After ten days of competition, the winners were determined: In the Standard Class, defending champion Max Maslak once again set the standard, finishing ahead of Patrick Benoist and Lasse Edslev; in the Club Class, the youngest pilot, 18-year-old Max Scutchings from Australia, claimed victory with ease, ahead of Nicolas Caudrelier and Nils Zitzelsberger.
For two weeks, the Aalen organizers treated the visiting teams to a championship in a class of its own, featuring challenging tasks, a high level of professionalism, and a great atmosphere. Bitterwasser Director Rainer Hog personally presented the prizes to the two young pilots at the awards ceremony: “Their performances were truly outstanding; the victory is more than well-deserved. I’m already looking forward to welcoming them to Bitterwasser next season.”
The world-famous gliding area was already the center of attention at the Bitterwasser evening on August 6: Stefan Langer gave an inspiring presentation featuring breathtaking images. Rainer Hog answered specific questions about a visit in detail and, as usual, with a twinkle in his eye.
The Junior World Championships were an all-around successful event, and Rainer expressed great satisfaction on the closing night: “I’m truly proud that we were able to present Bitterwasser as a partner and main sponsor in such an outstanding setting. The next season is just around the corner, and the two world champion Maxes will enjoy their time among the many top-notch and enthusiastic pilots.
The Bitterwasser Flying Lodge was the main sponsor of the Junior World Gliding Championships, where from August 2 to 17, 2026, around 80 pilots from 22 nations competed for the titles in the Standard and Club classes. The grand prize for the JWGC winners was a one-week stay at the lodge, including travel and an airplane.
Largely unnoticed by the public, the 5th Red Bull Global Aerial Performance Camp 2026 took place in Bitterwasser, Namibia, from April 21, 2026, to April 30, 2026.
A few videos and pictures on this page offer a glimpse of the athletes and their performances.