The Open French Championships took place last week, from May 26 to June 1, 2025, at the Chambley-Bussières airfield in Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Known as one of the top-level classic paramotor competitions, the French Open attracted many highly skilled French pilots, as well as several international competitors eager to test their skills and equipment ahead of the World Championships, which will be held at the same location later this August.

The event was directed by Pascal Vallée, who will also lead the upcoming World Championships, and was organized by FFPLUM. A total of 41 pilots participated across three categories: PF1 (solo foot-launched), PL1 (solo trike), and PL2 (tandem trike).

Over five days, pilots completed a variety of economy, navigation, and precision tasks, all under challenging weather conditions throughout the week.

French pilot Michaël Merle, flying a Viper 6, took the gold medal in PL1 – a significant victory for this highly experienced competitor.

In the prestigious PF1 (foot-launched) class, French pilot François Jaillet finished 2nd, and Italian pilot Pasquale Biondo claimed 3rd place in the Open category, both flying Viper 6 wings.

In the Espoir class, Johan Borel and Sandra Moreels took 2nd and 3rd place, respectively, both flying Viper XC wings.

Congratulations to all the pilots and the organizers for a fantastic competition. See you at the World Championships in August!

Results – Highlights

PL1 Category – Single-seat Trike
GOLD MEDAL - French Champion: Michaël MERLE – Ozone Viper 6

PL2 Category – Two-seat Trike
4th place: Glenn & Rose MICHELLAND – Ozone Triox 2

PF1 Elite Category
2nd: Francois JAILLET – Ozone Viper 6
3rd: Pasquale BIONDO (Italy) – Ozone Viper 6
4th: Nicolas AUBERT – Ozone Viper 6
7th: Stephane FONTANA – Ozone Viper 6
8th: Thomas RICHARD – Ozone Viper XC
12th: Jonathan HOBBS (Great Britain) – Ozone Viper 6

PF1 Espoir Category
2nd: Johan BOREL – Ozone Viper XC
3rd: Sandra MOREELS – Ozone Viper XC
5th: Enguerrand LAVEUR-BERRUYER – Ozone Viper XC
6th: Fabio GUERARDI (Italy) – Ozone Viper 6