PWCA

Flying over Sierra Nevada

After two cancelled task days caused by unsuitable wind conditions in Pegalajar, the Competition finally returned to action today with a relocation to the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains — and the move proved to be absolutely worth it.

What initially appeared to be a rather stable and uncertain day at launch evolved into an exceptional race day, allowing organizers to set an impressive 128 km task through one of Spain’s most dramatic flying landscapes. Pilots climbed to over 3000 meters above launch, with massive views over Granada and the surrounding plains creating unforgettable racing conditions.

The day featured constantly changing rhythms, with fast glides alternating with slower, more technical sections as the air mass shifted throughout the afternoon. Pilots also encountered convergence effects behind the Sierra Nevada, where different wind systems created highly tactical moments during the race. As one pilot described it, the task was “incredible” and “really interesting,” combining powerful climbs, long glides and highly strategic decision-making throughout the course.

Another pilot highlighted the spectacular altitude and scenery of the flight, explaining that although there were concerns about stability early in the day, the conditions “worked out great,” with climbs reaching over 3000 meters and long glides across the plains under strong southern winds.

At the front of the race, Maxime Pinot once again secured the overall task victory after another dominant performance, while Constance Mettetal claimed the female task win and continues her outstanding run in this year’s Superfinal.

In the team standings, Beyond Real Estate took the task win for the day and successfully defended its lead in the overall team classification as the competition moves into its decisive final phase.

Another long Task for the Super Final

Another demanding day unfolded at the with pilots racing a 127 km task towards the iconic El Yelmo mountain range. While the distance promised a fast and selective race, the conditions turned out to be notably stable, keeping the leading gaggle tightly grouped for most of the flight and making it difficult for anyone to break away decisively.

After several unusually cold days for southern Spain, today finally delivered the warmer temperatures more typical for Pegalajar. Strong sunshine and classic Andalusian scenery created spectacular racing conditions, although the stable air mass meant pilots had to remain patient and strategic throughout the course.

The battle for the day win stayed incredibly close until the final glide, where Baptiste Lambert managed to secure the task victory and further strengthen his position at the top of the overall rankings. In the women’s competition, Constance Mettetal continues her impressive consistency and remains in the overall female lead.

In the team standings, Beyond Real Estate successfully defended its lead once again, keeping control of the overall team classification as the competition heads into its final stages.

Fast Conditions, Tough Finish

Task 5 of the 15th Paragliding World Cup Super Final in Pegalajar delivered another long and demanding race, with pilots facing a 127 km optimized course under what initially looked like perfect conditions for fast flying.

From the start, the day lived up to expectations. Strong climbs, high cloudbase, and efficient glides allowed the lead gaggle to maintain impressive speeds across much of the course, with pilots covering large distances quickly and spending long periods on glide.

However, the final part of the task proved far more difficult than expected. During the last 20 kilometers, high clouds began spreading across the area and noticeably stabilized the conditions. Thermals became weaker and harder to connect, forcing pilots to slow down significantly just as the race approached its decisive phase.

What had looked like a straightforward high-speed finish quickly turned into a technical battle for survival, with several groups searching carefully for the remaining workable lift needed to complete the final glide to goal.

Despite the more stable conditions late in the day, the pilots ultimately managed to push through and complete the task.

Guy Anderson claimed the task victory after another fast and tactical race across the Spanish flats and mountains. In the women’s competition, Constance Mettetal secured yet another task win, a result that also moved her into the overall female lead of the Super Final.

In the overall standings, Baptiste Lambert now leads the competition after five completed tasks.

The team ranking for the day was won by Ozone, while Beyond Real Estate continues to hold the overall team lead heading deeper into the second half of the competition.

Racing Ahead of the Storm

Task 4 of the 15th Paragliding World Cup Super Final in Pegalajar brought another fast and tactical day of racing, as pilots faced a 72.49 km optimized task set carefully around developing storm conditions.

With thunderstorms forecast later in the afternoon, the task committee opted for a shorter route with a single turnpoint, allowing pilots to complete the race while staying clear of the most dangerous weather developments. Despite the unstable forecast, conditions during the task itself proved strong and fast, producing another high-speed race day in southern Spain.

