Between September 3rd and September 9th, 2017 the Paragliding World Cup Tour visited beautiful Pico Do Gaviao in Brazil. Pico Do Gaviao, Hawk’s peak in English, is the summit of a mountain range near Andradas, Brazil, in the southern portion of the state of Minas Gerais. The location overlooks several cities, has hosted both national and international events in the past and viewed as one of the premier sites in the world for free flying.
The event, with a launch site on a ridge leading to a spacious plateau, had close to 3000 spectators in attendance. With a launch site 500 meters in height, after clearing the plateau marked by deep river gorges, the Andes Mountains are just 100 kilometers straight ahead. The Brazilian team had set domination as their goal, and with five members taking top spots, they were not disappointed.
First place in the Open Class Overall, went to Rafael Saladini, from the Brazilian team Ozone Enzo with 5154 points and his teammate, Erico Oliveira, placed second with 5144 points. Third place went to Frank Brown, also from Brazil and a member of the Gin Boomerang team, with a total of 5122 points.
The Women Overall’s top three spots were all captured by members of the Ozone Enzo Team. Silvia Buzzi Ferraris from Italy won first place with 4817 points and placing 40th overall while Merve Arslan from Turkey finished second with 4129 points, placing 75th overall. Third place went to Marcella Uchoa from Brazil with 3799 points and an overall placement of 83rd.
In the Team competition, Kortel Design comprised of teammates Clayton Resende, Marcelo Prieto, Rafael Saladini, and Marcella Uchoa placed first. Second place went to Gin Gliders consisting of team members Frank Brown, Samuel Nascimento, and Andre Rainsford. Third place went to Alas Del Hombre with team members Erico Oliveira, Rafael Moraes Barros, Washington Perruchi, and Eliana Alves Dias.
United States team members achieved a 7th place finish. Participants included Cody Mittanck, Frank Henriquez, James Bradley, William Hughes, and Bianca Heinrich.
For the complete results from the Paragliding World Cup Tour, Pico Do Gaviao, Brazil 2017 click here.
