FAI Sailplane Grand Prix of Norway - Race 1 Highlights
May 19, 2024 - Race Day Recap
The first competition day of the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix of Norway kicked off with great anticipation at Starmoen Airfield in Elverum. After several practice days with favorable weather, the pilots were ready to explore the diverse terrain, featuring hills and mountains to the north and flatlands to the south.
The day's task was set at 178.9 km, with all 17 pilots prepared on the grid. The first takeoff was planned for 12:00, but the weather posed a challenge for both the task-setters and the pilots, as the route required flying close to the airfield with seven turnpoints. Despite the difficulties, the excitement for the day's racing remained high.
The start line opened at 13:45 local time, and the pilots quickly divided into two groups: one heading west and the other taking a more easterly route towards the first turning point. Tactical decisions were crucial right from the start, adding to the thrill of the race.
Race Results
The first finisher of the day was Konrad Hartter from Germany, who crossed the finish line with an impressive average speed of 121.3 km/h, completing the task in just 1 hour and 28 minutes. His outstanding performance secured him the top spot in Race 1.
Here are the top three finishers for Race 1:
1. Conrad Hartter (GER) - 1:28:02, 121.3 km/h, 10 points
2. Matthew Scutter (AUS) - 1:33:49, 113.8 km/h, 8 points
3. Christoph Limpert (GER) - 1:34:58, 113.6 km/h, 7 points
Special mentions go to Dirk Windmöller (GER) and Arne Martin Güettler (NOR) for their strong performances in this competitive field.
Pilot Interviews
After the race, we caught up with some of the pilots to get their insights on the day's events:
- Conrad Hartter (GER) - Today's winner shared his strategies and the challenges he faced during the race, providing a glimpse into what it takes to secure the top spot.
- Arne Martin Güettler (NOR) - Our local hero discussed his journey to a solid fifth-place finish, highlighting his battles in the thermals and the penalties he incurred for a low finish. (see our FB page for the interview)
The pilots will now take some well-deserved rest and prepare for the upcoming races. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes content from the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix in Norway!
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