In the first two weeks in May the Levico Terme hosted paragliding international events - Paragliding Czech Open and Gradient XCamp. As main launch for both events was taken Vetriolo Terme and organisation headquarter was set in Due Laghi camping which offered also nice accomodation for most of participants.
During first week the Gradient XCamp was held and we could see more than 80 pilots from several countries in the sky above Levico. Together with local italian pilots we could meet pilots from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech, Finland, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, Russia and United States. The XCamp is designed for recreational pilots and hhe main goal of this event is to enjoy "light competition" meeting with other pilots and free flying on this beautiful south side of Alps. Beginners will have chance to learn from more experienced pilots and experts can push their limits with long flights or train for oncomming Paragliding Czech Open. The winner Burkhard Martens from Germany got as a main prize new glider from main partner - paragliding manufacturer Gradient.
Second week Levico Terme hosted big competition - Paragliding Czech Open 2009. More than 100 pilots fighted for the title. 16 countries were presented at Czech Open including pilots from India or New Zealand. During 4 valid tasks flown in Valsugana valley the pilot was Tomas Brauner (Czech), second Primoz Susa (Slovenia) and third Karel Vrbensky (Czech).
The weather during both weeks was almost perfect! Pilots were able to enjoy very strong conditions with thermals up to 3.000 meters and could fly to Feltre, Belluno and back to Levico! Best distances were about 150 km and pilots flew a lot of hours.
Pilots, their families and friends enjoyed great hospitality of Levico Terme and were satisfied with everything. It is very sure now that Levico Terme will be another interesting destination for a lot of pilots and international events. It has big potential as conditions in Valsugana valley were very good for flying and competitions. We would like to thank APT Valsugana (Cristina and Patrizio) for amazing help with organisation, club Volo Libero Trentino (Luca and Flavio) for help with take-off and landing area, municipality Levico Terme (Remo) for support, camping Due Laghi for nice accomodation and all inhabitants Levico Terme for great atmosphere.
Thank you and see you soon!
Karel Vejchodsky, AIR CENTRUM s.r.o.
organisation XCamp and PG Czech Open 2009
http://www.xcontest.org/czechopen2009/
