So… here we go flying again! Hopefully in a lighter mood, with a better atmosphere. At the time to write a word of introduction for another Paragliding World Cup, ideas are lacking or colliding. So many mistakes have been made, so much harm has been done recently to this beautiful sport that I like so much. For the upcoming week, let’s pretend I do not care. I am part of the Fight Club and will abide by its rules.
2013 World Cup SuperFinal – Brazil: conclusion
Do you know what is a competition about? You would have learnt it here. Is it about sport? No, sport is something different. Sport is more qualitative, described with words like values, fairness, brotherhood, enlighment, training… Competition is quantitative, like money, competition is about results. The public requires results, the competitors look for results, the manufacturers work for results, the organizers produce results.
2013 World Cup SuperFinal – Brazil: Saturday 25, 69km race to goal
Nice cross-country flying today with beautiful weather. I took very nice shots, definitely the best of the week, I am quite sure, especially during the start. I just cannot verify as I forgot to insert the SD-Card in the camera. There will be other opportunities (just trying too smoothen my wounds). The task was rather classic, turning around Ibituruna Peak, then heading North for 15km or so before coming back to the mountain for the End of Speed Section.
2013 World Cup SuperFinal – Brazil: Friday 24, 97km race to goal
Yesterday I was calling for a 100km task due South to Caratinga, no turn-point before. Today the Meet Director offered us that present, a big « Thank you Dio! ». My plan was to experiment someone else’s tactics. Very interesting indeed! Lots of fun, landed a bit short of goal, but to live some adventure. Landing – again – in a muddy field, chatting with curious children, walking about 1h30 under the sun, meeting with locals.
2013 World Cup SuperFinal – Brazil: Thursday 23, 88km race to goal
You know what? I am bored. I released a post this morning thinking that would reset my mindset. A new email from Alain Zoller arrived in the meantime. Maybe he is right, let’s can the event altogether, no production glider conforms to EN-D criteria or to the sample gliders hold by test-houses. Something is dead.
