The Sports Class Racing Series (SRS) returned to Spain at the beginning of September 2025, this time in the spectacular setting of Àger, Catalonia. The event gathered 132 pilots from 37 countries, including 119 men and 13 women, making it one of the most international editions of the series to date. After the successful competition held in Berga in 2024, expectations were high for this new round in Àger.
This year, Fly with Xirli had the privilege of collaborating once again in the organization of the event. After first taking part in the organization of the SRS Berga 2024, it was an honour to be involved for the second consecutive year, supporting the development of one of the most important sports-class competitions in Europe.
The competition headquarters were located at the camping site in Àger, offering services, facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for pilots and teams. This central location provided easy access to the takeoff area and served as the meeting point for daily briefings and social activities. Fly with Xirli contributed to ensuring smooth coordination and logistics throughout the week.
The main takeoff used during the event was Coll d’Ares, also known as Roper, situated at 1560 m ASL. With its large, south-facing slope and wide open area, it provided safe conditions for launching even with a high number of participants. The site is famous among pilots for its views of the Montsec ridge and the valley of Àger.
Registration began smoothly at the competition HQ, with pilots checking in, receiving their trackers, and attending the mandatory safety briefings. The strong international presence highlighted the growing popularity of the Sports Class Racing Series and reinforced its role as a key competition circuit for EN-C and lower certified gliders.
For readers less familiar with paragliding competitions, here is a short overview of how an SRS event is structured:
This structure ensures that every day is both a test of flying skills and a tactical game of decision-making in changing weather conditions.
Each task refers to specific challenges that pilots must complete during the race. These tasks involve flying to designated checkpoints in the sky or hitting specific targets in a given time. The tasks challenge the skill and dexterity of the pilots.
Despite some challenges with the weather, five official tasks were scheduled, though not all could be completed due to strong winds. Here is a summary of each competition day:
The opening day saw strong winds. Although pilots were ready at launch, the task was stopped before the start to ensure safety.
Again, the wind made conditions unsafe and the day’s task was cancelled. Instead, alternative activities were organised for the pilots, giving them the chance to explore Àger and its surroundings.
Finally, conditions improved, allowing the first official task to take place. Pilots flew an impressive 116.6 km route from Àger to Organyà, the longest ever SRS task. The day was technically demanding, with multiple shifts in conditions and a tricky valley crossing.
Unstable conditions meant that no valid task could be completed.
Pilots flew a 74.2 km course that began along the cliffs towards Vilanova, then across the flats towards Abella de la Conca, and finally towards Organyà. The day offered spectacular flying and tactical decisions on whether to use the higher or lower ridges, with varying wind conditions.
An accident put the helicopter in service, causing the cancellation of another day.
The final task opened under grey skies, and early launches proved difficult with weak climbs. As the start window opened, thermals improved, allowing pilots to complete a demanding course into headwind, with breathtaking views over the gorge and ridges.
Equipment preparation is essential to ensure safety and optimal performance during the competition. The pilots meticulously checked their equipment, making sure that all components, from wings to harnesses and flight instruments, were in perfect condition.
The prize-giving ceremony was the highlight of the event, where the achievements of the most outstanding pilots were recognized. The winners received trophies and prizes, celebrating their skill and determination in the competition:
Overall classification
Female pilots
Midweight categories
Lightweight categories
Standard class
Team competition
Final rankings confirmed the strength of the international field and showed once again the importance of both strategy and patience in sports-class competitions.
Throughout the competition, the atmosphere was positive and full of good vibes. Pilots and organizers worked together in a spirit of cooperation and respect, which contributed to a memorable experience for all participants.
The SRS Àger 2025 proved to be a demanding but rewarding competition, offering both challenging flying days and moments of unforgettable scenery over Catalonia. Despite the cancellations caused by wind, the valid tasks gave pilots the chance to test their skills on long, technical routes that highlighted the best of the Montsec region.
For Fly with Xirli, it was an honour to collaborate in the organization of this prestigious event for the second consecutive year, after first contributing to the SRS Berga 2024. Being part of both editions in Catalonia has been a unique opportunity to support the sport and its international community.
The event reinforced Àger’s reputation as one of the best paragliding arenas in Europe, and the Sports Class Racing Series España once again delivered a high-level competition for EN-C and lower gliders. Pilots and spectators alike are already looking forward to the next edition.
I hope you enjoyed this article, where I have shown my extensive experience in organizing paragliding competitions. Please feel free to contact me for more information about my personalized service as a paragliding guide. I am here to meet your expectations.
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