PWCA - 2018 World Cup - Australia ::: Bright

2018-02-24 09:17

The conclusion is that we cannot safely task, or even free fly, from any of the sites within range of Bright so the final day has been cancelled due to the severe weather.

Our prizegiving ceremony will be held in the headquarters this evening - everything starts at 18:00 and there will be a meal for all followed by the trophy presentations and drinks.

2018-02-24 09:06

The morning briefing has a severe weather warning with gusts of 90-100 km/h and a high possibility of thunderstorms this afternoon. We have not yet cancelled the day but it is looking likely that we will not fly - more news in a few minutes...

2018-02-23 14:30

The wind is increasing and it is not considered safe to set a task today so the day has been cancelled at 14:27

2018-02-23 09:21

The morning briefing shows quite bad weather ahead but we are not yet ready to cancel the day. We will rebrief at headquarters at 12:00 to make a decision on a possible task.

2018-02-22 19:30

For a day that started as grey, overcast and not looking at all promising, the task committee did it again and pulled off a classic.It was all going well until about 80% of the field were dropped out of the sky at 40.4km but 19 brave souls battled all the way to goal.

The results are now available to view from the links above.

2018-02-22 13:50

The task is set - todays race is a 50.91 km Race to Goal The window will open at 14:00 Local Time and the Start is at 15:00

2018-02-22 09:34

From 19h onwards this evening there will be drinks and nibbles at HQ followed by a film and questions and answer session by Gavin McClurg. He will be showing his film "North Of Known", about his unsupported traverse of the Alaska Range by foot and paraglider, across North America's highest mountains. He coped with extreme weather, starvation, grizzly bears, uncrossable rivers and countless glaciers in one of the world's most remote and inhospitable mountain ranges.

2018-02-22 09:33

The weather forecast shows unsettled conditions with a high chance of rain here in Bright. We will wait to see how this evolves - we will rebrief at 12:00 to make a decision on whether to proceed to the takeoff.

2018-02-21 18:44

The weak conditions proved challenging and a lot of pilots landed a bit short of the line but 29 made the goal and a further 33 made end of speed. Everyone is now back at HQ and the results are available from the links above.

We start again at 09:00 tomorrow

2018-02-21 18:04

Everyone has now landed, what conditions will tomorrow bring?

2018-02-21 18:04

So today's winning tactic comes from Jouni Makkonen who has won the Bright Open 4 times, currently lying 4th overall in this competition and crossed ESS within 20 secs of Honorin today. 'In Bright you have to know when to be patient in weak conditions and on strong days only stop to take thermals stronger than 4m/s.'

2018-02-21 17:58

The winner today will get about 290 time points. The earlier you just missed goal, the bigger the penalty of being too optimistic and leaving that last thermal too early.

2018-02-21 17:28

If there are no pilots in goal, there are no time points. With everyone in goal there are 477 time points.

2018-02-21 17:28

Looking at the difference getting to goal or just missing it will have made today, let me try and explain.

2018-02-21 17:26

Don't forget the commentary, tracking, leaderboard and results are all much easier to read on the new World Cup App which, if you haven't already done so, you can install for the price of a beer (search for PWCA in the App stores).

2018-02-21 17:26

Shading along the course line really didn't help today and was the main factor in putting Gavin Mcclurg on the ground 3.6 km from ESS, oh and along with the fact that I was talking about him in the Commentary at the time!

2018-02-21 17:16

So far 25% of the field have made goal.

2018-02-21 17:14

There is a maximum of 67.5 lead out points if nobody gets to goal, 70 if only 1 person gets to goal. 160 if 70 % or more get to goal, rising to 162 if 90% or more are in goal. Therefore, until the last pilot has landed, the lead out points and thus the task winner can't be calculated and given in the Commentary during the race.

2018-02-21 17:12

Each pilot's score is made up of 3 parts. Time points (how fast they got to goal), points they only get if they get to goal. Distance points (how far they flew). Lead out points (how much of the time they were with the leaders).

2018-02-21 17:12

So how do the scores work?

2018-02-21 17:05

The north westerly wind in goal is quite variable with thermic gusts coming through. It has caused a lot of problems putting even the best of Greek Gods on the ground early, Manuel Quintanilla and about 20 others landed in the field before goal.

2018-02-21 17:00

Today's first ladies have just arrived in goal: Midori Nakanome and Wooyoung Jang.

2018-02-21 16:58

The winners gliders are measured every evening and a big thank you goes to Bill for doing that. Flying the task each day then spending all evening measuring glider lines - and never complains about it - and makes it that Ulric can have every evening off!

2018-02-21 16:55

Phew Bill has made goal 7 minutes behind the leaders.

2018-02-21 16:53

Bill Hughes is scraping along towards goal, will he make it?

2018-02-21 16:51

So to recap, back to those who have successfully crossed the goal line today: Honorin Hamard, Gareth Carter, Jouni Makkonen, Maxime Bellemin, Jungman Choi, Peter Slade, Simon Pellissier, Andreas Malecki, Cody Mittanck and Téo Bouvard.

2018-02-21 16:49

The pilots navigate to just scrape into goal having left their last thermal as low and as early as possible, thus a cylinder around the perimeter of the field instead of a line across the middle would result in them landing in the features which enclose the goal field e.g. a hedge, trees, stone wall, housing estate, river, busy road, barbed wire fence none of which are great places to land a paraglider!

2018-02-21 16:48

If you put a line in the middle of a nice, big field this gives the pilots an easy place to land after a long, tiring flight. If they just miss goal, as so many do, the chances are that they will already be in the goal field and still have an easy landing.

2018-02-21 16:48

For those of you wondering why we use a line for the goal rather than a cylinder as we do for the other turn points, let me explain.

2018-02-21 16:46

The first 10 have crossed ESS. Honorin has just landed in goal.

2018-02-21 16:44

Honorin Hamard on an Ozone Enzo 3 has got end of speed first again - he was first across Ess in task 1 too - what a machine!

2018-02-21 16:42

It's neck and neck between Honorin Hamard, Gareth Carter, Manuel Quintanilla, Maxime Bellemin, Jouni Makkonen.

2018-02-21 16:42

The leaders are all on final glide to the end of speed section. Their speed round the course is a major factor in their score as long as they get to goal.

2018-02-21 16:40

They also need to take into account the conditions: if the wind is behind them they'll need less height; into wind, they'll need more height.

2018-02-21 16:39

The key factors: the glide ratio of their wing (normally 12:1/11:1), their height and the distance remaining to goal. Are they high enough to make it?

2018-02-21 16:39

Towards the end of the race the crucial decision is how high to climb before breaking away for the final glide to end of speed and goal. This is the point where the race is won or lost.

2018-02-21 16:39

During the race it's very difficult not to be distracted by others braking away and instead concentrate on your own race and when you think it's right for you to brake way, this is especially important near the end.

2018-02-21 16:39

Greek God Manuel Quintanilla is leading the charge to ESS, south of the course line.

2018-02-21 16:37

2nd overall, Jurij Vidic is low but following a ridge in front of launch.

2018-02-21 16:36

They are racing in to ESS in all directions. Gavin Mcclurg has taken the ridge to the end and is coming over Bright to Ess.

2018-02-21 16:33

For what looked to be a relatively straight forward task at the beginning, it has certainly given a lot of surprises!

2018-02-21 16:30

Gavin has gone right to the end of the ridge but the gaggle behind him have broken away earlier and are cutting across the take-off hill which maybe the faster route to ESS.

2018-02-21 16:28

Yup Gavin, be patient don't give up - especially when you are leading the task as you are at the moment!

2018-02-21 16:27

Be patient, never give up. If you lose the lead gaggle don't fret. There will always be opportunities to reel them in, they always get stuck. Be patient, make good decisions and you'll find opportunities will come your way. "

2018-02-21 16:26

It's not worth getting hurt. Don't be a lemming. Comps make pilots aggressive and this puts them into dicey spots. Remember to be a pilot, make good decisions and before you dive into the Lee ask yourself if you have that move.

2018-02-21 16:26

No schoolboy errors. At every comp there are stories of pilots forgetting their ballast, not charging instruments, forgetting their shoes. Have your shit tight. Be organized.

