Finally we have a task!
A 47km optimised race to goal. Task
committee initially chose an 87km but with the weather announcing 90% cloud
cover until late afternoon, there was no option but to cut the K’s and go for
the valid task option. The Belgians needed a 1000pt task with only 2 days to
go, and to validate their championships, the winner needs a total of 1500pts.
Conditions didn’t look that promising even
at the start, and the pace was sensibly
set to half bar by the leading gaggle.
In the beginning the lead gaggle moved
slowly but cautiously, maintaining half- just below cloubase, in orer to
guarantee a decent glide to the first turnpoint and its return to the ridge in
Kobarid. Finding a weak climb just
behind the monument the leaders climbed out in weak lift and left at 1400m to
connect with the back ridge and TP2;
From here, the pace speeded up a little,
soaring the ridge, sqeezing out lift to clip TP3 and returning by the same
route, taking a climb on the nose almost to base befor leaving on the long
glide to the TP in the middle of the riverbed between Kobarid and Tolmin.
Gain, returning to the ridge, conditions
had by them sharpened up a little, with sunshine making a guest appearance, the
leaders pushed on a took a rough climb to glide to TP4 and back before blatting
down the ridge towards goal.
The race was on. Those who took two more
turns in the final climb cruised into goal with 150m to spare. Two were les
fortunate and had to find last minute lift above the river bed which cost them
time and several places.
Goal!
Robert Van de B (sorry for the spelling
Robert), first Belgian pilot, Nicole Fedele first Lady.
I came in 7th overall and 2nd Lady.
Happy J
Rendez-vous 8am briefing tomorrow.
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