Andy Aebi wins PWC Brazil, Violeta Jimenez first woman

Andy Aebi (SUI) has claimed victory at the Paragliding World Cup in Baixo Guandu, Brazil, with Violeta Jimenez (USA) finishing 11th overall to win the women’s class.

The third stop on the PWC calendar saw a much reduced entry field of just 49 pilots. Nonetheless, organisers succeeded in laying on six tasks between 80km and 101km. The Brazilian pilots Claudio Matos and Erico Oliveira were second and third respectively while Lynsey Haynes (CAN) was second woman and Pamela Diez (MEX) was third, a result she was delighted with, flying an Enzo 3 for the first time. The teams category was one by Niviuk.

“So many things came together perfectly for me this week,” Andy said afterwards. “An unforgettable World Cup! Six exciting, varied and beautiful tasks are behind us, and this week ends with an incredible success for me.”

The Swiss league described it “as incredible finish to the season.” They added: “Andy delivered an outstanding performance in Brazil. The 44-year-old Swiss pilot made his intentions clear from the very first task, finishing second on the opening day. With remarkable consistency throughout the competition, he kept his rivals at bay before delivering a brilliant performance in the final task to claim the top spot.”

The final World Cup of the season brought together 49 pilots in Baixo Guandu, Brazil, from 3-10 October. With six valid tasks, the competition ensured the world cup season ended on a high note.

The longest task was a 101km course on day three through some less frequented areas around Baixo Guandu. From the main takeoff, the task first headed south — a direction rarely used during competition — before turning northwest and eventually east, crossing over the famous “whale” on the way towards goal at the airport.

The southern part of the course offered some spectacular scenery, and the conditions provided a perfect opportunity for the pilots to explore this part of the flying area. Throughout most of the task, the leading group remained very compact. Positions changed constantly, with different pilots taking turns at the front and very little separating the main contenders.

On the final leg, Andy Aebi found himself in front and crossed the end-of-speed section with the fastest time. However, once leading points were taken into account, it was Carlos Avila who came out on top. His time spent leading the race earned him the largest share of leading points and ultimately secured the task victory. The finish was extremely close, with most pilots arriving within just five minutes of the first finisher.

With an inversion at 1,800m, the fourth task proved challenging for pilots and only five made goal. The final task saw weak conditions, making for a slow and tactical day. In the end, 26 pilots reached goal, with two pilots crossing the end-of-speed section in exactly the same second. The overall task win went to Julien Wirtz, while Violeta Jimenez took the win in the women’s class. However, Andy was able to hold onto his lead to take the overall title.

The city of Baixo Guandu is located in the Rio Doce Valley in the state of Espírito Santo Brazil and lies approximately half way between the coastal city of Vitória and Governador Valadares, the final stop on last year’s season.

Launch is situated at an altitude of 860m AMSL. The terrain is formed by valleys and plains with diverse possibilities for flying with no airspace infringements. The region also offers plentiful opportunities to land.

Results

Overall

1. Andy Aebi (SUI), Niviuk Icepeak X-One / Niviuk Rocket R, 4451.7
2. Claudio Matos (BRA), Ozone Enzo 3 / Niviuk Rocket R, 4433.5
3. Erico Oliveira (BRA), Niviuk Icepeak X-One / Niviuk Rocket R, 4412.9

Women

1. Violeta Jimenez (USA), Ozone Enzo 3 / Ozone Submarine, 4304.9
2. Lynsey Haynes (CAN), Ozone Enzo 3 / Ozone Submarine, 4072.3
3. Pamela Diez (MEX), Ozone Enzo 3 / Gin Genie Race 4, 3822.4

Teams

1. Niviuk
2. Sky Paragliders
3. Ozone

pwca.org