2018-02-21 16:26

"You can't win a comp on the first day, but you can lose it." In other words- don't be aggressive on day one. Make goal, gaggle fly, don't be a hero. Day one isn't the day to charge. Get a score under your belt.

2018-02-21 16:26

Thought for the Thermal from Gavin McClurg - Tips for newer comp pilots:

2018-02-21 16:25

Gavin Mcclurg is at the front but low. He gave me his Thought for the Thermal today (a piece of advice from experienced comp pilots to the newbies) which right at the moment looks a bit ironic.

2018-02-21 16:21

On no Meryl has landed, not a great day for the leading ladies, Kari Ellis landed early today too.

2018-02-21 16:18

Gavin Mcclurg is looking in the best position at the front 490m above the ground, Meryl is 30 m above the ground.

2018-02-21 16:18

Chris Banford looks as if he is about to land.

2018-02-21 16:17

To get to ESS they need to fly north west, just south of Bright.

2018-02-21 16:16

Unfortunately Méryl Delferriere and Chris Banford have been flushed down onto the wrong side of the ridge and are struggling to get enough height to get back over the ridge to get ESS.

2018-02-21 16:14

Meryl was 9th Overall and 6th Overall in tasks 8 and 9 in the Super Final.

2018-02-21 16:13

Meryl has had what can only be described as a meteoric rise to fame. After her recent Super Final success, she is now known quite simply as 'numéro dix.'

2018-02-21 16:11

Méryl Delferriere got the turn point so efficiently and went into first place, go Meryl!

2018-02-21 16:10

Those who have got the turn point Méryl Delferriere, Chris Banford, Daigo Arai, Yoshiaki Hirokawa, Josh Cohn, Yoshiki Kuremoto.

2018-02-21 16:09

The leaders have got the last turn point and have 15 km to go north west to ESS.

2018-02-21 16:08

Right at the very front we've got 4 of the top 5 overall: Honorin Hamard, Jurij Vidic, Jouni Makkonen and Josh Cohn.

2018-02-21 16:05

Chris Banford and Byeongkuk Moon are taking a line right to the south of the course line.

2018-02-21 16:04

Marko was very late launching today, a tactic which seems to have worked for him. He was one of the World Cup originals, always up at the top, a very good pilot.

2018-02-21 16:03

Marko Novak is right at the front too.

2018-02-21 16:02

Right at the front from Gin gliders we also have Mr Moonseob Lim on a Boomerang 11 and Gin Genie Race 4 harness.

2018-02-21 15:59

Chris Banford is going right off the course line looking for a climb. He's on an Ozone Enzo 3 with a WoodyValley XR6 harness.

2018-02-21 15:57

The new Advance Omega certainly seems to be keeping up well this week.

2018-02-21 15:57

Patrick has been really happy to bring a new brand to the comp. He was nervous before the start as he hadn't managed to compare the wing with other racing gliders beforehand. He's been really pleased to see that he can keep up and is really looking forward to putting his new wing through its paces this week.

2018-02-21 15:54

Patrick Von Kaenel is next on the Advance RFC (ready for certification) Omega Comp glider.

2018-02-21 15:53

Chris Banford is storming ahead flying at 60 kmph across the valley.

2018-02-21 15:51

Chris has just got the turn point.

2018-02-21 15:51

Chris Banford is much higher on the ridge at 1098 m above the ground (actual altitiude 1619m).

2018-02-21 15:50

The leaders are taking completely different routes, Rafael Esquillaro has gone out into the valley and is low at 103m.

2018-02-21 15:48

The leaders are now approaching the 4th turn point (which was the first turn point on the first lap of this triangle!)

2018-02-21 15:47

The sky is now about one third blue, two thirds cloud.

2018-02-21 15:45

M. Umut Aktürk is in the lead, he was team Turkey for the Worlds in 2017.

2018-02-21 15:44

The British Paragliding Racing Academy has doubled the number of British pilots going to the World Cup and really increased the number about to take part for the first time. Their main emphasis is focusing on how NOT to make mistakes, correctly getting cylinders etc.

2018-02-21 15:41

He's practicing what he preaches today - right up at the front in the lead.

2018-02-21 15:40

Malin Lobb has been Instrumental in organising the British Paragliding Racing Academy, which aims to train up-and-coming British comp pilots.

2018-02-21 15:39

So having got back to launch they now have to do a second lap of the same course.

2018-02-21 15:37

Honorin's motto (taken from the Ozone website): Hold on tight! At 20m above the ground, you're still flying!

2018-02-21 15:35

Honorin Hamard came in on the Bright side of launch and has got stuck on the front side of the hill whilst the others have come in behind and overtaken him.

2018-02-21 15:33

The leaders are all getting the third turn point.

2018-02-21 15:31

And in case you thought you were seeing double, we do indeed have a Byeonghyun Yoon and Byeongkuk Moon!

2018-02-21 15:29

The two groups have merged and Honorin Hamard and Byeonghyun Yoon have sneaked off ahead whilst the others weren't looking.

2018-02-21 15:28

Staying on the east side of the ridge local pilot Brian Webb, Semih Sayir and Daigo Arai.

2018-02-21 15:27

In the lead chasing each other along the ridge Honorin Hamard, Byeonghyun Yoon, Zhao Zhenjun.and Phil Glutz.

2018-02-21 15:25

The leaders are all racing along the tree covered ridge back to Bright.

2018-02-21 15:24

For those of you wondering how to get into the comp scene, it is worth bearing in mind two of our partners comps. This year's Ozone Chabre Open will take place from the 30th of June to 6th July 2018 in Laragne, France. And the GIN WIDE OPEN will take place from the 7th to 14th of July 2018 in Ager, Spain.

2018-02-21 15:21

Martin Long won the 2017 Ozone le Chabre Open and was first male in the 2017 Gin Wide Open. Sorry, I just had to get that in, well done to Petra Slivova, one of our favourite ladies, who won overall.

2018-02-21 15:21

Martin Long has just got turn point two, not far behind the leaders.

2018-02-21 15:19

You will notice that we have five British pilots taking part: Martin Long, Malin Lobb, Andrew Williams, Steve Bramfitt and Richard Perkes. Just to explain to those for whom English isn't their first language, the Australians refer to the Brits as POMES, this stands for Pilots On More Efficient Speedbars'.

2018-02-21 15:18

There is a second big group about to get the turn point with Peter Slade, Louis Tapper and Malin Lobb.

2018-02-21 15:16

For what looked like a fairly straightforward two lap triangle this has split up into quite a few groups.

2018-02-21 15:14

The big decision here will be when to leave the ridge and cut across the valley, back to take off, before they start on lap two of the task.

2018-02-21 15:13

Now they all need to go north west back up towards Bright.

2018-02-21 15:12

Byeonghyun Yoon has got the turn point. Remember they just have to touch the cylinder and don't have to go right into the middle of it.

2018-02-21 15:11

Brian is one of the forefathers of paragliding here and very much the one to thank for establishing paragliding in Bright.

2018-02-21 15:10

Brian Webb is right with the leaders as they get to the second turn point.

2018-02-21 15:09

The leaders are scattering to find climbs. Gavin Mcclurg is going to the south of the course line. Maxime Bellemin is to the north of the course line.

2018-02-21 15:06

They are all looking a lot better now height wise having stopped to get high above the ridge.

2018-02-21 15:03

Simon is one of four pilots flying the new Flow Gliders XCRacer: Felipe Rezende, David Snowden and Zane Priebbenow.

2018-02-21 15:01

Simon Houston is also up with the leaders skimming 42 m above the trees.

2018-02-21 14:59

Gavin McClurg is the adventurer's adventurer. He spent over a decade sailing around the world - and may be the only person ever to learn to paraglide while living on a boat. He's a boat captain, expedition leader, climber and former ski-racer.

2018-02-21 14:59

Gavin Mcclurg has the most height above the trees at 46 m.

2018-02-21 14:57

I really can't look at how low they all are, this is nail biting. Chris Banford, lying in 4th position, is the height of only a few kangaroos above the trees - 7m!

2018-02-21 14:55

There is an awful lot of forest to cross, this could get prickly if they get low.

