Meet the Brazilian who will participate in the X-Alps 2021, the most difficult hike and fly event in the world! The Red Bull X-Alps proclaims itself the most difficult endurance and adventure test in the world. Athletes travel approximately 1,100 km, from Salzburg in Austria to Monaco, crossing the Alps several times, they can only run on foot or by paragliding.
There are crossing points at Titlis, Eiger and Mont Blanc. The competition takes place every two years since 2003 and takes, on average, 10 days to complete. The next edition will take place in June 2021 with 33 participants.
Two days ago the organization of the maximum world hike and fly event announced the selected for the 2021 edition and, to our surprise, there will be the participation of a Brazilian: the pilot Antonio Augusto or “Recruta” is in the line-up. The last participation of a Brazilian was in 2011 when Richard Pethigal finished in 16th place.
Learn more about the Brazilian in the X-Alps 2021
Antonio Augusto Filho, Recruta, 38, born in Guarulhos, near São Paulo, graduated in tourism, a military police for 17 years, and paragliding pilot since 2008.
Toni, tell us a little about your free flight story:
It all started in 2008, when I worked in São Vicente, on the coast of São Paulo, I watched the paragliders. I was already a fan of other adventure sports, I became interested in that sport and went to the take-off place to find out more. I took the course and started in this universe of free flight in a recreational way.
From 2012, I started to dedicate myself more to paragliding. I adopted the flight site in Socorro-SP, near my home and I began to dedicate myself to the Cross Country flight. Thanks to my schedule flexibility I was able to maintain a good frequency of flights, reaching 20 per month. In the following years, it evolved a lot, I flew 100km triangles and 190km Cross flights, which are good marks for the Southeast region of Brazil.
Then I started to participate in local championships and also Brazilian Championships. In 2019, I was in 10th place in the Brazilian Championship in Governador Valadares and after that, I reached my personal record flying in the Northeast, 405km!
What was your first contact with Red Bull X-Alps and how did you come up with the idea of signing up?
I got to know the race in 2011, thanks to the participation of Richard Perdighal. Since then I have followed all editions of the race.
I always believed that the participants were chosen and invited by the organizing committee, something previously agreed. Honestly, I didn’t put much faith in the online application form available on the race website.
Even so, this year I decided to register and… I received the invitation email to participate in the race. It was a very good surprise.
What was the reaction of the Brazilian family that will be at the X-Alps 2021?
My wife was very happy and was the first supporter, even before I signed up. When I received the email from the organizing committee asking for photos and details, she celebrated with me. We still have other challenges to be able to be in the rase and she was always by my side and said to go with everything until the end. I do not have children.
The X-Alps is one of the most difficult physical endurance competition in the world, what is your plan to prepare yourself?
I will focus on fitness, there will be 8 months dedicated to increasing cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance. I started working with a nutritionist and personal trainer, both with a focus on performance.
My plan consists of an initial preparation of 2 months in which I will hike and fly in the hills near my region. Then I will pass to higher mountains here in Southeast Brazil.
What about the flight training, what are the plans to be ready?
I will maintain the frequency of flights. Today the flight sites that I most like to train are Socorro, São João da Mata, Serrania, Carmem do Rio Claro, and Andradas. I usually go to those cities and try to fly home.
There is important work on flying in the Alps, in which I count on the support of European pilots who now live in Brazil.
Speaking of support, the ground team plays an important role in the race, providing the pilot with shelter, food, maps, trails, as well as insights into weather conditions. What will Recruta’s team be like?
Yes, my team will consist of pilots with experience in the Alps. I’m talking to several names at the moment and waiting for their confirmation. The biggest complication is their availability on the competition’s dates.
When we think about the team and logistics involved, we always remember the costs. Are you open to sponsorship?
Yes, now that my participation is confirmed, the search for sponsorship begins. Today I spent a good part of the day in contact with companies in the sports and adventure segment. I take advantage of this space to be open to entrepreneurs who are interested in putting their brand in one of the most important events on the planet.
What equipment will you compete with?
Today I fly with a two-line Davinci paraglider, however I have not yet decided which equipment to use on the X-Alps 2021.
One last message?
This will be a great endeavor, I would like to support the pilots, enthusiasts of free flight and all Brazilians, I want you to know that I will do my best, more than 100% of Recruta will be in this race.
