takes time, patience, and humility. But if you follow your passion and keep showing up, the journey will take you somewhere incredible.

What’s next for you—and how do you see yourself in ten years?

Right now, I’m focused on recovery, spending time with my family and giving keynote speaches. I’m also planning new adventures—by sea, by air, and maybe beyond. I’m preparing a new expedition aluminium sailboat called WINGS that will take me places with a cabin full of gliders. ;-)  In ten years? I hope I’m still exploring, still learning, and hopefully inspiring others to chase their dreams too. I would like to give something back to the sport. Maybe by guiding on hike and fly trips, giving more keynote or working closely with a brand or young athletes.