Paragliding Aerobatics World Championships off to a flying start!

The 2^nd FAI World Paragliding Aerobatics Championships are underway at Lake Annecy, France.  Among the 34 pilots from 15 nations participating, there are 8 women from 4 nations, enabling the medals for the first Women’s paragliding aerobatics championships to be awarded for the first time.

At the opening ceremony, held on Saturday, at the main landing field at Doussard, near Annecy, 15 local pilots flew down from the launch, flying the flags of the 15 nations competing.  The national teams then paraded with their flags in front of the assembled crowd, and the Championships were officially declared open by the FAI Jury President.

The first day of the competition (Sunday) saw one solo and one synchro run flown. Taking first place in the solo competition is France’s Théo de Blic.  First woman is Nicole Schmidt, the sole competitor from Germany.  Of the seven synchro teams, the first run was conclusively won by the Rodriguez brothers, Felix and Raoul of Spain. 

The organisation is excellent, the site is superb, the conditions are excellent, and the pilots are happy.  We are looking forward to a good week. 

Follow the competition on the organizers' website!