FAI has received the Hang Gliding and Paragliding World record claim: Free distance of 551 km using up to 3 turn points made by Michael Sigel from Switzerland in Caicó (Brazil). The current record of 476,5 km set in 2015 belongs to Charles Cazaux from France.

We have interviewed the pilot on his achievement:

How long have you been doing free flight sport?

I started when I was 15, means 16 years now.

What made you begin?

My parents had a paragliding school. I had to start!

Who were the people that inspired you in your life and sport?

At first Peter Lüti and then (until now) Chrigel Maurer.

What are your achievements titles before breaking a record?

I am PWCA World Champion 2017.

Why did you decide to break that very record in that very place?

Brazil seems to be the place to fly far. It is an amazing country.

What flying conditions make your record different from the previous one?

I think we just had more wind than Charles.

How long did the preparation take?

We were here in Brazil already last year. And today it was the first flight when we got here. The wind was strong and nice. After that, the wind dropped…

Who helped you most to get prepared?

For sure Fly with Andy and their perfect organization. And Dominik Wälti helped me to fly far that day.

What was the most tricky thing in breaking this record?

To push enough and don’t bomb out…

Tell us about those who supported you on the way (friends, NAC, trainer, local pilots etc)

The Swiss League and of course my parents, as well as Gin Gliders.

Tell us how it was to break the record. What was most difficult? Decisive? Unexpected?

No, there was nothing special. I was looking for the Start-End world record.

Any advice to pilots, interesting notice, some share of experience that you gained while breaking this record?

Have fun in what you do, you will fly far.

Update: FAI ratified this record on March 6, 2019.