PEAKRACE ELITE – SPORTING REGULATIONS
1. ORGANIZATION
1.1 Organizer and Race Management
PeakRace Elite is organized by On Top – Le Parapente au Sommet, a non-profit association established under French law (Law of 1901).
The competition is registered on the French Hang Gliding and Paragliding Federation (FFVL) calendar and is organized in accordance with the FFVL framework regulations for Hike & Fly competitions.
The Race Director is appointed by the Organizer and is responsible for the sporting management and the overall safety of the competition.
1.2 Race Committee
The Race Committee shall consist of, as a minimum:
The Race Director;
A Technical Advisor or FFVL-appointed Technical Delegate;
A representative of the Organizer.
The Race Committee is responsible for resolving disputes, validating the official results, applying penalties, and interpreting or adapting these regulations whenever necessary.
1.3 Flying and Hiking Responsibilities
Each pilot is solely responsible for their own route choices, both while hiking and while flying.
At all times, pilots must assess:
Weather conditions;
Aerological conditions;
Their physical condition;
Their level of fatigue;
Their ability to operate safely.
Pilots undertake not to knowingly place themselves in a situation that could compromise their own physical or flight safety.
1.4 Postponement, Neutralization and Cancellation
Whenever weather conditions or any other circumstance compromise the safety of the competitors, the Race Committee may, at its sole discretion:
Postpone the start of a stage;
Neutralize all or part of a stage;
Modify the course;
Prohibit flying in designated areas;
Cancel a stage or the entire competition;
Replace a stage with a hiking-only stage.
Competitors will be informed of any decision through the official briefing and/or official communication channels.
2. PILOTS
2.1 Participation Requirements
To participate in PeakRace Elite, each pilot must:
Be at least 18 years of age;
Hold a valid FFVL competition licence for the current year, or, for foreign pilots, hold a minimum IPPI Level 5 certification;
Hold valid third-party liability insurance covering paragliding activities;
Be physically fit to participate in a multi-day hike & fly competition;
Accept the GPS live tracking system required by the Organizer.
Personal accident insurance is strongly recommended.
Foreign pilots may be required to provide the following documents:
CIVL ID;
Proof of third-party liability insurance for paragliding;
IPPI Level 5 card or equivalent;
A valid medical certificate stating that there are no medical contraindications to competitive paragliding and mountain hiking.
2.2 Required Experience
Pilots must be:
Autonomous in cross-country flying;
Autonomous in mountain environments;
Capable of flying safely in a variety of weather and aerological conditions.
Recommended minimum level:
FFVL BPC or equivalent;
IPPI Level 5.
The Organizer reserves the right to refuse any entry if the pilot's experience or skill level is considered insufficient for the competition.
2.3 Pilot Responsibilities
By registering for PeakRace Elite, each pilot acknowledges that they:
Are sufficiently trained and physically prepared to participate in the competition;
Understand the risks associated with paragliding and mountain activities;
Are capable of independently assessing take-off and landing conditions;
Accept full responsibility for all decisions made during the competition;
Will not allow their decisions to be influenced by other competitors;
Participate entirely at their own risk.
Each pilot also certifies that all equipment used during the competition complies with the applicable standards and is in good working condition.
2.4 Permitted Means of Travel
Competitors may travel only:
On foot; or
By paraglider.
Any other means of transportation is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the Local Regulations.
Competitors must comply with:
Road traffic regulations;
Private property rights;
Officially designated trails and access restrictions;
Protected natural areas;
Any local regulations or official orders applicable during the event.
2.5 Flight Rules
All competitors must comply with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and all applicable national aviation regulations.
Each pilot must be able to provide a complete GPS track of their flight upon request.
The following are strictly prohibited:
Flying in cloud;
Entering prohibited or restricted airspace;
Flying in rain;
Taking off with a wet glider;
Flying after the official flying deadline established by the Organizer;
Flying during official night hours.
The Race Director may prohibit flying over all or part of the course whenever safety considerations require it.
2.6 Penalties
Any breach of these Regulations may result in a penalty, up to and including disqualification.
Penalties shall be decided by the Race Committee.
Any pilot wishing to contest a penalty must provide evidence supporting their version of the facts. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to:
A GPS track;
On-board video or photographic evidence;
Any other evidence deemed admissible by the Race Committee.
3. ASSISTANCE
PeakRace Elite is an unsupported competition.
No external assistance is permitted with regard to:
Transportation of the pilot;
Transportation of equipment;
Carrying or portaging equipment;
Food or equipment resupply outside the officially designated aid stations;
Real-time strategic guidance or race routing.
Any assistance considered contrary to the spirit of the competition may result in a penalty or disqualification.
4. BRIEFINGS AND SAFETY
4.1 Briefings
A general briefing shall be held before the start of the competition.
A daily briefing shall then be held before each stage.
Attendance at all official briefings is mandatory for all competitors.
Briefings may be conducted:
In person; or
Remotely, using the communication methods designated by the Organizer.
