The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge has now wrapped up, with Nicola Scaife taking out top spot.

Mrs Scaife beat many of the best pilots in Australia and the world in a total of 12 tasks, including the current World (Open) Champion, Yudai Fujita.

Clement Seigeot of France took out second place.

Australian pilot and former World Champion Sean Kavanagh came in third.

The trio were presented with their prizes at a wet Cabonne County Balloon Glow.

Mr Kavanagh did all of his training in Canowindra and says he "basically grew up here". He considers the town a second home.

"I think knowing the town has certainly helped in the competition," he said.

"There are lots of really good international pilots it and when you come to an area for the first time, it doesn't matter how good you are, you'll still do well but it's hard to completely excel against good pilots with local knowledge.

"Yudai Fujita, it's his second year and he's obviously taken everything he learnt last year and is running with it so he's back where you'd expect him to be."

Mr Kavanagh thanked the Canowindra for once again making them feel welcome.

"We always feel really welcome and we hope the town enjoys having us as much as we enjoy being here," he said.

"It's obviously a really difficult time for the town and we hope this puts a bit of colour and light into a really dark time."