Pilots info
Icare Finesse
Friday and Saturday – 3 pm – 5 pm
Pente école (Training Slope) – St Hilaire
Come watch a competition that’s as fun as it is spectacular, or take part yourself in the Coupe Icare Finesse Competition! Friendly and accessible, this competition celebrates the joy of flying, precision, and creativity through various inflation and low-altitude flight challenges.
Participants will be divided into different categories:
• Fun Category: EN A and EN B gliders and tandem gliders;
• Gunner Category: EN C, EN D, CCC, prototypes, and uncertified gliders.
• The formidable Piou-Piou Category: Underage participants
And on Saturday, you can also admire retro wingss from the ’80s and ’90s.
The flagship event: finesse
The concept is simple: start at the top of the St. Hilaire training slope and fly as far as possible within a defined flight corridor. The distance between the takeoff area and the landing point is measured, then compared to those of the other participants. The pilot who achieves the greatest distance wins the event!
To be valid, the flight must end with the pilot landing within the flight corridor. The distance is measured up to the pilot’s first physical contact with the ground; the glider, however, may land outside the corridor.
Each participant has a maximum of two attempts. In this case, only their best performance counts toward the rankings. A third flight for the finalists
After the first two flights, the top two pilots in each category will face off in a third and final flight—a head-to-head duel—much to the delight of the spectators!
Events Adapted to Conditions
The competition is designed to adapt to weather conditions. For example, if strong winds prevent the glide distance event from taking place, it may be replaced by a battle event:
Within a defined area, two pilots compete with their gliders held overhead. The goal is to knock the opponent’s glider to the ground or force it out of the perimeter. The last pilot to keep their glider in the air wins the duel!
We’re keeping a whole host of other events under wraps—ones that can be implemented to best adapt to the day’s wind conditions!
Registration
Registration will take place on-site at the training slope located between Icare Expo and the south launch site, starting at 2:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the start of the competition. The number of participants is limited to 30 pilots. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum number set by the organizers is reached.
Upon registration, participants must certify under oath that they:
• hold Third Party Air insurance;
• have parental consent for minor participants;
• accept the competition’s terms and conditions.
Each participant will receive a number to attach to their helmet during the events, as well as a voucher for a free drink at the cafeteria.
To participate, each pilot must also have at least one paraglider, a harness, a helmet, and footwear suitable for the activity.
A serious competition… just the right amount!
The Glide Distance Competition is, above all, a friendly and convivial event. The rules and events may be adjusted to adapt to conditions and provide the most entertaining show possible, for both participants and spectators.
The goal: to have fun and not take things too seriously!
The most spectacular, original, costumed, freestyle, or offbeat performances are sure to be noticed and rewarded as they deserve!
Awards Ceremony and Raffle
At the end of each session on Friday and Saturday, an awards ceremony will honor the top two pilotes in each category following the final head-to-head race, thanks to the support of our partner Crédit Agricole Sud Rhône Alpes.
A raffle will also be held: several participants will have the chance to win a prize!
Pilots, come try your luck!
Spectators, come cheer on the competitors and enjoy a competition full of energy, fun, and surprises!