2018-02-21 14:54

Maxime Bellemin, Gavin Mcclurg and Honorin Hamard are in the lead.

2018-02-21 14:54

Well the leaders have made that first valley crossing look easy.

2018-02-21 14:50

Pretty much no wind today, they are just relying on thermal activity to maintain their height.

2018-02-21 14:49

The leaders are edging out into the valley.

2018-02-21 14:47

Now they have to ridge hop to get to turn point two.

2018-02-21 14:46

That's the easy, follow the ridge bit over!

2018-02-21 14:45

The leaders are just getting the first turn point.

2018-02-21 14:36

This first leg should be fairly straightforward following the ridge to the first turn point.

2018-02-21 14:33

Don't forget that the lead out points at this stage are crucial as they are more heavily weighted at the beginning of the race.

2018-02-21 14:31

Now they have to fly south to the next turn point.

2018-02-21 14:30

The Start is open

2018-02-21 14:23

Start is pretty much right above launch so they are all in a great position to take the start right on time.

2018-02-21 14:21

The conditions are just getting nicer and nicer as the Start is about to open.

2018-02-21 14:20

On a nature info front, there is a mix of peppermint gums and mountain ash on the 100% forest covered hills around launch. I think there were some spearmint gums at the start of the dirt track to launch too.

2018-02-21 14:17

Hang on pilots the heat is on, it's definitely getting sunnier, what amazing piloting skills staying up above the gum trees in zeros.

2018-02-21 14:13

The sunlight catching the tops of the gliders turning them silver.

2018-02-21 14:11

They are literally skimming the trees beside launch.

2018-02-21 14:10

The sun is beginning to break through the cloud, this task may yet be possible.

2018-02-21 14:09

The sound is difficult to describe, silence from the spectators holding their breath at this wonderful sight, the muffled sound of wind in the paraglider lines and the faint sound of varios not finding lift.

2018-02-21 14:06

On launch the spectators are all lying on their backs taking photos of the stunning colourful sight of 120 gliders turning above us.

2018-02-21 14:04

Local knowledge seems to say 'wait', 4 pilots are still on launch, Daniel Walter Arcidiacono, Rok DolinŠek, Dave Gibbs and Geoff Wong.

2018-02-21 14:00

There is very little wind today, what there is, is coming up the slopes.

2018-02-21 13:59

Comp leader Honorin Hamard and Aussie champ Peter Slade have climbed back up to take off height.

2018-02-21 13:54

The majority are directly above launch, more milling than thermaling.

2018-02-21 13:51

It looks as if they have got something but will it take them high enough?

2018-02-21 13:50

The 4 Musketeers are getting a climb, all eyes are on them.

2018-02-21 13:49

A group of 4 including Honorin Hamard and Peter Slade have got flushed and are painfully low over Bright.

2018-02-21 13:46

The top ranked task winners of all time here: Andreas (Pepe) Malecki is the leader (8), Honorin Hamard (4), Manuel Quintanilla (3), Yoshiki Kuremoto (3), Maxime Bellemin (2), Josh Cohn (2), Simon Pellissier (1), Chikyong Ha (1) and Kiyoshi Nariyama (1).

2018-02-21 13:45

To avoid the autograph hunters and paparazzi, shy and retiring Andreas (Pepe) Malecki has just laid out his glider on the now relatively peaceful launch.

2018-02-21 13:41

Those who have taken off are all managing to stay above hill height, just.

2018-02-21 13:40

Jurij Vidic is still on the launch, his technic today is going to be to stay with the gaggle if they are still in the air when he takes off a few minutes before the Start.

2018-02-21 13:36

Air G acro pilot Johanna Hamne is set up on launch about to join the pretty fabric broth above our heads.

2018-02-21 13:34

Can they all really stay up milling about in zeros for a whole hour until Start open at 14.30h?

2018-02-21 13:31

However on a positive note, they do all look very pretty above our heads.

2018-02-21 13:30

A Mystic bowl of paragliding soup above launch, there is so much milling about right above take off in very weak thermals.

2018-02-21 13:27

In the words of Dave Gibbs this so reminds me of the Ochills Open in the north of Scotland, cold and grey.

2018-02-21 13:24

Louis Tapper, Alex Yaschenko and Josh Cohn are just taking off, let's see what the best in the world make of these 100% cloud cover conditions.

2018-02-21 13:17

The parawaiting has turned into parawatching of the brave few who have taken off.

2018-02-21 13:15

The first competition pilots are taking off.

2018-02-21 13:15

The start in the air is at 14h30 which is in one and a quarter hours time.

2018-02-21 13:14

The 55 km task is going ahead, basically twice round a triangle to the south of Bright. Pilots can take off when they want but there aren't any takers so far.

2018-02-21 13:08

The task has been updated - todays race is now a 54.7 km Race to Goal The window will open at 13:30 Local Time and the Start is at 14:30

2018-02-21 12:57

One of the big problems here (apart from the creepy crawlies) is that, with so many trees between launch and the tree free valley in front, it has to be strong enough conditions for everyone to clear the trees safey.

2018-02-21 12:54

The wind dummies have taken off again and seem to be maintaining against the 100% cloud covered skies.

2018-02-21 12:52

The sun is trying to break through the cloud so a 54 km task has been set and is currently being programmed into 122 beeping flying instruments.

2018-02-21 12:46

Just a reminder that anyone, whether an individual or a business, can become a Paragliding World Cup Partner. To become part of our big paragliding family and help support the continued success of paragliding competitions around the World, contact the Paragliding World Cup Association.

2018-02-21 12:45

Just a reminder that the digital magazine, www.free.aero, did a great review of the Super Final and our partner's new harnesses which is still available for free on their front page in English and French.

2018-02-21 12:43

We also welcome Advance test pilot, Patrick Von Kanel, who is flying an Advance RFC (ready for certification) Omega Comp glider in this World Cup here in Bright.

2018-02-21 12:39

With nearly 30 years of experience, Advance are very well known worldwide. 'The incentive to repay the trust and confidence of pilots motivates us day by day with new ideas and leading products. With perfect service and a unique look.'

2018-02-21 12:38

Our other new partner whom we are delighted to welcome into the air is Advance.

2018-02-21 12:37

Flying Tree understand the importance of the environment for the paragliding community and hope that together we can create even more awareness of this wonderful planet we live on.

2018-02-21 12:37

Flying Tree constantly train volunteers and run seminars to recruit volunteers and encourage people to be environmentally conscious.

2018-02-21 12:36

Flying Tree Environmental Management are based in Trinidad & Tobago. Their main activity is environmental work including the use of Paragliders and Paramotors to carry out Aerial Reforestation and rehabilitation of sensitive areas in particular wetlands, fire affected areas and areas which are difficult to access, including control, monitoring and transport of workers and goods.

2018-02-21 12:36

Whilst we wait, just a few words about the World Cup's new partners. We are delighted to welcome on air two new World Cup Partners.

2018-02-21 12:32

A spot landing competition has just been suggested however it was pointed out that we have the entire Indonesian Accuracy team taking part in this comp. So the Spot landing suggestion was quickly unsuggested. Well done to team Indonesia who took the top 10 places in the 2017 Paragliding Accuracy World Cup!

2018-02-21 12:26

The parawaiting continues.

2018-02-21 11:53

A few technicalities about the weather. The high level of cloud has come in earlier than expected. We've had a long discussion about the correct terminology for the type of cloud and after a long deliberation have decided it is just 'crud'.

2018-02-21 11:43

Unfortunately we don't have classic blue skies today - it is distinctly grey in fact.

2018-02-21 11:41

World cup winner, Maxime Bellemin described it as having lots of layers of different wind strengths and directions making it very technical. During the competition the pilots will have to be very aware of the different winds and directions when choosing the fastest route.

2018-02-21 11:39

In general, the whole hill is a trigger point giving monster lift straight away and making a fantastic starting point for any number of interesting race courses. Narrow valleys make the transitions easy and particularly suited to big triangles giving lots of options for task setting.

2018-02-21 11:39

Just a bit about the town of Bright and its famous Mystic launch situated in the heart of the Australian Alpine Region which hopefully should suit a lot of the northern hemisphere pilots as well as the Australians who have been fans of this legendary site for many years.