As the task unfolded, two main groups emerged on different lines. One gaggle pushed further north-west while the second group chose a more direct option. For much of the task, both routes appeared closely matched, with pilots uncertain which line would ultimately prove faster.

Female task winner Alexia Fischer explained that her group initially believed they were ahead for most of the race, but the other gaggle eventually gained an advantage after taking a stronger line under darker clouds and arrived into goal first. She described the conditions as very strong and very fast, with the approaching storms becoming increasingly visible by the end of the task.

After difficult results in the previous two tasks, Honorin Hamard returned strongly to claim the overall task victory and keep himself in contention for the overall competition standings. Despite the setbacks earlier in the week, the former champion remains optimistic about recovering valuable points over the remaining tasks.

In the team ranking, Ozone secured the task victory after an impressive collective performance across the course.

A long task for the second day of the Super Final

Task 2 of the 15th Paragliding World Cup Super Final in Pegalajar brought a major step up in distance, with pilots facing a demanding 130km race through the mountains. With forecasts indicating tomorrow may not be flyable, the task committee took the opportunity to set a long and strategic course while conditions allowed.

The start was opened at 15:00, but with a large start cylinder requiring nearly 15 kilometers of flying before reaching the optimized start point, pilots launched early and spent considerable time positioning themselves for the race.

Conditions throughout the day were strong and well-developed. Climbs regularly averaged 3 to 4 m/s, with significantly stronger cores at times, and cloudbase eventually rising to around 2700 meters before the final glide.

After the second turnpoint, the race became especially tactical as pilots transitioned onto a long downwind leg with approximately 20 km/h tailwind assistance. Two distinct routes quickly emerged: one group pushed further north, staying closer to the mountains, while the second group chose a more southern option, following a line closer to the optimized course.

For much of the second half of the task, the advantage appeared to swing repeatedly between the two groups. At times the northern route seemed decisively faster, only for the southern line to regain the lead shortly afterwards. The battle remained incredibly close until both groups finally merged again shortly before the final glide into goal.

Former Super Final winner Maxime Pinot claimed the task victory after a fast and highly strategic race, while Violeta Jimenez secured her second consecutive female win of the competition.

The first task of the 15th Paragliding World Cup Super Final in Pegalajar delivered exactly the kind of racing the Super Finalis known for. Pilots were greeted with strong conditions, high speeds, and plenty of tactical decisions across an 86.5km straight-line task with a single turnpoint.

With a consistent side-tailwind accompanying the field for most of the course, the pace was on from the very beginning. After the start, the leading gaggle pushed aggressively on the most direct line, but eventually overcommitted and found themselves low and stuck.

The chasing pilots took the opportunity to shift onto a different, slightly more downwind route. While not the shortest option, the alternative line connected better with a convergence and allowed the second group to recover quickly and gain significant time on the leaders.

As the task progressed, both routes began to pay similarly, and shortly before goal the front and chasing groups merged back together into one large gaggle. In the end, a mass sprint to goal decided the day, with many of the top pilots arriving almost simultaneously.

The task winner was Honorin Hamard, while Violeta Jimenez took the female victory on the opening day of the Super Final.

The countdown to the ultimate race has begun. 🏆🌍

The 15th Paragliding World Cup Superfinal returns to Pegalajar — one of Europe’s most exciting and promising competition venues. With powerful climbs, high cloudbases, and the perfect mix of mountains and flatlands, the stage is set for fast, strategic racing at the very highest level of the sport.

As one of the highest-ranked competitions of the year, the Superfinal brings together the world’s top pilots for a week where every decision matters and every second counts.

Follow the race live with tracking, scoring, results, and daily updates at pwca.org 👀

Who’s your favorite for this year’s title? 🔥

The world’s best pilots are back. 🌍🏆

The Paragliding World Cup Superfinal is one of the most prestigious and highest-ranked competitions of the entire season — bringing together the strongest pilots from across the globe to compete at the very highest level of the sport.

From World Cup winners to reigning champions and some of the most consistent names in competitive paragliding, this year’s lineup is absolutely stacked… and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them all to the Superfinal. ✨

The stage is set for an unforgettable week of racing, strategy, and world-class flying. Who are you most excited to watch? 👀