Today was the best day of the week for most pilots. There was lots of convergence and good climbs. 

There was a lot of shade in the flats around the second turn point but this didn’t affect those who were high. It was like flying a sailplane: gliding on, with no need to stop and turn. 

Everyone enjoyed seeing a new area. There was a great mix of scenery along the 94 km route. The race started in the flats, then had a decisive mountain crossing, followed by flats at the end. 

The crux came when they connected with the low hills after the flats. Those ahead missed a cycle and got a toboggan ride down low and got a bit stuck.  Those behind took a slightly different route, climbed and pushed on.  When they got to the hills south of the reservoir the gaggles split.  Felix Rodriguez went much further south. He got a great climb (5m/s) on a sunny east facing slope on Baba Mountain, good enough to get him into goal in orbit. 

There were big changes in landscape and stunning views today. Good use was made of the whole area. For those who didn’t manage to keep up with the leaders, it was still a very enjoyable cross country flying day.

A final word from Felix: Many congratulations to the task committee for setting such an innovative task: Idris Birch, Martin Jovanoski and Charles Cazaux. More of the same again tomorrow please! 

The first 92 pilots made goal, and thus all flew the same distance, and gained the same distance points. Today’s winner is therefore the one with a combination of the best speed points and lead out points. 

Top 3 speed point winners – the fastest pilots round the course
02:10:45: Felix RODRIGUEZ FERNANDEZ flying at an average speed of 39.7 km/h
02:11:52: Baptiste LAMBERT
02:11:57: Marc WENSAUER

Top 3 leading point baggers – those who were in the lead the most
160.9: Michael SOMMERAUER
153.5: Russell OGDEN
153.2: Baptiste LAMBERT
 

Top 3 in the task
1: Felix RODRIGUEZ FERNANDEZ
2: Baptiste LAMBERT
3: Marc WENSAUER

Best newcomer: Hiroaki KOBAYASHI (10th)

Top 3 ladies in the task
1: Constance METTETAL
2: Kirsty CAMERON
3: Keiko HIRAKI

Top 3 teams in the task
1: Ozone
2: Davinci Gliders
3: Gin Gliders

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