2018-02-21 11:33

Overall at the moment after 2 tasks: Honorin Hamard (1357), Jurij Vidic (1341), Isidor Fink (1325), Jouni Makkonen (1312) and Josh Cohn (1295).

2018-02-21 11:33

'It was really impressive yesterday watching them streaming past goal. Really incredible how they manage to make low saves work. The speed in the World Cup is incredible. Amazing to watch them come into goal so close together, giving a rainbow coloured sky,' Meet Director, Heather Mull.

2018-02-21 11:32

Whilst the parawaiting continues Well done to the winners of task 2 yesterday: 1st Isidor Fink, 2nd Josh Cohn, 3rd Honorin Hamard. Top 3 ladies a mere 6 points separated 1st Meryl Delferriere and 2nd Kari Ellis. 3rd Gabriela Mettler. Top team:1st Gin Gliders, 2nd Ozone, 3rd Parapente Mag.

2018-02-21 11:30

Just an interesting historical fact, the last World Cup in Australia was held in Bright in 1998. We are delighted to welcome back two pilots who took part twenty years ago. Although they both learnt to paraglide on the opposite side of the planet, they have made a big contribution to Australian paragliding. Helmets off to Dave Snowden and Brian Webb.

2018-02-21 11:29

The view out into the valley is stunning, with fir tree covered rolling hills in the distance and a yellow glider floating about in front of launch.

2018-02-21 11:28

There is a lot of very tense parawaiting going on, but I can think of worse places to parawait!

2018-02-21 11:27

A provisional task has been set but due to the veiled sky making conditions difficult it is being changed.

2018-02-21 11:23

There is more cloud today so it might be a bit slower, this will really challenge the task committee today.

2018-02-21 11:21

Today we are at Mystic launch again fifteen minutes from Bright.

2018-02-21 11:04

A provisional task has been set - todays race will be a 76.57 km Race to GoalThe window times and start time are not yet declared - an update will be published when they are set

2018-02-21 09:18

The morning briefing has just finished - we are going up to Mystic launch again (same as yesterday). The weather is a bit overcast this mornng so we expect slightly slower progress but we should still get a good task. Breifing on takeoff will be at 12:00 and the transports will be leaving the HQ at 10:00 - more news at 12:00

2018-02-20 20:18

The weather held out for us today - unfortunately we are having some problems with some (not many) of the trackers but we are working on it. We got 76 pilots into goal today.

The last pilot has just returned and the results are now processed and available online from the links above.

We start again at 0900 tomorrow

2018-02-20 18:35

Everyone has now landed at the end of the most amazing day. With so many different route choices it made incredible viewing. It's well worth watching the animation on the Results page of the pwca.org website, click on KMZ to down load a Google Earth animation of the task, keep an eye out for Honorin doing an Honorin at the end powered by thoughts of Chardonnay from the local vineyard - enjoy!

2018-02-20 17:57

Honorin went to the west of the last turn point, to do his own thing, not being one to follow the others, he eventually got a great lee side thermal which after getting the turn point, he was able to very efficiently reuse on the way back which took him to 1700m. Powered by thoughts of chilled Chardonny he then legged it to ESS!

2018-02-20 17:47

One of the other big stories of today was Honorin Hamard whom we thought had given up on the task and was going off for a glass of wine at the point when we got in the car to go to the goal field. Very much to our amazement, when we got there, Honorin was coming into the field in 3rd position having over taken everyone by taking his own route! Let me explain.

2018-02-20 17:41

As for Isidor Fink's winning tactic today, the right frame of mind, brain working well and happy, (always helps). He loved the strong thermals and enjoyed playing with the different wind directions. On the final leg to Ess he saw a gap in the mountains in a lee side area which worked really well. In the lee of an obstruction like a mountain, the air can warm without being disturbed and forms a much stronger thermal. Note: please don't try playing in a lee side thermal at home unless you live in a bouncy castle.

2018-02-20 17:12

The top 50 have made goal, most of whom are now packing up in the shade behind an aeroplane hanger, which fortunately doesn't seem to be being used this afternoon as we were taking up their air strip with our check in tents.

2018-02-20 16:57

Just a message to Australian champion Peter Slade's fan club, unfortunately his tracker had some technical problems today but he had a great day and we think made goal in the top 10, well done Pete.

2018-02-20 16:48

Ronny Geijsen is coming in to goal to loud wolf whistles from girl friend Carla.

2018-02-20 16:42

Fortunately the breeze keeps picking up to blow the flies away

2018-02-20 16:41

There is a steady stream of pilots coming high across the goal field to get Ess.

2018-02-20 16:33

Local pilot Jan Tupy just skimmed the length of the goal field clearing the goal line by 2m, the crowds went wild when they saw he had made it. I think even the ants breathed a big sigh of relief, well the ones he didn't land on!

2018-02-20 16:30

Kari Ellis was one of the pilots who suffered due to the wind being off launch at take off on day 1, so it was great to see her have better luck today.

2018-02-20 16:29

Meryl was the 2017 Super Final runner up (and 10th OVERALL and ladies winner of the Coeur de Savoie World Cup) and Kari is 2017 Worlds runner up.

2018-02-20 16:26

Just a note on the ladies here who have just got to goal.

2018-02-20 16:24

The wind is light and variable but generally from the south.

2018-02-20 16:21

Kari Ellis and Méryl Delferriere have just taken Ess together, well done ladies.

2018-02-20 16:20

The top 20 are circling down into the goal field even the ants are scurrying for cover!

2018-02-20 16:18

Jurij Vidic was 4th across Ess this is going to be close in the overall scores at the end of today.

2018-02-20 16:17

Honorin Hamard was 3rd across Ess and is just crossing goal, what a come back, that wine stop obviously worked.

2018-02-20 16:15

Looks like Josh is going to make it, so well deserved.

2018-02-20 16:14

Josh Cohn is super low coming in.

2018-02-20 16:14

Isidor is circling down into the fried grass of goal.

2018-02-20 16:13

Isidor Fink was first across Ess and is just coming in to goal

2018-02-20 16:12

They are flying down wind to get to goal.

2018-02-20 16:09

The whole gaggle are flying over goal to get to Ess on Isidors trailing edge.

2018-02-20 16:08

Isidor Fink has just crossed the main valley and should soon be in sight of us waiting in goal.

2018-02-20 15:59

It's great to have new pilots taking part here in Bright for their first World Cup, welcome to our big family. Try not to be in too much of a hurry at the beginning. Concentrate on staying high all the time high, especially in the first kilometres of the task. Try to make the Goal-line because that can sometimes be difficult enough... And when you have questions.... come to the old guys, they will always have some answers and be happy to help you. Looking forward to cruising together. Pepe

2018-02-20 15:58

Today's Thought for the Thermal, comes from somebody who refers to himself proudly as an 'old Guy'. He's the top ranked task winner of all time here in Bright and has been doing the World Cup circuit since 2000: Andreas (Pepe) Malecki.

2018-02-20 15:57

To coincide with the new PWCA app, we are also launching Thought for the Thermal, a few words of advice each day from one of our more experienced pilots about competition flying.

2018-02-20 15:56

Andreas Malecki is also up with the leaders.

2018-02-20 15:51

Isidor Fink is slightly ahead staying in the hills.

2018-02-20 15:50

Josh Cohn is skirting the mountains and taking a longer flatter route.

2018-02-20 15:48

The leaders have got lots of thermal markers thanks to the following pilots to help them along.

2018-02-20 15:45

Task 1 leader Honorin Hamard seems to have got stuck just before the last turn point and can't get enough height to get it.

2018-02-20 15:36

They race to the End of Speed, that is where the racing part of the course finishes. After the End of Speed Section (ESS) they can land whenever they want in goal. If they land before goal they only get distance points. If they get to goal they get distance points plus speed points reflecting how long it took them to get round the course to ESS.

2018-02-20 15:36

For those of you wondering why the race always ends near a village called Ess let me explain. The implementation of End Of Speed Section (ESS) in about 2003 in competitions was one of the biggest improvements ever made in the safety of paragliding competitions.

2018-02-20 15:35

They are now racing south west with 20km to ESS.

