13th World Championships. Wed 17th July - Day 3. Task 2

70km race to goal.

Gaggle at the start from above 

Forward launching in nil wind was odd to meet better lift in the valley under cloud as the Northerly bounced off the tops of the hills behind launch. Climbs were good to cloud base and our heads were comfortably high at the start-gate.

Disappointingly to became so very weak in the flats, with average climbs reaching only 1.5m/s.

Racing to TP1

Watching the speed and skill at which the pilots work the weak lift and flatlands is admirable and a leaf to be taken out of anyone's book. The standard is incredibly high, comparing to nothing I have ever seen or experienced before, so I am glad to be here and am observing and learning each day.

In the flats heading for TP2

So, bailing out mid-station, I got my retrieve back to base fairly quickly where I was consolled by others' who had had similar experience of weak conditions in the flats, not having been able to stay with it.

The consolation prize, a cool beer with friends at HQ. Tomorrow is another day....