FAI European Championships 2026, Krusevo,

Comps and Events, News

Slovenia triumphs at European Championships

Tilen Ceglar and Anna Berger become the new European Champions

20 August, 2026, by Cross Country | Photos: DHV

The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championships successfully concluded on 19 August after nine tasks ranging from 68km to 104km. It was a spectacular week in Krusevo with pilots reporting great conditions and no accidents.

The Slovenian pilot Tilen Ceglar took the overall win, becoming the new European Champion. Roger Aeschbacher (SUI) came second and Alvaro Romero Camacho (ESP) was third.

In the female category Anna Berger (MKD) is the new champion, Elisa Deutschmann (GER) came second and Silvia Buzzi Ferraris followed in the third place.

In the nations category, it was Slovenia who takes the team win, North Macedonia was second and Spain, third.

“I still haven’t realised I’m European Champion,” Anna posted afterwards. “So grateful for the best support system which made this possible.”

For her part, Elisa said afterwards that coming second was “bittersweet”. “But racing isn’t only about the final result. I’m proud of how I flew, how hard I pushed and how much I grew during these Europeans. That’s what I’m taking home,” she posted.

The British pilot Seb Ospina also reported it being a bittersweet experience, marred by news of the devastating earthquake back home in Colombia.

“The European Championship has come to an end after nine incredible tasks around the Pelagonia Valley in North Macedonia, a great event,” he said. “Incredible weather, amazing atmosphere, no accidents, flawless organisation. I managed 12th place overall and 4th place as Nations.”

One nation notably absent was France, who this year boycotted the event, staying at home due to a long-running dispute with the competition organiser. The full statement explaining their reasons can be read here.

It meant the 2024 champions Maxime Pinot and Constance Mettetal were not there to defend their titles. Also absent was the reigning World Champion, Baptiste Lambert.

Meet director Goran Dimiskovski said the French absence was a source of regret. “I’m truly sorry that those pilots were deprived from being a part of this event. It is strictly political and I truly want this never to happen again.”