All information communicated during official briefings forms an integral part of these Sporting Regulations.
4.2 Safety System
The Organizer shall implement a safety system including:
Continuous safety monitoring;
Communication systems;
Emergency alert and rescue procedures.
Whenever safety requires, the Race Director or their appointed representative may, at any time:
Stop a stage;
Neutralize part or all of the course;
Prohibit flying;
Modify the course.
4.3 Safety Tracking and Withdrawal
Each competitor must:
Keep their tracking system operational throughout the competition, consisting of both the tracker supplied by the Organizer and their own personal tracking device;
Remain reachable throughout the duration of the competition;
Complete any safety check-ins requested by the Organizer.
Any competitor withdrawing from the competition must immediately notify the Organizer.
4.4 Flying Hours and Mandatory Rest Period
The official start time, flying deadline, and mandatory rest period shall be communicated during the official briefings.
Night flying is strictly prohibited.
Any pilot still airborne after the official flying deadline may be subject to a penalty.
5. PARTICIPATION
5.1 Registration
Registration is completed online.
The number of participants is limited.
The Organizer reserves the right to select participants based on:
Their experience;
Their technical skill level;
Their suitability for the spirit and objectives of the event.
5.2 Entry Fee
The entry fee includes, but is not limited to:
Competition organization;
Live tracking system;
Official briefings;
Any aid stations or services announced by the Organizer.
Refund conditions are specified during the registration process.
5.3 Liability Waiver and Media Rights
All competitors must sign a liability waiver before participating.
By registering, competitors authorize the Organizer to use:
Photographs;
Videos;
GPS tracks;
Any other media content relating to the event,
for communication, promotional, and media purposes related to PeakRace.
6. EQUIPMENT
6.1 Mandatory Equipment
Throughout the competition, each pilot must carry and use the following mandatory equipment:
A paraglider certified under EN 926-2;
A harness;
A reserve parachute certified under EN 12491;
A helmet certified under EN 966 (paragliding);
A GPS device capable of recording a GPX or IGC track;
A fully charged mobile phone;
The official live tracking device required by the Organizer;
A power bank with a minimum capacity of 10,000 mAh;
Clothing appropriate for mountain conditions.
All mandatory equipment must be carried by the pilot throughout the competition.
6.2 Equipment Compliance
All equipment must comply with the applicable certification standards.
The pilot's all-up flying weight must remain within the certified weight range of both the paraglider and the reserve parachute.
6.3 Equipment Inspections
The Organizer may carry out equipment inspections at any time during the competition.
Any competitor found without the required mandatory equipment may be penalized.
Mandatory equipment may not be replaced during the competition unless expressly authorized by the Race Director following damage or failure of the original equipment.
Each pilot is responsible for ensuring that all electronic devices remain operational and sufficiently charged throughout the competition.
7. COURSE FORMAT, SCORING AND RANKINGS
7.1 Course
PeakRace Elite is a multi-stage hike & fly competition.
Each day's course is defined according to the prevailing weather and aerological conditions.
The Organizer may designate mandatory turnpoints that all competitors must reach.
7.2 Rankings
The official rankings are established based on:
Validated GPS tracks;
Official elapsed times;
Any specific rules announced during the official briefings.
The following classifications are planned:
PeakRace Elite Overall Classification;
Women's Classification.
Prize money may be awarded. The amount and distribution of any prize money shall be determined and announced by the Organizer before the start of the competition.
7.3 Scoring
The overall classification is established by adding together the elapsed times of all valid stages.
At the end of each stage, a stage ranking is established and a Stage Winner is declared.
The winner of PeakRace Elite is the competitor with the lowest cumulative elapsed time after all valid stages.
7.4 Stage Coefficient
If an entire stage is completed exclusively on foot, with no section of the course being flyable for any competitor, the Organizer may apply a weighting coefficient between 0.50 and 0.90 to the elapsed time of that stage.
The applicable coefficient shall be announced before the start of the stage and shall apply equally to all competitors.
The purpose of this coefficient is to reduce the impact of a hiking-only stage on the overall classification.
8. ANTI-DOPING, ETHICS AND ENVIRONMENT
8.1 Anti-Doping
As with all competitive sports, paragliding competitions are subject to the applicable French anti-doping regulations.
The use of prohibited substances or methods is strictly forbidden.
8.2 Cheating and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Any form of cheating or behaviour intended to artificially influence the competition is prohibited.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Unauthorized external assistance;
Manipulation or falsification of GPS tracks;
False declarations;
Deliberate violation of these Sporting Regulations.
Any infringement may result in disciplinary action, including immediate disqualification.
8.3 Environmental Responsibility
Competitors undertake to:
Leave no litter;
Respect wildlife and vegetation;
Minimize their environmental impact;
Respect all natural areas crossed during the competition.
Any dangerous, disrespectful, or unethical behaviour that is contrary to the spirit of free flight or the values of the competition may result in exclusion from the event.
9. INTERPRETATION OF THE REGULATIONS
The Race Director and the Race Committee are responsible for the interpretation and application of these Sporting Regulations.
