More Than Just a Podium

Using all the competition days, the Paragliding World Cup in Cameli provided us with perfect weather and seven tasks. This final day proved to have some of the best conditions of the competition, with cloud bases around 4000m, light winds, and convergences enabling another fast 80km task. For the first time in the competition, we had a turnpoint southeast of the takeoff, then leading back northeast into our classic flying area. The pressure was especially high on Violeta Jimenez, who was currently in 3rd place overall and had the chance to climb up to 2nd. Meanwhile, Martin Jovanoski, comfortably in 1st place overall, was all but guaranteed the win—only a catastrophe could have jeopardized his victory.

Early in the task, Peter Budai broke away from the gaggle, shaking up the rankings and keeping everyone on edge. While the gaggle and overall race leaders flew more conservatively, mostly focusing on each other, Peter arrived at goal seven minutes ahead of the rest. “We did everything by the book” said Martin Jovanoski, who had hoped to maintain the lead alongside his friend and teammate, Darko Stankovski, who had been in 2nd place overall until this moment. However, Peter Budai’s bold move disrupted their plan, causing Darko to lose his spot on the podium. These plot twists and Violeta’s extremely good and consistent performance led to Violeta Jimenez claiming 2nd place overall.

“When I started flying, I had never seen women on the overall podiums and wasn’t sure if it was possible, but it was my dream. So here’s to finding your dreams” Violeta said emotionally at the goal. She had previously shared that this podium meant more to her than just winning—she wanted to do it for all women, to showcase that women belong on overall podiums and are just as capable as men in this sport.

The Paragliding World Cup in Cameli has been a huge success, with amazing weather and excellent organization. Once again, this competition has proven to be the place where the world’s best pilots from all backgrounds come together to make history.