Race 4 Takes Gliders on a Triangular Trek Over Argentina
In the heart of Argentina's flatlands, the 4th Qualifying Race of the 1st FAI Virtual World Gliding Championship 2024 unfolded with competitors skirting the skies above Azul. The 205-kilometer race charted a triangular course that tested the strategic might of pilots in the club class gliders. The FAI handicaps were applied for this race, of course!
The race started northeast of Azul and looped around the surrounding regions before pilots made their approach for a precision final glide. The virtual landscape buzzed as gliders, predominantly ASW 20s, cut through the air with pilots keenly balancing risk and reward.
The regatta start saw a tightly-knit pack taking off, setting the pace for a race where handicaps would not influence the end result directly. Each pilot's adept handling of their aircraft amidst the dynamic Argentine weather was critical. There is a big difference flying the club class, when previous races were flown with very high performance sailplanes with high wingloadings and high speeds… pilots needed to adapt!
Pilots vied for ascension, finding thermals that carried them toward victory. Among them, names with 15 pilots showcasing their skills in the leading group.
As the race reached its climax, it was the pilots who expertly mastered the wind and navigated Argentina's challenging landscape that emerged triumphant. As the competition drew to a close and gliders swept past the finish line, victory was up for grabs, with definitive results on hold until all data could be verified. In an exhilarating conclusion, Jeroen Jennen from Belgium clinched first place, with Mikko Nurminen from Finland and Witold Rozak from Poland hot on his heels in a tight race to the finish.
The suspense extended into the night as additional servers completed their race, bringing with them a wave of unexpected outcomes. David Redman, Ryan Wood, and Ian Benesovsky delivered outstanding performances, reaching speeds of 123 km/h and equaling the scores from the European server, significantly reshaping the Qualifier's leaderboard. Amidst this whirlwind of talent, an unprecedented tie for third place arose, leading to a careful application of the VSGP rules to confirm Mikko Nurminen's advancement to the Pro Championship. A hearty congratulations goes out to these four exceptional pilots, with a special acknowledgment to Ryan Wood, who had already secured his place in the Pro Championship.
The event served as a thrilling precursor to the last two qualifying races, proving that in the virtual skies, the blend of technology and human expertise could create an experience as rich and competitive as any real-world counterpart.
For the detailed play-by-play of the race and to see who ultimately clinched the qualifying spots, see the results below.