2018-02-20 15:34

And whilst I was writing that about Josh Cohn he has taken the lead - my curse of the commentator evidently isn't working today!

2018-02-20 15:33

The sky is 100% blue not a cloud in sight.

2018-02-20 15:32

The wind in the goal field is pretty consistent SE around 10 km/h.

2018-02-20 15:31

Josh Cohn told me his tactic today would be to keep the leaders in sight, then push forwards towards the end, he must be thinking about that now for this last leg.

2018-02-20 15:27

Honorin Hamard has got a small climb and is getting up, the wine vibes from below are hopefully working.

2018-02-20 15:25

Isidor Fink is taking the last turn point to the east of the course line, everyone else in the lead gaggle is taking it to the west of the course line: Kiyoshi Nariyama, Yoshiki Kuremoto, Josh Cohn and Che Golus.

2018-02-20 15:23

Honorin is really really low.

2018-02-20 15:22

Honorin Hamard has clearly seen a sign for wine tasting in the next valley over.

2018-02-20 15:21

They are taking every route possible across the Pinnacles to ge the turn point!

2018-02-20 15:20

It's like watching a competition full of Yassen Savovs!

2018-02-20 15:20

Are we watching cats going round the course or paraglider pilots? They are all off doing their own thing again.

2018-02-20 15:17

Isador did very well in the 2016 XContest. With seven 100 km + flights in Italy (265, 241, 179, 200, 131, 114, 107 km) and three 200 km+ flights in Quixada in Brazil (214, 334, 222 km).

2018-02-20 15:14

Neck and neck in the lead in the dash north Kiyoshi Nariyama and Isidor Fink.

2018-02-20 15:13

The leaders are now racing directly north along a very conviently placed ridge up to the Pinnacles to take the last turn point.

2018-02-20 15:09

Shaving the tolerance zone means that in the case of a 50 km cylinder, you only shorten the task by a maximum of 0.2 km. Remember there is no such thing as a free lunch, you may end up paying a high price, everyone else getting to goal and you being scored back to the first turn point!

2018-02-20 15:09

With a 50km radius cylinder there's a 200m (in and out) 'tolerance' zone. Rather than shaving the cylinder, some pilots now advocate shaving the tolerance zone – a risky business – shave when you fly at your own peril – or at the very least take some plasters with you!

2018-02-20 15:09

A tolerance of 0.2% of the radius of the cylinder is built into the scoring system to accommodate the differences in measuring which occur between different instruments. The Cylinder Tolerances have changed for the 2018 season to reduce the benefits of playing with the tolerances.

2018-02-20 15:08

Needless to say, the object of the exercise is to shave the cylinder as closely as possible, but not too closely. If you don't cross the cylinder you will be scored to your furthest point along the course line towards the goal before the turn point you missed.

2018-02-20 15:07

Kiyoshi Nariyama has taken the 2nd turn point.

2018-02-20 15:06

They are approaching the second turn point just to the south of the Tawanga Plantation in several groups.

2018-02-20 14:54

Clement Hoelter has taken the lead in the hills to the south of the course line.

2018-02-20 14:54

To the north of the course line in the hills just passing Rosewhite Louis Tapper. Semih Sayir, Andreas Malecki, Jan Tupy, Moonseob Lim and Steve Bramfitt.

2018-02-20 14:51

To the south of the course line but in the flat valley are: Clement Hoelter, Alex Yaschenko and Alexander Robé.

2018-02-20 14:48

On the ridge to the south of the course line: Honorin Hamard, Ardi Kurniawan, Josh Cohn and Yoshiki Kuremoto.

2018-02-20 14:46

They have got a top up of height and are heading south east taking more of a flat valley route than those who have taken the ridge route to the south of the course line.

2018-02-20 14:43

After a brief meet up at the turn point they seem to have all gone their separate ways again. Jouni is leading a group following the continuation of the ridge north.

2018-02-20 14:40

Jouni Makkonen is also right at the front with the leaders. A real legend here, he was 1st in the Pre PWC/Bright Open in 2017 therefore got a Super Final place never having been in the World Cup before. Jouni has won the Bright Open FOUR years in a row (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018).

2018-02-20 14:37

Moonseob Lim's sandwiches are powering him along today, he took the turn point second. Korean sandwiches are the new power bar for today me thinks.

2018-02-20 14:35

This is like paraglider soup - they are absolutely all over the place, I have no idea why Alex is going further round before getting the turn point.

2018-02-20 14:33

Honorin Hamard is first to get the turn point but isn't necessarily the furthest round the course and thus lying first.

2018-02-20 14:31

Alex Yaschenko is in the lead 2km from the turn point. He got 2018 off to a great start by setting a new Australian distance record on the 1st of January flying a staggering 494.19 km - the equivalent of flying from Bright to Sidney or Tasmania!

2018-02-20 14:29

Task 1 winner Honorin Hamard from the Lands Au Dessus is right with the leaders coming in from the west to get the turn point.

2018-02-20 14:28

Those from the Lands Up Above are now pushing out into the valley too and are going for the turn point led by Andreas Malecki.

2018-02-20 14:25

Che Golus is with Ivan heading onto the ridge just before the first turn point. He took part in the 2017 X-Alps, (apparently, he sent off his application for the hardest paratrekking race in the world when his girlfriend was out for dinner one night!) unfortunately he had to retire from the race due to injury.

2018-02-20 14:23

One of the Down Under front runners heading onto the east side of the valley is Ivan Anissimov, he's been consistently in the Australian top ten for the last few years, currently 9th overall in the Australian league.

2018-02-20 14:18

It seems that we have the Continental Divide with the northern hemisphere going on one side of the ridge and the Australians on the other.

2018-02-20 14:17

There is a group behind him led by Eduardo Senger but everyone else seems to be heading for the main valley now.

2018-02-20 14:16

Honorin Hamard is right out on his own but leading the race.

2018-02-20 14:15

It's absolutely neck and neck between Honorin Hamard taking the route behind the hills on the south side of the valley and those in front of the ridge led by Louis Tapper.

2018-02-20 14:12

Although personally I could kill them as this is really difficult to keep up with as the pilots are going in every direction!

2018-02-20 14:11

Well done to the task setting committee: Geoff Wong, Maxime BELLEMIN and Gareth Carter.

2018-02-20 14:10

Great task setting splitting the comp up into at least 3 really distinctive groups right from the beginning!

2018-02-20 14:09

Task 1 was Honorin Hamard's first day flying in Australia, I'd like to put his win down to him having been the first to buy the new PWCA App however…

2018-02-20 14:08

Those straight lining it down the middle of the valley, mainly the local gurus, led by Gareth Carter, Dave Gibbs and David Snowden.

2018-02-20 14:07

Those heading more out into the valley Ivan Anissimov and Cody Mittanck leading an equally big gaggle.

2018-02-20 14:05

The leaders are splitting up into those staying high on the south side of the valley with task 1 winners Honorin Hamard and Jurij Vidic.

2018-02-20 14:04

It's worth bearing in mind that anyone getting low at this point is going to have a slight head wind.

2018-02-20 14:04

Simon Houston also on one of the new Flow paragliders XCRacer gliders is heading out to the flats a bit too.

2018-02-20 14:02

A few have gone more out into the valley, Ari Sahlström, Satsuki Hoshida and Ardi Kurniawan.

2018-02-20 14:01

They are all racing towards Mt Buffalo which I am told ALWAYS works - famous last words.

2018-02-20 13:59

There is a light valley breeze at the moment.

2018-02-20 13:55

Local knowledge of what will work when could win the day today.

2018-02-20 13:54

Low down, the valley wind will kick in once the mountains to the south heat up, drawing the wind up the valley.

2018-02-20 13:53

Wind wise we have a low down valley wind from the north and higher up the wind is the opposite direction.

2018-02-20 13:52

Some may choose to cross onto the other side of the Bright valley and go to the first turn point to the north west via the north side of the valley.

2018-02-20 13:50

There are a lot of trees around launch so they will probably want to go forward into the valley to avoid joining the koala bears chewing the tops of the gum trees!

2018-02-20 13:48

Now the route choices start. They can go along either side of the valley.

