Francesco Bortolotti – Italian Hike&Fly Sports-Class & U26 Champion 2026!

Congratulations to 16-year-old team pilot Francesco Bortolotti, who won the Sports Class of the inaugural Italian Hike-and-fly championships, flying the TIGRA.

He was the youngest competitor in a very high-level field of athletes, including many well-known Red Bull X-Alps pilots.

Strong and fast both on the ground and in the air, he won the Sports Class category and finished 7th overall. He takes the titles of Italian Under 26 and Sports Class H&F Champion 2026!

The Italian H&F Open took place from 23 to 26 September. The format was four separate tasks held at different locations on the four days.

23 Sep: Task 1, Sexten (Franz was 4th)
24 Sep: Task 2, Gsiesertal Valley
25 Sep: Task 3, Gsiesertal Valley (5th)
26 Sep: Task 4, Sexten

An outstanding performance at such a high level of competition, we are certain that Franz is going to go far in paragliding competitions!

SPORTS CLASS

1. Francesco Bortolotti
2. Simone Sassudelli
3. Tamara Lunger

Photos: Daniel Tschurtschenthaler / ITA Open Hike&Fly