Champions crowned at the 2025 FAI F1E World Championship for Free Flight Slope Soaring Gliders
The skies above Raná, Czech Republic, provided the stage for the 2025 FAI F1E World Championship for Free Flight Slope Soaring Gliders, held from 11 to 15 August. Pilots from around the world gathered to test their skill and precision in one of Aeromodelling’s most demanding disciplines.
The competition featured both Senior and Junior categories. The Juniors enjoyed good weather and fair conditions, while the Seniors faced more demanding flying challenges. In both categories, champions rose to the occasion with outstanding performances.
F1E Seniors
The Senior Championship welcomed 45 participants from 14 nations, including 10 women from 10 different countries. Although the weather was good, the flying conditions proved highly demanding. After five rounds, no fly-off was needed to decide the overall winner.
Alexander Winker of Germany claimed the World Championship title as the only competitor to reach the maximum required time in every round. Eleonora Pavlova of Bulgaria was the top woman, earning the title of Female World Champion.
The team gold went to Slovakia, represented by Ian Treger, Miroslav Drmla and Miroslav Polonec.
F1E Juniors
The Junior Championship brought together 24 young competitors from 6 nations, including 7 women. The weather and flying conditions were good, and after five regular rounds, the title was still undecided, and two fly-offs were required to determine the new champion.
Stefan Bildea of Romania emerged as Junior World Champion. Lilla Poloncova of Slovakia not only secured the title of Female Junior World Champion but also placed second overall — an outstanding result.
The team gold went to France, with Anthony Chartier, Théo Laura and Jaouen Rigault, all of whom reached the first fly-off.
Images provided by Bernhard Schwendemann
