LAUSANNE - A Lithuanian stunt pilot won the Aerobatics World Cup in France over the weekend.
Jurgis Kairys, 52, won the world cup by collecting 30 points in the International Aeronautics Federation's 22nd Grand Prix contest, which took place in three stages over 2004-2005.
Second place went to Peter Besenyei from Hungary (26 points), and third place to Germany's Klaus Schrodt (24 points).
The first two stages of the contest took place in the United Arabian Emirates and the final stage in Lausanne.
In Switzerland, Kairys placed third among five pilots with 10.055 points; however, this position was enough to take first in the overall score.
In Lausanne, the Lithuanian pilot surpassed Pierre Marmy from Switzerland (8.315 points) and Nicolas Ivanoff from France (9.430 points).
Besenyei stole the third stage of the competition with 10.500 points, while German Klausas Schrodt placed second with 10.335 points.
The event in Lausanne concluded the IAF's Grand Prix stunt flying cycle of the decade (1996-2005). Kairys and Hungarian Besenyei were pronounced the world's top pilots. During the 22 stages of the IAF Grand Prix contest, they claimed seven victories each.
Lithuania boasts a top acrobatic pilot school. One of the most decorated veterans is former President Rolandas Paksas.