2018-02-20 13:47

There is not a cloud in the sky and very little wind.

2018-02-20 13:45

The Start is Open

2018-02-20 13:38

http://www.skysailormag.com.au/JanFeb2018/

2018-02-20 13:38

A big thank you to Skysailor Magazine for their article about the Super Final and explanation of how a World Cup event works in their January February 2018 magazine, available on line at:

2018-02-20 13:28

You don't have to be first to cross the start line but in the top third is good. This way you don't play catch up for the first part of the race which is tiring and stressful.

2018-02-20 13:26

The Start is really important, a good start is key and gives confidence and the right frame of mind for the rest of the course.

2018-02-20 13:20

They all fly south west to the Start cylinder and wait there for the Start to open at 13.45 in 25 minutes time.

2018-02-20 13:18

So what happens now that everyone has taken off?

2018-02-20 12:49

South Korean lunch time is apparently over now too, well at least Moonseob Lim has finished his sandwiches and taken to the skies!

2018-02-20 12:47

Virtually every one is off now, Jurij Vidic currently lying 2nd, is bringing up the rear.

2018-02-20 12:40

At the Super Final in Roldanillo Colombia, we had nearly 64,000 visits to the Commentary! Let's see if we can top that here in Australia, where everything (especially the spiders) is bigger.

2018-02-20 12:38

A big thank you to all those of you who have supported and contributed to the live commentary over the past year. Hopefully it's now much easier to read on mobiles and tablets thanks to our new World Cup App which, if you haven't already done so, you can install on any Android or iOS device (search for PWCA in the App stores).

2018-02-20 12:35

So many pilots have just taken off turning the App screen black I thought the sun had burnt a hole in my mobile phone!

2018-02-20 12:29

Today's task is mainly north and west of launch with Start opening at 13.45 in an hour and a quarter time.

2018-02-20 12:24

Moonseob Lim is staying in the shade on launch and relaxing with a sandwich but I promised not to tell big boss Mr Gin, so I hope he is not reading this!

2018-02-20 12:18

Jan Tupy is on launch looking very relaxed. He's one of Australia's big distance pilots.

2018-02-20 12:15

Andrey is a World Cup winner and one to watch.

2018-02-20 12:13

Andrey Eliseev is waiting calmly to go onto the astro turf.

2018-02-20 12:12

6 times Aussie champ Gareth Carter is about to take off into the blue skies.

2018-02-20 12:09

Launch is much more chilled today, a massive astro turf launch which if it wasn't on such a slope, would make a great tennis court!

2018-02-20 12:09

The task has been updated - todays race is now a 89.21 km Race to Goal The window will open at 12:15 Local Time and the Start is at 13:45

2018-02-20 12:07

A big thank you to Lucy and her team for some of the best packed lunches we've ever had, delicious chicken and mango chutney wraps for task 1. Picnic organisers the world over, please take note!

2018-02-20 12:05

At the moment wife of event organiser, Lucy Snowden is out climbing most of the comp pilots!

2018-02-20 12:00

The first competitors are taking off.

2018-02-20 11:57

The wind dummies are off and maintaining nicely in the perfectly blue sky, looks like a fantastic day.

2018-02-20 11:53

Window will open in 25 mins at 12.15.

2018-02-20 11:51

Well done to task 1 winners: Honorin HAMARD who is winning by a mere 15 points, closely followed by Jurij VIDIC and Jouni MAKKONEN, first lady was Meryl DELFERRIERE (11th overall) who all received Aloft t-shirts at briefing this morning. Top team Ozone.

2018-02-20 11:47

An 89km task has been set but times haven't been given yet.

2018-02-20 11:47

Oh, and then there are a few pilots from some of those less well known countries in the northern hemisphere, like Honorin Hamard, (World and European Champion and World Cup winner in Ecuador and Portugal); Andreas (Pepe) Malecki (2016 World Cup winner in Italy), Maxime Bellemin (2013 World Cup winner in Serbia), Josh Cohn (2010 World Cup winner in Chelan, USA) and Andrey Eliseev (2010 World Cup winner in China).

2018-02-20 11:46

From a sheer guts and survival point of view, (and let's face it there are some very big spiders around), X-Alps veterans Gavin McClurg, Chikyong Ha and Che Golus have got a lot going for them.

2018-02-20 11:45

Jan Tupy currently lying 8th in International XContest (flown on an Ozone Zeno), is also competing. To achieve the phenomenal distances these pilots are flying, they are in racing mode the whole way, great practice for a World Cup.

2018-02-20 11:45

Alexander Rob, winner of XContest 2017, who flew a total of 2166 km in just 6 flights on an Ozone Zeno, will be clocking up the kms in Bright too today !

2018-02-20 11:44

Also taking part: New Australian distance record holder, Alex YASCHENKO, who flew a staggering 494.19 km on New Year's day on a Gin glider.

2018-02-20 11:42

Team Australia came a staggering 5th in the 2017 Worlds, Kari Ellis (2nd lady), Gareth Carter (12th overall), Peter Slade, Felipe Rezende and Steve Nagle. My money is on them being an EVEN more formidable group of pilots when they haven't had to travel half way round the World to get to take-off!

2018-02-20 11:40

This competition promises to be a real battle of the titans with the Australian pilots having had lots of competition practice in the recent Bright and Corryong Opens. The Rest of the World have just had time to repack their wings and come here straight from the gruelling 10 day Super Final.

2018-02-20 11:38

In the Paragliding World Cup the pilots are normally provided with Flymaster Lives or Live SD which are not 3G. Australia has already switched off GPRS (as it is becoming obsolete) so the pilots will be using the much smaller (but just as efficient) Flymaster Tracker which works with 3G. The main differences are that they don't allow level calls and are not a flying instrument, but they do record the pilot's tracklog and give us 1 second live tracking.

2018-02-20 11:37

The trackers are being given out and briefing is taking place.

2018-02-20 11:36

Well done to the local Aussie organisers who proved yesterday that a bit of rain is not going to turn this comp into a non event. At the drop of a helmet they laid on several trips, the most popular being to Mt Beauty followed by a pizza and beer evening at Bright Brewery, I now know where the cast from Crocodile Dundee hang out!

2018-02-20 11:35

The last proper rain here was in December so they imported the Paragliding World Cup, the most reliable rain makers, capable of making it pour down in the driest of drought regions, a change in meteorological conditions known as The World Cup Weather Effect. It worked very well yesterday, we woke up to heavy rain, however the skies look much more promising today.

2018-02-20 11:34

Today we are at Mystic launch fifteen minutes from Bright.

2018-02-20 10:33

There is an official (Paragliding World Cup) event for pilots and staff this evening. This will be held at the Wandiligong Pub (4km out of town) - transports will be available starting at 6pm [call on channel 29] and will call at Crusties Campsite and the Pioneer Apartments - these will circulate constantly until approx 8pm. Beer and Wine will be availble (first drink is free) along with BBQ Buns - see you all there

2018-02-20 10:17

Today's takeoff will be the Mystic launch - transports will leave HQ at 10:30 and there will be a briefing on takeoff at 11:30 - we should have task details soon ater the briefing.

2018-02-20 09:16

The morning briefing has just been held - the weather looks promising but we do not yet have a decision on which launch we are intending to use. We will rebrief again at 10:15 to make a final decision.

2018-02-19 14:12

Pizza and a pint is available this evening from 5pm at the brewery - it is optional and will cost $25 - please bring your pilot ID card (no ID card no beer)

2018-02-19 12:36

Now available, the shiny new Paragliding World Cup App (for Android and iPhone).
Get it at the Google Play Store or for iPhone and iPad you can go to Apple Store.
The app simplifies access to the colourful commentary, revamped live tracking, leaderboard, pilot list (for current and future events) and results.
The app will make it much easier to follow each event on your mobile phone or tablet, wherever you are in the World. Some sample screenshots are below or, for more details, see the Article Here

2018-02-19 09:47

Today's forecast shows early rain followed by increasing winds and a high probablilty of thunderstorms in the afternoon. It is not considered to be safe to task in these conditions so the day has been cancelled.

