July 2001


Hang Gliding
by: Vicki Cains

Hang Gliding


2nd World Air Games 2001 - Hang Gliding

19 June 2001


Quaki, the event Operational Manager.
(photo by Srecko Medven)

TASK 1, 17 June

The task number 1 was cancelled because of the strong crossed wind from NE. Some pilots trained after the cancellation. We had some lovely days before the competition during the training days, but the first competition day the strong wind made impossible the take off.

The task for Class 1 was a direct goal from Algodonales to Tarifa (95,8 km) and for Class 2, Algodonales – Arcos de la Frontera with goal in Tarifa (117 km).

We have in Algodonales 156 pilots in Class 1 and 32 pilots in Class2. 32 countries are represented.

TASK 2, 18 June

Task two had to be cancelled because of the strong wind at the east launch.

TASK 3, 19 June

After the report from the meteorologist, it was clear that task three would have to be cancelled because of the persisting strong easterly wind. Tomorrow should be ok. since the forecast shows decreasing wind.

To Main Index

26 June 2001

Yesterday was cooler and less stable, clear blue skies. We heard early that it would be an open distance day and headed up the mountain early, but a task was called 120.6 km dog leg to Villanueva del Trabuco with the turnpoint at Estepsa.

Steve was off first again at 3pm in the ordered launch, but no one pushed today! He took off at 3.30 pm, Gerolf made a push after Steve so the lane moved quickly. Once there are about 50 pilots in the air Juaki blows a siren to hold the launches on all 3 lanes until the congestion eases. Gerolf gets off, but the launch order is stopped just before Attila and Manfred. They wait about, I guess 10 minutes, but it's too long for Manfred, he's getting impatient. Then the siren goes off again and they are away.

We head out on course and intend to go to goal. Molly and I in one car and Bill and Bobby in the other. We are on the Australian radio channel and hear that Phil is down so Bill leaves to pick him up. Shortly after I get a call from Brett for pick up. We all bought Spanish mobile phones from the HQ at about A$130 each, they are really handy for retrieve. We find Brett at about 8.30 in a big open field between an olive grove and a sunflower field. Neither car make goal to see them come in but we hear it was exciting. Luiz Niemeyer wins the day with a time of 2:38:53, Manfred is 14 seconds behind Luiz and Gerolf 4 seconds behind Manfred. It was cross tail to the turnpoint and tailwind to goal.

21 pilots make goal ( sorry I don't have any Class 2 results )

Pilots to make goal: Luiz, Manfred, Gerolf, Nene, Zwecky, Attila, Reisinger, Oleg, Rohan, Gordon Rigg, Tommy, Ron Richardson, Romero Castrillon,Oliver Kalin, Paris, Bob Baier, Jean-Francois Gerard, Steve Moyes, Andreas Olsson,Richard Walbec,Jon Durand Jr

Top 3 overall:
  • Manfred Ruhmer (AUT), 3674 points (actual World and European Champion)
  • Gerolf (AUT), 3521 points
  • Robert Reisinger (AUT), 3293
Teams:

Austria, Brazil, Australia

Today looks good!
To Main Index

30 June 2001

The competition has now come to an end in Algodonales. In Class 1, separate results and classifications were made for the 'World' and the 'WAG' championships. In both cases, Austria takes the first three places, with Manfred Ruhmer becoming the 2001 World and WAG Champion. Austria also ranks first in the Team classification, ahead of Brazil. Australia finishes first in the World Championship country rankings, while France takes the third place in the WAG Championship country rankings.

The Class 2 championship, Italy takes the first 2 places and Alessandro PLONER becomes the new World and WAG Champion. Cristian Ciech finishes second while Manfred Trimmel from Austria wins the bronze medal. Italy finishes first in the team ranking, ahead of Austria second, and Switzerland third.

 

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OTHER ARTICLES OF ASI JULY 2001 ISSUE
| Editorial | President's Page |
| From The Secretary General's Desk | Air Waves |
| News In Brief | Letters To The Editor | World Records |
| Glider Aerobatics | Gliding | Paragliding |
| Powered Aerobatics | Ballooning | Parachuting |
 | Microlight | Hang Gliding | Powered Paragliders |
| Symposium on Air Sports Medicine |
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