PWC Brazil – Governador Valadares 2026: Where Every Decision Matters

The race for the Superfinal enters a decisive phase as the Paragliding World Cup heads to Governador Valadares, Brazil, for its 7th stop of the 2025 season. With only a few chances left to secure qualification, pilots arrive under pressure in one of the most reliable and demanding venues on the circuit.

The Flying Place

Governador Valadares is located in eastern Minas Gerais, in the Rio Doce Valley. The terrain is defined by rolling hills, wide valleys, and open plains stretching along the Doce River, creating a vast and dynamic racing arena. Rising above it all is Pico da Ibituruna (1,123 m), the main take-off, offering direct access to strong thermals and long cross-country routes.

Flying here is about efficiency and timing. Thermals are typically wide and smooth, averaging 3–4 m/s, allowing for fast transitions and long glides. The combination of terrain and conditions creates multiple route options, where reading the air and staying in the best lift lines becomes key to staying ahead.

Governador Valadares has long been one of the most reliable venues on the circuit. In recent years, it has hosted multiple Superfinals, with more than 90% of days producing valid tasks. The period between January and April consistently delivers high-quality racing, making it a proven stage for top-level competition.

The Pilots

This year’s line-up brings together a strong international field, with top names including Baptiste Lambert, Honorin Hamard, Marcelo Sanchez Vilchez, Álvaro Romero Camacho, Austin Cox, and Manuel Quintanilla. They will be challenged by experienced local pilots such as Erico Oliveira, Washington Peruchi, and Marcella Uchoa, who know these conditions inside out. Young French talents Justin Puthod, Arthur Moindrot, and Malo Richard add even more depth to an already competitive field.

With qualification for the Superfinal at stake, the intensity is expected to build from the very first task. In a place where conditions are consistent and opportunities must be taken, there is little room for hesitation.

In Governador Valadares, staying in the game means making the right decisions at the right time — and doing it every day.