Task 2 of the Paragliding World Cup in Panchgani brought a subtle shift in conditions, as slightly stronger southerly winds introduced a new layer of uncertainty to the day. With this in mind, a 73 km task was set, requiring both tactical awareness and well-timed decisions from the pilots.

Despite the more demanding wind, launch operations once again ran smoothly, allowing pilots to get airborne early. This gave the field valuable time to climb out and position themselves well above takeoff before the start, setting up a high, well-organized beginning to the race.

The task itself proved to be a balance between patience and commitment. The stronger winds made route choices more critical, and those willing to take calculated risks had the potential to gain a decisive advantage.

That risk paid off for Richard Pethigal, who delivered an outstanding performance to take the win. After a disappointing end to Task 1, where he bombed out during the End of Speed section, Pethigal returned with determination. Reflecting on his victory, he noted that he had not won a World Cup task in a decade — making today’s success all the more meaningful. Committing fully and taking bold decisions on course, he was rewarded with a well-deserved first place.

In the women’s competition, Silvia Buzzi Ferraris once again claimed the top spot, continuing her strong and consistent performance in Panchgani.

With two tasks completed, the competition is already showcasing a mix of strategy, resilience, and high-level racing. As conditions continue to evolve, Panchgani is proving to be both a demanding and rewarding arena for the world’s best pilots.