This will be written in haste as low battery on laptop, no doubt to be re-written in less haste later on.
Pilot briefing at 08h30 at HQ followed by the departure of the shuttles in one fell swoop to take off at 09h00. Because of the predicted storm clouds bringing rain by 14h00, the task had to be set, race started and finished with all pilots on the ground by this time.
The task committee already had a short task in mind, a race to goal, but after waiting on take off for a further 60mins, realised that the task would be impossible unless some changes were made. With high cirrus shrouding the hill and the entire valley in cloud, and no thermal activity, with a slight breeze on the hill from the valley, it didn't look promising and everyone anticipated the field would be able to manage take off with a 10k glide towards the first turn point before landing, conditions were so poor at this stage.
Still, time was ticking and after considering all the possible options, cylinders were chopped short and the race to goal was changed for an Elapsed Time.
With the wind dummy barely able to maintain at ridge height in weak lift, we all looked out and wondered how this task would be possible apart from a 10km each-glide towards the first turn point.
No sun, no thermal activity and a weak valley breeze, but the race was on.
Taking off amongst one of the first pilots, I was lucky and happened to fly into a decent climb from no where just in front of launch. "S"-bending until it turned into a 1m/s up, I eased out each turn and patience played the game.
4 gliders ahead of me having climbed elsewhere, my decision was to go as soon as possible before conditions worsened. Maintaining a decent speed without losing too much height, the task was pretty much a three-thermal race.
Topping up on the spurs of each hill before taking the transition to the turn points was key to staying airborne.
After just over an hour, the heat of the day gave way to clearer warmer skies and the sun suddenly popped through the cirrus to heat the hills. The second part of the race was faster as thermals punched through the moist air and wind guided us to each ridge to top up.
Playing safe, I took the last climb with two additional turns, allowing a few pilots from the back through who wanted to risk the ESS and Goal low. One of them turned back after pushing forwards a couple of kilometres and getting stuck on a nil-lift ridge, the other, Robert Van d B, carried on, pushing forward in blips of lift, arriving in goal with some 40m to spare. Risky, and too daring for me, but it paid off for him with a tidy result.
I came cruised into goal with 120m to spare but not my heart in my throat, others landed by the river bed unable to take a last climb. Some waited on the Kobarid ridge for some decent thermals to kick in before finishing the race, which meant that over half the field got to goal.
My 11th place today, guaranteed an good overall result, but that was not to be known until later. I love the suspense of an Elapsed Time!
So, the final results were posted just before 6pm. My General 5th place was a fantastic surprise and one I am proud of.
Zilard first in the general, Robert van d B first belgian pilot, and the consistent and talented lady, Nicole Fedele, from Italy, first Woman with a great overall result in the General as well.
Prize giving this evening and drinks, followed by a live rock band and dancing almost 'til dawn.
Thank you Belgians for a week that has ended with a lot of happy pilots and a successful finish to a comp which, at the start, did not look promising due to bad weather.
Safe journey home everyone - 'til next time.
*****
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