2018-02-18 21:42

We had some tracker problems (the whole fleet is new and there were some 'teething' problems) but we have most of it sorted now. The results are now online and available from the links at the top of the page. [If they still show 2017 results then Ctrl F5 should help]

2018-02-18 20:47

It was busy in the goal field - we got 96 confirmed in Goal by the end. The scores are being verified right now and the results should be available fairly soon.

2018-02-18 19:09

Hening Paradigma has just landed in goal, bringing today's task to a close.

2018-02-18 18:45

It looks as if Hening Paradigma will be the last pilot in goal - if he makes it. He's about 5 km from ESS in the hills but given the time of day it's not going to be easy.

2018-02-18 18:36

Honorin really attacked from low down, he only took big strong climbs and didn't stop for little thermals. At the end he set off for final glide on 14:1 judging this to be enough as he had the wind behind him, a gamble which worked as he got to goal with 100m to spare a minute and a half ahead of Jurij Vidic. What a Sky God!

2018-02-18 18:33

Whilst we wait for the last few pilots to come in, let's have a look at today's winning tactic. How did Honorin Hamard win today's task?

2018-02-18 18:19

Kari Ellis, Gabriela Mettler and Louis Tapper are just coming in to goal.

2018-02-18 18:04

Georg Grieshofer is just coming in to goal and I don't think he's the last.

2018-02-18 17:43

In the hot Australian sunshine at the end of this first day of the Bright World Cup we have about 80 gliders being packed up in the dry yellow grass of the goal field and heat resistant insects being brushed out of them!

2018-02-18 17:32

The top pilots today seem to be: Honorin Hamard, Jurij Vidic, Manuel Quintanilla, Daniel Walter Arcidiacono and Jungman Choi. However we'll need to wait for the pilots to report back before we have the final scores taking into account lead out points.

2018-02-18 17:27

About 50 pilots are celebrating in goal, including 4 x Bright Open champion Jouni Makkonen whose tracker unfortunately didn't seem to be working.

2018-02-18 17:24

And still they come. What an amazing day after a late slow start.

2018-02-18 16:59

The ambience in the goal field is fantastic, lots of pilots congratulating each other beers all round.

2018-02-18 16:52

It looks as if first lady today is going to be Méryl Delferriere.

2018-02-18 16:52

A big gaggle are just coming in to goal.

2018-02-18 16:50

Byeongkuk Moon has just landed in goal.

2018-02-18 16:49

Greek God of paragliding Manuel Quintanilla is just coming in.

2018-02-18 16:44

Jurij Vidic has just landed in the heat of the goal field too, 1 min 30 seconds after Honorin.

2018-02-18 16:38

Honorin Hamard has just landed next to the goal tent, any one would think he's done this before!

2018-02-18 16:36

Jurij Vidic has come into view and should be with us soon.

2018-02-18 16:35

Honorin has just crossed the line and is spiralling down.

2018-02-18 16:34

Honorin Hamard has got Ess and is coming in to goal

2018-02-18 16:33

We can just see the leaders coming in to view of the goal field.

2018-02-18 16:32

They have got a light tail wind.

2018-02-18 16:30

It is nil wind in the goal field and mega hot.

2018-02-18 16:30

Jurij Vidic and Honorin Hamard are 5 km out from ESS neck and neck.

2018-02-18 16:27

Please note that the views given by the pilots in 'Thought for the Thermal' are not necessarily those shared by the Commentary team (who are very young and economical with the truth).

2018-02-18 16:27

His advice to the new, young pilots, 'please fly low and fast to give the older pilots a chance of winning!'

2018-02-18 16:26

Today's Thought for the Thermal comes from Marko Novak who took part in the first ever World Cup and is competing here once again.

2018-02-18 16:26

To coincide with the new PWCA App, we are also launching Thought for the Thermal, a few words of advice each day from one of our more experienced pilots about competition flying.

2018-02-18 16:25

So there is lots new in the world Cup at the moment.

2018-02-18 16:22

Paragliding World Cup Committee member Bill Hughes: I think the new allowance for RFC gliders is going to be great for the sport. It gives manufacturers a perfect venue to try out new comp wings, and with more companies producing CCC gliders, we'll have faster and more innovative advancements in performance and safety.

2018-02-18 16:22

The meet director receives all the documentation including the aspect ratio, chord lengths, tab positions and line lengths can be checked so there is no chance of getting crazy prototypes. RFC wings are strictly pre production CCC wings.

2018-02-18 16:22

The wings being trialled must fully comply with the current CCC regulations. They can't be some stupidly ridiculous prototype as in the past. Glider measuring will take place to check that the CCC ready gliders conform to the CCC regulations. This can be done by measuring the angle of attack and speed.

2018-02-18 16:21

From now on there is a great new opportunity for glider manufacturers. RFC (ready for certification) Gliders are now allowed to take part in Paragliding World Cups.

2018-02-18 16:21

Patrick Von Kaenel is on the new Advance Omega RFC wing.

2018-02-18 16:19

After Honorin Hamard and Jurij Vidic is Manuel Quintanilla followed by Patrick Von Kaenel.

2018-02-18 16:17

Honorin Hamard and Jurij Vidic are approaching the Ceccanti Kiewa winery where they will no doubt stop for a little top up before the last 10 km to ESS.

2018-02-18 16:13

However Manuel Quintanilla told me today that he is much more like a Greek God than Yasssen will ever be!

2018-02-18 16:11

Then 4 km back is Manuel Quintanilla, his style is sometimes likened to Yassen Savov who frequently surprises us with plucky route choices.

2018-02-18 16:08

Honorin Hamard is just behind

2018-02-18 16:07

Jurij Vidic is still in the lead following the ridge.

2018-02-18 16:00

The sky is still blue with a bit of cirrus high up.

2018-02-18 15:59

So they now have a 30km leg south to End of Speed and goal.

2018-02-18 15:53

Jurij Vidic has got the turn point too.

2018-02-18 15:51

Honorin Hamard has just got the last turn point.

2018-02-18 15:50

Jurij Vidic is parallel with Honorin Hamard but going more into the valley, let's see who's route works. Personally I'd go for the one with the least spiders!

2018-02-18 15:47

Honorin Hamard has got a 1 ridge lead with just a few km to go to the last turn point.

2018-02-18 15:32

From the safety of our air conditioned spider free car we can see Jurij Vidic and Honorin Hamard skimming along the tree covered ridge.

2018-02-18 15:29

Jurij Vidic is with the leaders, he is on great form at the moment, in the top 10 in 6 tasks in the world's last summer.

2018-02-18 15:27

On the ground there isn't much wind but if anything they have the wind behind them.

2018-02-18 15:24

The lead gaggle are just coming past Mongans Bridge and we can see them clearly against the only cloud in the sky, well we could if enormous insects would stop flying into my nose.

2018-02-18 15:17

Méryl Delferriere is right up with the leaders, her strategy today was going to be to follow Honorin Hamard. I think that was going to be a lot of people's strategy!

2018-02-18 15:14

Now they need to head back north to the second and final turn point, the leaders will have the stragglers as thermal markers to help them.

2018-02-18 15:12

At least there are no scorpions, apparently the snakes ate them all.

2018-02-18 15:11

The terrain they are flying over is rolling tree covered hills leading out into the very dried up valley. So trying not to think about the size of the spiders in those forests.

2018-02-18 15:06

Josh Cohn is right with the leaders.

2018-02-18 15:04

The first 7 have got the turn point, still very much all to play for.

2018-02-18 15:02

Honorin Hamard has just got the first turn point.

2018-02-18 15:00

2 km to the 1St turn point and Patrick Von Kaenel on the Advance Omega RFC glider has moved into second place.

2018-02-18 14:58

Honorin Hamard is still in the lead scooping up the wine points during the critical first leg of the race.

2018-02-18 14:54

Jurij Vidic has taken a route further into the hills and overtake Honorin Hamard.

2018-02-18 14:53

Honorin Hamard is doing what he does best leading out and finding his own route over this arid region of dried fields and vineyards.

2018-02-18 14:50

Elisa Manueke, Clement Hoelter are heading into the flats with Pete.

2018-02-18 14:47

Australian champ Peter Slade is heading out into the flats.

2018-02-18 14:44

Johanna Hamne is the leading lady at the moment, just a few km behind the leaders.

