Day 4

Day 4 started off well. After crossing the startline i managed well, and half-way down the task, i was comfortably in the zone, running into the second turn (having decidedly the best flight yet in the contest). The run into the turn was going to be delicate, but do-able. Ahead of me ten or so of the gliders turned back 8k before the turn (as if rounding the turn). I immediately grabbed the task sheet, neither they, nor i (and the others continuing with me) would make such an elementary mistake. I and 6 or so rounded the turn. The gaggle we were in had now largely dissipated. I was with two dutch pilots and the previous day winner and we followed a more southerly route. When crossing a mountain range Roman Marcek did what i would have done - once he had the neccessary height he crossed the pass. But Steven Raimond and Bass Seifert had started ridge soaring. Interesting idea i thought, but perhaps not good racing tactics. I changed to their frequency to hear Steve saying "Nouw gaat wij maar naar huijs." Though i knew we still had 200km ahead of us and it was 16h00 local, it was certainly doable. I changed to the Brits frequency to hear Jay Rebbeck say - "confirm the day for the standard class cancelled". I asked for confirmation from him - "yes, out team captain advised the day is cancelled for us".
Bad news. No need to ask anything further. I climbed back to final glide for Prievidza and 10k out requested landing instructions.
It is a very beautiful sport. But you have to be ever so careful - if you take (high) risks you will pay the price - and sometimes even a small error will have a serious and out of proportion consequences. I think what Roland Stuck had said in his address at the briefing this morning was most accurate. It remains our own obligation to make sure that we arrive back at the airfield safely - or if we outland, also to do so safely.
T1