23 Sep 2024

Pan-American Champions 2024 crowned in Andradas

The 6th FAI Pan-American Paragliding Championships were held in Andradas, MG, Brazil, on September 15-22, 2024. The event was organized by Vetor Esportes with the support of CAB Comissão de Aerodesporto Brasileira - the NAC of Brazil. There were 5 valid tasks of about 80 km each (407 km in total) flown at the event. The first task was cancelled due to weather.

The event was primarily organized by Luis Cruz, with Vinicius Santos Matuk Ferreira serving as the meet director and Zenilson Rocha Ferreira as the scorer. FAI CIVL was represented by Goran Dimiskovski as the Steward, Bill Hughes as the Jury President, and Igor Erzen and Cristiano Pereira as the Jury members. Media coverage was provided by Airboysteam and Paulixfilms.

125 pilots from 17 countries competed. The event was also combined with the Test event of the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championships which are planned to be held next year in Andradas, so there were participants from all over the world.

The main rivalry throughout the event was between Brazilians Ronnie Koerich and Rafael Barros, with occasional challenges from Hernan Pitocco (ARG), Maycon de Souza (BRA), and Lucas Ribas (BRA). The final task proved decisive, with Rafael, Hernan, and Ronnie securing spots on the Pan-American and Overall podiums.

Unfortunately, the Pan-American women's champion title was not awarded due to insufficient representation (only five women participated, while eight were required). However, in the overall women's ranking of the Test event, the top finishers were Marcella Pomarico Uchoa (BRA), Daria Krasnova (ECU), and Isabela Sales (BRA). Marcella claimed first place in three out of five tasks, while Isabela often ranked second, but Daria’s victory in the final task secured her the second spot among the women.

In the Nations ranking, Brazil dominated from the start and never relinquished the lead. Argentina and the USA vied for the remaining podium spots, but after task 5, Argentina's advantage became insurmountable.

Congratulations to the Champions!