2018-02-18 14:42

Honorin Hamard told me his tactic today would be to follow Meryl Delferriere!

2018-02-18 14:41

We have a lead gaggle of 6, Yoshiki Kuremoto, Gavin Mcclurg, Honorin Hamard, Lois Goutagny, Teo Bouvard and Byeongkuk Moon.

2018-02-18 14:39

The main preference seems to be to stick to the ridge.

2018-02-18 14:37

Today's decision will be whether to follow the valley or the ridges.

2018-02-18 14:36

Due to the stop - go launch they are pretty spread out.

2018-02-18 14:34

The lead gaggle are now heading south to the first turn point.

2018-02-18 14:22

The last 8 pilots are just taking off so hopefully the problems launching won't have slowed the race down too much.

2018-02-18 14:20

The Start is open!

2018-02-18 14:20

The Start and turn points have cylinders around them to spread pilots out. They use their GPS to confirm that they have crossed the cylinder- they don't need to go to the point in the middle, just cross the cylinder around it.

2018-02-18 14:19

You can see the route the task follows on the live tracking. The line is the optimum route, they don't have to follow this but they do have to go to the circles (cylinders) in the correct order.

2018-02-18 14:17

Today the Start is virtually at launch and will open in 3 minutes.

2018-02-18 14:16

The task comprises a virtual start cylinder in the air and time, after which the pilots can cross the start, followed by turn points.

2018-02-18 14:16

Today we have very high cloud in a mostly blue sky.

2018-02-18 14:15

A briefing then takes place to explain the task and the weather conditions to the other pilots.

2018-02-18 14:15

Today's task is 88 km.

2018-02-18 14:15

So how does a paragliding competition work? A Task Committee of 2 pilots is chosen at registration. Every day the Task Committee and Meet Director set a task which should take the fastest pilot about 2.5 - 3 hours to complete.

2018-02-18 14:14

Just a reminder that Pilots are not allowed to land during the race to have a picnic, go to the loo etc, then take off again and continue the race. Once you land that is where you are scored to. If you have to land for safety reasons, as there is a problem with your glider, a problem with one of your lines etc, you must phone or radio the Meet Director for permission to take off again for the rest of the flight to count.

2018-02-18 14:13

We've had lots of pilots having to come back in to top land due to problems with their gliders which has really slowed down take off.

2018-02-18 14:12

10 minutes until the Start opens, fortunately for those stuck on launch not having managed to take off yet, the Start is only a few minutes away.

2018-02-18 14:07

The temperature on launch isn't helping when you are dressed up like an enormous black beetle ready to go to a Halloween party!

2018-02-18 14:05

However, the wind seems to be much more on to the launch and the pilots are taking off more quickly now.

2018-02-18 14:04

With15 minutes to the Start open we still have about a quarter of the field waiting to take off.

2018-02-18 13:52

The wind direction on to the nose of the launch rather than the take off is making it very difficult for the pilots to get off.

2018-02-18 13:48

In fact did you know that the termite mounds in Australia are the tallest non-human constructions on earth?Australia is home to around 4,000 types of ants and 350 types of termites!

2018-02-18 13:45

Those who have taken off have managed to get nice and high above launch - away from the giant spiders, all heading for the chemical toilet on launch at the same time as me this morning!

2018-02-18 13:41

Launch was briefly closed for a pilot with a broken line to top land.

2018-02-18 13:41

The task has been updated - todays race is now a 87.51 km Race to Goal The window will open at 13:20 Local Time and the Start is at 14:20

2018-02-18 13:37

The valley out in front of launch is dried out white grass in a wide valley dotted with green leafy trees enclosed by hills covered with forest.

2018-02-18 13:35

The cloud is dispersing which should speed up the frustratingly slow launch.

2018-02-18 13:34

In fact they all look like beetles with big black shells on their backs, only differing by the colour of their colourful helmets and the ladies who of course aren't sweating at all.

2018-02-18 13:29

A group of 7 are climbing nicely above launch whilst the others watch and wait in the heat of the launch covered waiting area.

2018-02-18 13:23

6 times Aussie champ, Gareth Carter is just laying out ready to launch.

2018-02-18 13:22

The first gliders taking off are struggling a bit in front of launch.

2018-02-18 13:21

And they are off!

2018-02-18 13:16

On the World Cup App (search for PWCA in the App stores), the Start is in red, the turn point cylinders are in blue and ESS is in Green. The 'Follow' button helps you keep up with your favourite pilots.

2018-02-18 13:15

To make it much easier for everyone to follow World Cup competitions, we now have a shiny new World Cup App which is available for iOS and Android devices.

2018-02-18 13:14

World, European and World Cup Super Star Honorin Hamard on his Ozone Enzo 3 will be battling it out against one of the Australian favourites for this competition, new Austalian champion Peter Slade, flying a Gin Boomerang 11. Pete came 2nd in his first ever World Cup task last year in Serbia and has just won the Australian Corryong Open for the second year in a row.

2018-02-18 13:13

So there is lots to look forward to in this competition.

2018-02-18 13:12

Advance test pilot, Patrick Von Kanel, will also be flying an Advance RFC (ready for certification) Omega Comp glider.

2018-02-18 13:12

On a new gliders front, we have Felipe Rezende flying Sydney-based Flow Paraglider's new XCRacer, an EN D 2 liner for both top level competition flying and bagging XC distance records. Felipe has qualified a couple of times for the Super Final but still hasn't flown in it. I don't think an Australian has ever flown in the Super Final, let's hope we can change that this year!

2018-02-18 13:11

The top 10 from last week's 2018 Bright Open are competing, will the order remain the same in the World cup? Jouni Makkonen, Josh Cohn, Cody Mittanck, Daniel Arcidiacono, Yoshiki Kuremoto, Alex Yaschenko, Peter Slade, Chin Chien Huang, Eduardo Senger and Kari Ellis.

2018-02-18 13:10

There are a lot of relatively new names to the Paragliding World Cup in this competition. However, don't underestimate them! Their scores and years of experience in Australia's Cat 2 comps the Corryong Open, the Canungra Cup and the Bright Open shows that the lads and lassies from the Land Down Under are going to be a force to be reckoned with!

2018-02-18 13:08

The window will open in 15 minutes at 13.20, with start 14.20.

2018-02-18 13:08

I loved this quote from one of the pilots taking part: Best trip: doing a heli-drop with my leg in a cast ... So you're picturing a beat up Australian bloke with corks tied to the rim of his helmet. Wrong as it happens, the answer will be given on the last day in the commentary!

2018-02-18 13:07

As soon as I started researching into the pilots taking part, most of whom, to be honest, I had never heard of, I began to realise that comps in the Land Down Under win Hands Down on interesting characters.

2018-02-18 13:05

This is the first competition of the year so everyone here is keen to make their mark on the scoreboard to get that precious top 15 place for the Super Final. The only pilots here who already have a Super Final place are Honorin Hamard (4th in the 2017 SF) and Meryl Delferriere (10th OVERALL).

2018-02-18 13:02

At the moment there is a lot of high cloud switching everything off, this will disappear but come back later on, but we should be able to fit a task in.

2018-02-18 12:59

Briefing is taking place for an 88 km task up and down the valley.

2018-02-18 12:57

It should be taskable today. Due to the wind direction we are at Gundowring which is a west wind site as it will probably get blown out at Mystic, the take-off at Bright.

2018-02-18 12:57

Today we are at Gundowring launch which is 1.5 hours north east of Bright, a stunning drive through the hills and vineyards.

2018-02-18 12:56

Welcome to Beautiful Bright in Australia for the first World Cup of the 2018 season.

2018-02-18 12:49

Its a fairly long drive to takeoff but we now have all the pilots at the top of the hill. We are expecting task details along soon and they will be published here as soon as we have them.

2018-02-18 08:57

Day 1 of the Paragliding World Cup in Bright, Australia has arrived - apologies for the lack of news so far (its been busy here)

The mandatory safety breifing has just been held in HQ and we are now preparing the transports to go to the takeoff at Gundowring. The breifing on takeoff will be at 12:30 local time and we will have more news then...

2018 World Cup - Australia ::: Bright

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