Baptiste Lambert Wins Trofeo Montegrappa 2026
The first major competition of the 2026 season delivered exactly what pilots hoped for. Bassano del Grappa, the historic flying site in northern Italy, provided perfect Easter conditions for 130 pilots competing in the Trofeo Montegrappa — and it was Baptiste Lambert who rose to the occasion, taking the top spot in what proved to be a competitive and demanding event.
Baptiste Lambert Wins Trofeo Montegrappa 2026
French pilot Baptiste Lambert claimed victory at the Trofeo Montegrappa, the traditional season opener that draws top pilots from across Europe and beyond. The competition, held over the Easter weekend, offered a mix of tasks that tested both XC experience and local knowledge of the Veneto region’s thermals.
Lambert’s performance was consistent across multiple tasks, demonstrating the kind of flying that wins competitions: precise thermal management, smart route planning, and the ability to perform under competitive pressure. The Trofeo Montegrappa’s task setters have a reputation for challenging courses that reward strategic thinking alongside flying skill — a combination Lambert clearly delivered.
Bassano del Grappa: A Classic Flying Site
Bassano del Grappa has been a fixture of European free flight for decades. The site offers a reliable combination of thermals, terrain lift, and stunning alpine scenery — and when conditions align, it produces tasks that are as challenging as they are beautiful. The Grappa mountain range creates its own thermal patterns, and pilots familiar with the local conditions have a clear advantage.
For competitors arriving from across Europe, the event offered a first real test of off-season training and preparation. For many pilots, the Trofeo Montegrappa marks the transition from casual spring flying to full competition mode.
The Competitive Season Begins
As the Trofeo Montegrappa closes out, the European competition season is now in full swing. Results from the opening event provide early indicators of form — and Baptiste Lambert’s victory puts him firmly on the map as a serious contender for the season ahead.
For pilots following the competitive scene — or for those considering their first competition entry — events like the Trofeo Montegrappa offer a compelling window into high-level paragliding. The combination of skill, strategy, and conditions that define top-level competition is what draws many pilots deeper into the sport.
Source: Cross Country Magazine. Original article at xcmag.com