FAI 2017: Airsports

Gordon Bennett Cup & World Paragliding Championship

Fribourg (SUI) & Monte Avena/Veneto (ITA)

The Gordon Bennett Cup is the oldest and most prestigious gas-balloon race in the world. Taking place each year it attracts the best gas-balloon pilots in the world, who take off and fly as far as they can. Flying through the night and across international borders, whoever goes the furthest wins. This year 21 gas balloons from 13 nations competed.

The first Italian edition of the Paragliding World Championships were already opened with a new record: 48 nations with about 150 athletes were involved: Such a massive participation has never had occurred in past editions. A 5000 square kilometres flying area and the stunning panoramas of Dolomiti Bellunesi served as backdrop. At the horizon the magic of Venice and its lagoon were visible.