French Microlight Championships at Levroux: editorial

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The French championships took place at the Levroux airfield in a narrow weather window that allowed the events to run perfectly.

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Editorial: French Championships at Levroux: diversity and excellence!

Finally, thanks to the Levroux club and in particular to our dear Denise Lacote, the federation’s treasurer for 23 years, who brought all their passion and dedication to writing these championships into the history of this airfield, so closely tied to the federation and to microlighting.

Ces championnats ont été avant tout marqués par l’esprit de la famille Touitou, Naëlle Touitou, fille des époux Touitou, tragiquement disparus il y a un an et personnalités historiques du paramoteur, a été présente tout au long des épreuves, apportant sa gentillesse et son investissement dans l’organisation avec l’esprit « sport et ULM » qui est la marque de famille et qui correspond à son propre trajet d’études. Merci à Naëlle pour cette belle présence !

These championships were also marked by the very great diversity of the participants. With more than 70 participants and a good balance between paramotors and Classic Class (other classes), the French championships now mix all classes, with new competitors who come to "challenge" the skills of the old hands. Also interesting is the presence of women on the podiums for some years now, with 5 women in 2024, including 3 national titles, such as Rose Michelland, aged 13, the youngest title-holder in two-seat paramotor. But beyond this wider pool, which is an effect of the very many regional competitions organised in every class, the championships are a school of excellence in piloting. Our champions carry technical skill high.

This demand for quality and performance, encouraged by the fact that the federation has now (for three years) been a high-level sport, for slalom at first and, we hope, soon for classic paramotor and the other classes, is the result of the long-term work of the technical staff, the technical management and the national coaches, who from regional to national to international level have built up the best of our sporting practices. We particularly want to salute the role of Pascal Vallée, national paramotor coach, who has announced that this season will be his last. The handover will be arranged by then.

The sporting season has therefore got off to a good start. See you at the world championships in England this summer, for the final of the STOL competition at MULM and at all the competitions planned in the regions. Some of our athletes will open the La Ferté-Alais air show, more than 30 years after Didier Eymin's paramotor flight. A fine symbol!

Sébastien Perrot