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.

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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. These championships were above all marked by the spirit of the Touitou family. Naëlle Touitou, daughter of the Touitous, historic figures of paramotoring who tragically died a year ago, was present throughout the events, bringing her kindness and her commitment to the organisation, with the "sport and microlight" spirit that is the family hallmark and matches her own course of study. Thank you, Naëlle, for this lovely presence!

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.

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.

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!