Laragne, France, 3 March 2008
In 2009 the FAI World Hang Gliding Championship returns to Europe 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 Event 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 takes place, providing an important test for the organisers and pilots, under the scrutiny of the FAI. Pilot registration for 2008 opened late last year, and the competition is already full, with 120 pilots from 24 countries confirmed, and a waiting list approaching 100.  “This demonstrates that not only is the site popular, but the competition will be hotly contested,” Owen stated.  Competing teams are coming from as far afield as Argentina, Mexico, USA, Canada and Australia, and from throughout Europe.  The UK (current world champions) and France (silver) are well represented.  Individual World Champion Attila Bartok from Hungary, will be here, preparing to defend his title in 2009, among other national champions and world ranking pilots.

The organising team for this two year project, combines the skills of experienced local flying competition organisers, the French Free Flying Federation (FFVL) and the local communities.  They have been working for a year already, planning the technical and safety aspects of the competition, transport and accommodation logistics.  A full programme of events has been planned, including Opening and Closing ceremonies, and various evening entertainments to 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.

An extensive communication programme aims to promote the sports of hang gliding and paragliding to young people locally and nationally, and raise the profile of free flying.  It will also provide an important liaison with the organisers of the 2009 World Air Games, taking place just across the Alpine border in Italy.

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