Task 6 - Stopped due to strong Wind
Today's 67 km task proved tricky conditions due to increasing headwind, particularly on the final leg. The race began smoothly at 2000m, above a 1600m inversion layer, with fast thermal cycles.
Pilots are becoming more aggressive, pushing hard to lead the pack. Towards the end of the race, we encountered a significant 30 km/h headwind. We reported several Level 3 as we were flying towards a no-landing zone with dangerous lee-side hills.
Fortunately, the organization quickly stopped the task. However, all pilots still had to land in the strong winds; at one point, I was even flying backward before touch down!
A word to the task setting and safety management. The decision to stop the task came again too late, resulting in at least one hard landing with an injury. In my opinion, this event's task setting and safety team do not meet the standards for an FAI Cat. 1 event.
Despite these safety issues, the overall atmosphere among the Pilots remains positive. The forecast for tomorrow is promising.
The Swiss Team is now helping me with my scoring, and I am aiming to finish in the top 15, with a top 10 finish still a possibility.
Cheers,
Roger
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