Alphen aan den Rijn 20-04-2008
In oktober 2007 we had 15 dgr C. here! Today after 6 months we reach that temperature again. Hurray! It took quite a long time ! Last year we had 27 dgr. already in april, that was very warm for spring and in the end, it was the best weather for the year 2007.
It means…..that soaring defenitely has started in Europe. Nice long flights. One of them made by km-eater Wilfried Gosskinsky, who flew 950 km in area between 2 places I visited during the Worldcomps over there. His area over mountains was between Paderborn ,N. of his track and Bayreuth S.E of his track.
That day the 17th, we had great flights in Holland too, as flights from 0ver 400 km [463]were made over absolutely FLAT land. In Belgium , the same . Keiheuvel pilots flew 445 km. A good European day and we hope we will get a lot of them.YES…….It’s all happening again!!!!!
Rieti has published their list of participants of the World comps over there and 26 different countries will send pilots in the 3 classes;standard, club and world class. Really looking forward to catch up with so many I know . A very strong competition with reigning world champs, but also several former champs. Can’t predict who will winn , but I do have my guesses.In any case the best should win! I will keep you informed. In Rieti I will do the daily bulletins , but on sunday I will do my regular soaring.eu news.
The site for Rieti is;www.wgcrieti.it and if you are a pilot flying in Rieti and you do not have a glider yet or want to have something different then you have already, they have a ” last minute ” ASW24 and a standard cirrus for rent.See for contacts to that site!
Luesse has its list too. With 133 participants a “huge” competition. 38 in open class, 47 in 18 m and 48 in 15 m. class. Impressive! Also in Germany many top pilots so it will be very intens, both those world comps, the first “split” ones!
Look for info at ;www.wgc2008.de
My early guess as said before, for the top 3; open class Michael Sommer, pushed by Tassilo Bode and Pete Harvey. In my opinion they are equal good!And don’t forget about Holger Karow,could it be 3 German toppers???????In their home country??!! We just have to wait and see as there are more rivals in the field.
In 18 m. class Wolfgang is still a topper but the USA and the UK have very good pilots as well. Don’t forget about the French!
In 15 m. class Leigh Wells?????And what about the Italians and Dutch pilot Steven Raimond!! It is nice to guess but it ONLY remains a guess . On the last day ‘s we will know, how will be the winners in both countries!
There is a bit more then one week in between both comps. Rieti is from july 6-20 and Luesse from august 2 -16.
That’s it for now. Another sunny day here with clouds , so pilots will be eager to go up again.Sometimes I forget there is more then gliding in this world.
Soccer then; A very tensed day for soccer here in Holland . Ajax Amsterdam can be champion today , but they have to win. PSV Eindhoven “only” has to play 1-1 or so, one-alldraw, to be champion.
I jump on my bike today for a nice trip through the polder landscape! Enjoy your sunday as well.
Ritz