Laragne, France, 3 March 2009

The FAI World Hang Gliding Championship returns to Europe this year for the first time in 8 years.  As France gears up to host the sport’s most prestigious competition, the world’s top hang glider pilots are turning their attention towards the Montagne de Chabre, in this quiet corner of Provence in south east France.  “After the wide open spaces of Texas in 2007, Hay, Australia in 2005, and Brasilia in 2003, the southern Alps of France will present a welcome challenge for many pilots,” commented Organisation Director, David Owen.  “Laragne-Chabre is already well known within the hang gliding fraternity, and hosts national and international competitions every summer,” he added.

In June, the 2008 Pre-Worlds competition took place, providing an important test for the organisers and pilots, under the scrutiny of FAI Steward Flip Koetsier.  “This was one of the best prepared and organised competitions that I have attended in the last 15 years and I strongly recommend that the same team runs the 2009 HG World Championship.  It is a pleasure to work with the people that made this competition a success and I look forward to working again with them in 2009.”

There were 117 pilots from 24 countries participating, and a waiting list approaching 100 pilots.  Competing teams came from as far afield as Mexico, USA, Canada and Australia, as well as from throughout Europe.  The current World Champion Attila Bartok from Hungary was there, but the winner was Scott Barrett from Australia.  The UK pilots just beat the host nation, France, in the team event.

The organising team for the World Championships, combines the skills of experienced local competition organisers, the French Free Flying Federation (FFVL) and the local communities.  Technical and safety aspects are critical, of course, especially ensuring the take-off site is properly equipped and organised.  Registration, scoring, documentation and transport logistics are handled at the Laragne HQ.  A full programme of events has been planned, including Opening and Closing ceremonies and a weekend Fête de l’Air et Sports. Various evening entertainments will help pilots relax after a long and physically exhausting day.

The competition website (www.chabre2009.com) features all the important information that competing pilots and team leaders will need.  Plus, an extensive communication programme aims to promote the sports of hang gliding and paragliding to young people locally and nationally, as well as the local community and to raise the profile of free flying internationally. 

Contacts:
Event Director: David Owen. Tel: +33 492 62 30 53.                        Email: worlds@chabre2009.com
PR Coordinator: Louise Joselyn. Tel: +33 492 66 25 30                    Email: worlds@chabre2009.com