Jerome Maupoint, Gin Gliders official photographer, was support for GIN team pilot, Vincent Sprungli, for the Red Bull X-Alps 07… here’s his account of the Red Bull X Alps…

Read the interview of Martin and Ogi who reach Monaco with their Boomerang 5.

1/ What is so special about reaching goal in Monaco?
Ogi: Arriving at Monaco feels like coming home. It was here that I started testing Gin Song’s wings so returning is very special. All the efforts made to reach goal are suddenly rewarded!

Martin: Making it to Monaco is an achievement. Actually winning the race is something else. After crossing so many mountains and rocky places, seeing the sea was my main goal – and I did it! Even being the fastest didn’t matter as much as just seeing the sea.

2/ Tell us about your best or worst moment in the X-Alps.
Ogi: The whole thing was hard. I never really expected to land so close to Monaco when I took off from Tete de Parma but doing so enabled me to reach the goal on time.

Martin: The best moment was my biggest flight when I passed Marmolada on day 3 and landed in the mountains not far from the Swiss border. By this point in the race, I could hardly walk so crossing the Dolomites in flight was just what I needed. I was so tired that I experienced totally new sensations during the flight and while resting on the mountain.

3/ Will you be ready to do it all again in two years time?
Ogi: Give me chance to appreciate this one before I decide whether or not to prepare myself for a second X-Alps experience!

Martin: There was one point during the race where I thought “X-Alps – Never again!” but once I arrived in Monaco I realised how incredible it was to take part in such an adventure. So, yes, if the elements can bring me to the start in two years time, then I will take my chance again.