Summary written by Ruth Jessop
With blue skies, stable conditions and an easterly wind, an 84 km task was set. An imaginative route, took the pilots north, then a long leg south, with a turn point to take them out into the flats, was on the menu.
Manuel Quintanilla was on a mission from the very beginning. For many in the race today it was a game of two halves. Those that got a high-flying line at the start cylinder, got to the first turnpoint much more easily and had a significant advantage with leading points and position. The third turnpoint scattered the field and rewarded those who were able to pick good climbs coming back into and out of turnpoint two.
The leadout points were decisive in deciding the winner today.
Although Martin Jovanoski crossed End of Speed first, he was with the lower gaggle at the start and got stuck at the first turnpoint, and therefore arrived in goal with 73% lead out points. So, Manu’s 100% lead out point advantage won the day.
The first 106 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
02:25:14: Martin JOVANOSKI flying at an average speed of 31.0 km/h
02:25:15: Matt HENZI
02:25:16: Felix RODRIGUEZ FERNANDEZ
02:25:16: Charles CAZAUX
Top 3 leading point baggers – those who were in the lead the most
161.7: Manuel QUINTANILLA
146.1: Baptiste LAMBERT
142.4: Felix RODRIGUEZ FERNANDEZ
Top 3 in the task
1: Manuel QUINTANILLA
2: Baptiste LAMBERT
3: Felix RODRIGUEZ FERNANDEZ
Best newcomer: Ivan CENTA (24th)
Top 3 ladies in the task
1: Keiko HIRAKI
2: Galen KIRKPATRICK
3: Nicole FEDELE
Top 3 teams in the task
1: Ozone
2: Gin Gliders
3: Parastick
Just a reminder that the live commentary is now available in seven different languages. Our split screen facility allows you to follow the commentary, tracking and leader-boards at the same time:
https://live.pwca.org
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We have a photo gallery of all the pilots competing: https://live.pwca.org/photos.php