Any situation not expressly covered by these Regulations shall be decided by the Race Committee, whose decision shall be final.
The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Regulations at any time before or during the competition if necessary for safety, fairness, or the proper conduct of the event.
Any amendments will be communicated to all competitors through the official briefing and/or official communication channels.
SPORTING REGULATIONS – PEAKRACE MINI
1. ORGANISATION
1.1 Organiser and Competition Director
The PeakRace Mini is organised by On Top – Le Parapente au Sommet (French non-profit association).
The competition is registered on the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL) competition calendar and is organised in accordance with the FFVL Hike & Fly Competition Regulations.
A Competition Director is appointed by the organiser and is responsible for the sporting management and the overall safety of the event.
1.2 Competition Format
The PeakRace Mini is an accessible hike & fly competition designed to introduce pilots to competitive hike & fly in a safe, friendly and enjoyable environment.
Depending on weather conditions, the competition may include:
one or more stages,
mandatory turnpoints,
hiking and flying sections,
courses adapted to the conditions and the participants' skill level,
a spot landing challenge.
1.3 Postponement, Neutralisation or Cancellation
If weather conditions or any other circumstance compromise the safety of the participants, the Race Committee may:
postpone the start,
modify the course,
neutralise part of the course,
prohibit flying,
cancel a stage or the entire event.
2. PILOTS
2.1 Eligibility
To participate in the PeakRace Mini, each pilot must:
be at least 18 years of age,
hold a valid FFVL licence, or for foreign pilots, provide proof of third-party liability insurance covering paragliding,
be fully autonomous in take-off and landing,
be physically fit to participate in a hike & fly competition.
Personal accident insurance is strongly recommended.
2.2 Required Experience
The PeakRace Mini is intended for autonomous pilots who wish to discover or enjoy hike & fly competition.
Recommended minimum qualification:
French Pilot Certificate (Brevet de Pilote) or an equivalent national qualification.
The organiser reserves the right to refuse an entry if a pilot's experience or skill level is considered insufficient.
2.3 Pilot Responsibilities
By registering for the competition, each pilot acknowledges that they:
understand the risks associated with paragliding and mountain activities,
participate entirely at their own risk,
possess the technical skills required for the event,
accept full responsibility for all decisions made while hiking and flying.
2.4 Rules of Movement
Competitors may travel only:
on foot,
or by paraglider.
Any other means of transportation is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the organiser.
Competitors must comply with:
local traffic regulations,
private property rights,
designated hiking trails,
protected natural areas.
2.5 Flight Rules
All competitors must comply with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and all applicable aviation regulations.
The following are strictly prohibited:
flying in cloud,
entering prohibited or restricted airspace,
night flying.
The Competition Director may prohibit flying on all or part of the course if deemed necessary for safety reasons.
3. ASSISTANCE
Outside assistance is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the organiser.
The transportation of the pilot or any of their equipment by motorised vehicle is strictly prohibited.
4. BRIEFINGS AND SAFETY
4.1 Briefings
A general safety briefing will be held before the start of the competition.
Attendance is mandatory for all competitors.
All information provided during the briefings forms an integral part of these Sporting Regulations.
4.2 Safety
The organiser will implement a safety system including:
continuous safety monitoring,
communication systems,
the ability to alert and coordinate emergency services.
The Competition Director may modify, suspend or stop the competition at any time if required for safety reasons.
4.3 Safety Tracking and Withdrawal
Each pilot must:
carry a functioning means of communication at all times,
complete any safety check-ins required by the organiser,
immediately notify the organiser if they withdraw from the competition.
5. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
5.1 Mandatory Equipment
Each pilot must carry at least the following equipment throughout the competition:
an EN 926-2 certified paraglider,
a harness,
a certified reserve parachute,
an EN 966 certified helmet (paragliding),
a fully charged mobile phone,
a GPS device or smartphone capable of recording a GPS track,
a sufficient water supply,
clothing suitable for the expected weather and mountain conditions.
The organiser may require additional mandatory equipment depending on the weather conditions or the specific course.
5.2 Equipment Checks
Random equipment checks may be carried out at any time during the competition.
Any pilot found without the required mandatory equipment may receive a penalty.
6. COURSE AND SCORING
The course(s) will be defined by the organiser according to the weather and flying conditions.
Mandatory turnpoints or checkpoints may be included.
The results will be based on:
validated GPS tracks,
official timing,
the rules communicated during the daily briefings.
The primary objective of the PeakRace Mini is to encourage pilots to discover hike & fly racing, develop their skills, and enjoy the experience in a safe and friendly environment.
7. DOPING, FAIR PLAY AND ENVIRONMENT
7.1 Doping
The use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances is strictly forbidden.
7.2 Environmental Protection
All participants agree to:
leave no litter,
respect the natural environment,
behave responsibly and respectfully towards other competitors, landowners, and the environment.
Any dangerous, unsportsmanlike, or disrespectful behaviour may result in penalties or exclusion from the competition.
