Espírito Santo, world-renowned for its hang gliding scene, has hosted major PWC events in Castelo and Baixo Guandu, and is now home to Brazil's largest Hike and Fly competition, the Transcapixaba Hike and Fly. The term "Capixaba" refers to those born in Espírito Santo, and the competition is a crossing from north to south of Espírito Santo.

This unique event has been divided into three stages: the first, in 2023, starting in Ecoporanga (northwestern border of the state) and finishing in Pancas; the second, in 2024, starting in Pancas and finishing in Venda Nova do Imigrante; and the third, in 2025, starting in Venda Nova do Imigrante and finishing in Ponte do Itabapoana (southern border of the state). In this latest edition, which concluded on July 20, 23 athletes participated and, over five days of adrenaline and resilience, crossed more than 200 km walking and flying. Among the competitors were athletes from several states in Brazil – Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Bahia – and from other countries such as Switzerland, South Africa and Argentina.

First place went to John Boettcher (MG), who completed the race in just two days. Second place went to South African Ben Hodson; third, Kaynã Moreira (MG); fourth, Raphael Laghi (SP); and fifth, Rafael Saladini (RJ).

Organizer Micheli Sossai shares:

"Besides the record number of athletes, what stood out most was the high technical level of the competitors. The first three completed the course in just two days, while the others finished later but all demonstrated excellent preparation for the crossing."

Building on the success of the past three events, Lucas Porto and Micheli Sossai are already setting their sights on 2026 with the Full Edition of Transcapixaba H&F. This epic challenge will last 10 days and cover approximately 650 km of breathtaking routes. Scheduled for July 15–26, 2026. This coming edition will once again see Ozone proudly supporting the adventure, just as in 2025.

Photos courtesy of Arthuro Oliveira