Maurer triumphs once again in the overall PWC 08.11.06 | Chrigel Maurer notches up a great achievement on La Réunion and becomes the first pilot in the history of paragliding to win the Overall World Cup twice in succession. Karin Appenzeller won the ladies final classification. There was a lot at stake for the ADVANCE Team pilots at this final competition of the 2006 World Cup Tour on La Réunion. Chrigel Maurer and Karin Appenzeller headed to the Indian Ocean Island as leaders in the overall classification. Since the challenging region had already caught out other favourites for the overall victory in years gone by, Chrigel and Karin were well warned. Thanks to some masterly tactical performances with his OMEGA Proto, Chrigel managed to keep the competition at bay and was able to control events from the leading group at all times. Because of this consistency, he won a third PWC this season in La Réunion to add to his wins in Brazil and Slovenia, and, for the second time in succession, the Overall World Cup, an achievement that no other pilot has ever managed before. On top of this, Chrigel flew the same Glider in the last two years on any PWC. The fact that Chrigel, despite his tender age, already ranks among the most successful athletes in this sport was once again emphasised this season with a second place in the European Championships in France and a second place in the team ranking at the Aerobatic World Championships in Switzerland. Karin Appenzeller, on the other hand, was less fortunate on La Réunion and had to relinquish the lead in the Overall World Cup after the second task. Then Mr. Hitchcock himself took over and in a breathtaking final, Karin was able to took again the first place in the final classification. Ewa Wisnierska, last year’s winner, was forced to give up the defence of her title without a fight, due to an injury earlier in the season. Other outstanding ADVANCE pilots this year were Andy Aebi, who won no less than two heats in his first World Cup in Brazil, as well as the Austrian Heli Eichholzer, whose consistent performances consolidated his position in the World Cup elite. Among the ladies, Caroline Brille and Eliane Ueltschi were regularly to be found in the leading group. The entire ADVANCE Team congratulates all pilots on these achievements and wishes them a restful winter break. More Info: more pictures Results Worldcup Tour 2006: www.pwca.org ADVANCE Awards Back to: News