Drama in Vinon: Didier Hauss Claims Race 2 Victory After Unexpected Airspace Infringement
31/08/2026 - Vinon, France - Day 2 of the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix of France in Vinon delivered a breathtaking and heartbreaking conclusion. After a crisp morning, the Southern Alps heated up to a soaring 32°C, providing perfect cumulus clouds, 3,000m ceilings, and solid 2-3m/s climbs for the fleet. However, it was the unforgiving margins of Grand Prix racing that ultimately decided the podium.
The Task and Conditions
With the start line officially opening at 12:30 UTC (14:30 LT), the pilots faced a demanding and highly selective 319.2 km circuit. The route pushed the competitors north into the high terrain before a long, fast final glide back to the airfield.
Start: Manosque Pont.
Turnpoints: La Javie Pont (TP1) → Serres Aero GEd3 (TP2) → La Roche de Rame Usine (TP3).
Report Point: Pontoise Farm (Report 20).
Finish: Vinon.
Heartbreak at the Finish Line
The defining moments of Race 2 actually occurred way before the high-speed run home. Nicolas Bernhard (NB) put on an absolute masterclass of a flight, initially crossing the finish line first with a staggering average speed of 135.2 km/h and a time of 02:21:43.
However, in the highly regulated and precise sport of sailplane racing, the rules are absolute. Upon review of the flight logs, Bernhard was ruled out of the race for infringing on restricted sporting airspace by a matter of mere meters BEFORE crossing the Start Line, more than two hours earlier! Adding to the day's drama, Felix Herold (3V) unfortunately suffered the same fate, outlanding virtually due to an airspace infringement in a similar area.
Local Hero Didier Hauss Takes the Win
Bernhard’s heartbreaking penalty completely reshuffled the leaderboard, handing a massive home-turf victory to local favorite and former SGP World Champion Didier Hauss (SD). Flying his JS-1, Hauss flew a phenomenal, clean race, demonstrating exceptional pacing throughout the Serres sector before committing to a blistering final leg.
It was a tense finish with Nicolas in front of him and pushing on the Parcours. Nicolas took great options, flying towards Seyne and Coupe and managed to keep Didier in his back. Didier took his chance flying a more direct route from the high mountains, and flew towards the Blayeul before crossing the two plateaux of Puimichel and Valensole. A very, very close finish that ended up in a better way than what Didier expected. Getting 8 points was already great, becoming the Race Winner and getting 10 points is even better!
Live Coverage and 3D Tracking
Fans tuning into today's livestream were treated to expert local knowledge from Antoine - who flew in the French Team in the areas for years - and broke down the tactical decisions being made in real-time. Antoine also introduced and explained our new 3D live tracking system, allowing viewers to see exactly how pilots like Hauss and Kiessling managed their energy lines through the French Alps.
Congratulations to Didier Hauss on a spectacular victory, and our commiserations to Nicolas Bernhard and Felix Herold after brilliantly flown routes. Day 2 served as a stark reminder of the tight margins and intense discipline required at the highest levels of sailplane racing.
We will see you back on the grid tomorrow for Race 3!
