The CIVL Bureau has approved the bid for the 22nd FAI European Hang Gliding Class 1 Championship, which will be held in Gemona del Friuli, Italy. Following the cancellation of the event previously planned in France, CIVL launched a search for a new host, and Aero Club Lega Piloti stepped forward with its support. The competition will be organized in collaboration with the local association Volo Libero Friuli and Aero Club d’Italia. The organizing team remains the same as for the 2019 Hang Gliding World Championships, led by Organization/Event Director Barbara Sonzogni and Meet Director Luigi Seravalli.

At the plenary, the organizers have also confirmed their intention to host the 11th FAI World Hang Gliding Class 5 Championships. CIVL Bureau is tasked to finalise the bid details.

The championship is scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 13, 2026, with a maximum of 125 pilots accepted.

The competition will utilize two take-off sites: Cuarnan in Gemona and Valinis in Meduno.

Cuarnan features three launch lanes and offers ample space for preparing hang gliders. The take-off lines are approximately 50 meters apart, allowing organizers to efficiently manage launch times. The site is suitable for winds from the southeast (SE) and southwest (SW). The road leading to the launch area is accessible for regular vehicles, though the final section is a steep dirt road. Near the parking area, about one kilometer from the take-off site, there is a "malga" (a traditional Alpine hut) that remains open during the summer, offering a bar and a restaurant serving local products.

Valinis also has three ramps and is easily accessible via a paved road. It is considered an ideal launch site for hang gliding competitions. The location provides ample space for glider preparation and multiple launch lanes along the amphitheater, which rises to the west of the ramp. The site is suitable for winds from the southeast (SE) to southwest (SW). Additionally, there is a "malga" conveniently located near the launch site.

Follow the event webpage to learn more https://civlcomps.org/event/hg1euro-hg5worlds-2026