We spoke to our two winners, Petr Kožíšek from the Czech Republic, who won the up-to-EN B class on his UP Kibo, and José "Nacho" Robledo from Spain, who won the EN C class on his Trango XC3. Here's what they had to share:

UP: Hi Guys! We'd like to congratulate you both on a fine season! Tell us, did you guys go specifically for the grand trophy in the UP XC-Fever, or was the new glider simply an added bonus to a fine flying season?

Nacho: Well I must admit that I have been aiming quite specifically for this outcome ever since Jürgen Bott (UP Spain) told me about the UP XC-Fever. My home flying site is very reliable, with very many flying days/year, and quite good for flying good distances too (Nacho flies in Andalucia, close to the medieval town of Ronda). So, when I read the rules I realised that I had a good chance of mixing with the winners :-)

Petr: When I was considering a new glider for the last season, both Kibo and Summit were in the scope. As I noticed UP XC Fever in February and with sniffing some chance to win, the decision was much easier!

UP: So, Petr, you flew the Kibo for the entire 2016 season, and must know it quite well by now. What can you tell a budding XC pilot about this wing, compared to other wings in the same segment (if you know any)?

Petr: I have tried several EN-B gliders before. Compared to others, on the Kibo I felt very safe at max speed. Thanks to that I have learned to fly faster. I see Kibo as a perfectly balanced glider for pilots starting on serious cross country flights.

UP: Nacho, just like Petr you flew the entire season on the Trango XC3. What can you tell us about that wing?

Nacho: In my opinion, the Trango is a smidgen more demanding to fly than some other EN C gliders, but the safety is better! I think that thermalling to its full potential requires an experienced pilot, probably due to the high aspect ratio, but in a straight line it is better than all the others, not least at speed!

UP: Great! And to both of you; are there any special memories from this season that you would like to share with us?

Petr: On the way back from the Czech and Slovak Open in Italy, we planned just a short flight from Bischling. This 'short flight' turned out to be so great that we made it all the way to the Dachstein rocks, with monumental views, and surprisingly for us, also with monumental thermals. While flying back from Stoderzinken we decided to jump across to the other side of the valley, and this worked great as well! Me and my friend Vitek made our first FAI 100, it was an unplanned success and a real pleasure for our flying hearts!

Nacho: The Trango XC3 has given me many great moments. It has allowed me to expand the triangles and open up new routes in my home flying arena. I can honestly say that this wing hasn't given me any negative moments, unlike some of the other wings I have flown in the past!

UP: That sounds great you two. Now tell me, what wings have you chosen for yourselves now that the UP warehouse was wide open for you, following these well-deserved victories?

Petr: I have gone for a Summit XC4. I was already considering a Summit last year, when I finally decided to get the Kibo instead, but now where I have more than 200 extra hours under my belt I feel certain that I'm ready for the next level.

Nacho: I have chosen the Trango X-Race. I spoke to my friend Annalena (UP staff who speaks Spanish like a native) and she told me that it was similar to the XC3, but with better performance and more stability at high speeds. This made the choice easy for me, as I want to concentrate on expanding the triangles even further, and maybe go for some Spanish records next season...

Petr: For my 2017 season, there is just one big goal: To fly in a PWC:-) My girlfriend wants to come too, not to compete but to fly new locations etc. – it'll be great!

UP: THANK YOU both for participating in the XC-Fever, congratulations and we wish you both LOTS of great flying with your new wings in 2017!

Get the full results here:

http://www.xcontest.org/2016/world/en/ranking-up-fever-class-1/

http://www.xcontest.org/2016/world/en/ranking-up-fever-class-2/

In the gallery below are a few more images from José "Nacho" Robledo - looks like a nice home spot!