Today’s race took the pilots on a route northeast of Pegalajar.
It proved difficult to get high at the start. However, on the way to turn point 1 the conditions improved, despite the cross wind. This made it important to stay up wind where there was a buoyant line which worked better than those who chose a route to the east of the course line.
From turn point 1 to 2 everyone followed a shallow ridge where quite a lot of pilots landed in the sink between the lift cycles.
Turn point 2 to 3 was an into wind leg north with nice clouds, but the pilots had to connect to them, which wasn’t always easy. Therefore, to the west of the optimum line was the best route and many pilots reported flying with birds of prey and hawks.
There was great convergence just before the last turn point, however that didn’t make it all plain sailing to Goal. Goal was on a ridge, so those who came in low, below the ridge, had a final stressful moment. Most eventually made goal in the Aerodromo de Beas de Segura.
In general, it was lovely flying with beautiful scenery unless you got low. Staying up wind was key all day. It was great to have yet another completely different task as the pilots ventured into new territory after turn point 2.
Today’s race dramatically changed the scores, so we now have two pilots in first equal position. With two tasks remaining, Baptiste Lambert joins Andy Tallia on the top spot. Violeta Jimenez keeps her first place in the ladies’ ranking and Ozone are now top of the team’s scoreboard.
The first 70 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 02:23:49: François CORMIER flying at an average speed of 40.7 km/h 02:23:53: Baptiste LAMBERT 02:23:58: José JIMéNEZ BELDA
Top 3 leading point baggers – those who were in the lead the most 159.9: Yassen SAVOV 145.5: Jonathan MARIN 145.1: José JIMéNEZ BELDA
Top 3 in the task 1: José JIMéNEZ BELDA (NEWCOMER) 2: Baptiste LAMBERT 3: Julien WIRTZ
Top 3 ladies in the task 1: Kari ELLIS 2: Violeta JIMENEZ 3: Atsuko YAMASHITA
Top 3 teams in the task 1: Ozone 2: Niviuk 1 3: Niviuk 2
In the team competition the top two pilots in each team are scored and the second one gives the ranking. The highest placed second team pilot was Julien WIRTZ flying for team Ozone.
