Weather Halts Racing at Starmoen, But the Stage is Set for an Epic SGP Norway Finale
03/07/2026 - Starmoen, Norway - While the skies over Starmoen remained quiet for Race Days 5 and 6, the energy on the ground has only intensified. The unpredictable Norwegian weather forced a pause in the flying schedule, but it provided a valuable opportunity for the soaring community to regroup, discuss the future of the sport, and prepare for what promises to be a thrilling final showdown tomorrow.
Safety First: Weather Grounds the Fleet
Despite the best efforts of the organization and the anticipation of the pilots, both Day 5 and Day 6 were officially cancelled.
On Day 6, the task setter and meteorological team closely monitored the shifting airmass, hoping for a safe racing window. Unfortunately, a forecast predicting lightning and thunder directly over the airfield by 16:00 LT made it clear that a fair and safe Grand Prix task could not materialize. In aviation, safety always dictates the schedule, and the decision was made to keep the gliders tied down and use the downtime productively.
The Championship Battle: Down to the Wire
After six days in Norway and four hard-fought races, the overall standings reveal incredibly narrow margins. The battle for the podium (and the coveted qualification for the World Final in Chile!) will be decided on the final race day.
1st Place: Tilo Holighaus has surged to the top of the leaderboard with 30 points, proving his consistency and tactical brilliance.
2nd Place: Local favorite Arne Martin Güettler is breathing down the leader's neck with 28 points, ready to capitalize on any mistake.
3rd Place: Kato Kvitne holds strong in third with 23 points, keeping the pressure firmly on the top two.
4th Place: Klaus Kalmbach remains a serious mathematical threat. If the leaders falter tomorrow, he is perfectly positioned to seize a podium spot and punch his ticket to Chile.
With a highly promising weather forecast for tomorrow, it is truly anyone's game. A single tactical decision on the final glide will decide who claims the ultimate victory.
Innovation and Media: Making the Most of the Downtime
The Sailplane Grand Prix is not just about racing; it is a hub for aviation engineering and community advancement. The weather delays allowed us to host a dedicated conference focused on the future of the sport, specifically the integration of the Front Electric Sustainer (FES) and the burgeoning E-Glide contest format.
Tech Talks: The Secret Behind the Speed
We caught up with current overall leader and Schempp-Hirth CEO, Tilo Holighaus, for a deep dive into the engineering of the Ventus 3. For aviation enthusiasts, his breakdown of the glider's wing geometry offers a fascinating look at what makes it such a formidable racing machine.
The Future is Electric
The ground sessions also featured a phenomenal chat with Luka Žnidaršič, CEO of LZ Design and the brilliant mind behind the revolutionary FES system. Luka sat down to answer questions, share the vision behind his groundbreaking technology, and discuss the capabilities of the first JS3 FES.
Live Radio from the Cockpit
We also took the thrill of glider racing straight to the airwaves. NRK Radio visited the Starmoen airfield to capture the raw energy of Series 13. Rather than a standard ground interview, competitor Eirik Brenner Marthins took the NRK reporter up into the stunning Norwegian skies for an exclusive, live radio broadcast directly from the cockpit. It was a phenomenal way to share the visceral experience of grand prix soaring with a broader audience.
Prepare for the Finale
The downtime is over, the gliders are prepped, and the tension is palpable. Warm up your cheering voices, because tomorrow’s showdown will be epic.
Stay tuned to sgp.aero/live to watch the strategy unfold in real-time, check the complete standings, and see who will master the skies to become the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix of Norway Champion!
