Transcapixaba hike-and-fly, Brazil

Congratulations to Raphael Laghi, who came fourth in his first ever hike-and-fly competition, flying the LYNX 2. The Transcapixaba is Brazil’s biggest hike-and-fly event. It was held in the southern state of Espirito Santo: a 125km course with seven turnpoints, four of them with signboards where pilots had to land.

Raphael was first to arrive at the board at TP3, ‘Big Oven – check out the smile in the first photo!

The top four athletes were really close, all landing together at the final signboard as the day was switching off. “Three of them are monsters on the ground”, Raphael laughed. They ran the 27km to complete the course before the close of Day 2. Raphael hiked hard, finishing at 8am on day three.

Raphael was supported by Marcos Vinícius (who also flies BGD). Raph's race stats: 98km flown, 75km hiked. Special mention also to Jadilson Junior who placed sixth, also flying a LYNX 2.

19 athletes completed the course in the given time, the last finisher coming in on the afternoon of day 5. Others were still out there giving it their all when the timer stopped. As the organisers said, “Regardless of their placement, everyone gave their all and had a unique experiences. This journey represents much more than a competition – it is the sum of effort, strategy and overcoming dedicated to this stage of Transcapixaba.”

The event was beautifully documented by Arthur Oliveira – all the photos are his. (Guilherme Monstrinho stood in for Raphael for the podium).

Next year's Transcapixaba is going to be a biggie – some 650km. “I’m already signed up”, Raphael confirmed.

RESULTS

1. John Boettcher, 21h45 (17:45 day 2)
2. Ben Hodgson, 22h (18:00 day 2)
3. Kayña Rodrigues, 22h25 (18:25 day 2)
4. Raphael Laghi, 23h05 (08:04 day 3)
5. Rafael Saladini, 23h15 (08:15 day 3)
6. Jadilson Junior, 26h22 (10:22 day 4)

Photos: Arthur Oliveira @arthuroliveiravisuals