Race 6 - A Historic Finale in Montenegro!

Good day and good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the final race of the Pro Championship in the first FAI Virtual World Gliding Championship. Today's race, held in the picturesque landscapes of Montenegro, promises to be nothing short of epic. As we gather here for the sixth and final race, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. Let's dive into the details and highlights of this monumental event.

Setting the Stage: Montenegro's Challenging Terrain

Montenegro, often referred to as the "Black Mountain," offers a unique and challenging terrain for our pilots. Nestled between Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, this region's rugged mountains and sweeping valleys are perfect for an exhilarating gliding race. Today's weather is favorable, with winds coming from the Northwest at 14 kilometers per hour, providing excellent ridge lift. Cumulus clouds are scattered across the sky, indicating high thermal activity – a critical factor for today's race strategy. We are BACK in Club Class again today, with all the pilots flying the ASW 20.

Race Kickoff: The Final Showdown Begins

The race started with a countdown filled with excitement. Pilots launched into the skies with the goal of conquering the 178-kilometer course, meticulously designed to test their skills to the limit. The starting point was Berane, and from there, pilots navigated through multiple turnpoints, including Kolasin, Teth, and Peja, before heading back to Berane for the final stretch.

Early Strategies: Different Paths to Victory

Right from the start, we witnessed diverse strategies unfold. Some pilots chose to climb high and take advantage of the ridge lift, while others opted for a more direct route through the valleys. Notable among the early leaders were Jim Acketoft and Ben Fest, who demonstrated remarkable tactical flying.

Mid-Race Maneuvers: Tactical Brilliance

As the race progressed, it became clear that today's competition was as much about strategy as it was about speed. Tim Madsen from Denmark initially led the pack, showcasing his mastery of the terrain. However, the race's dynamic nature soon shuffled the leaderboard, with pilots like Mikko Nurminen and Jeroen Jennen making significant gains.

The Final Stretch: A Battle to the Finish

Approaching the final turnpoints, the tension was palpable. Frank Schwerdtfeger and Uwe Melzer emerged as strong contenders, pushing their gliders to the limit. The competition was fierce, with pilots jostling for position, each maneuvering for the best line to the finish.

A Historic Finish: Schwerdtfeger's Triumph

In an exhilarating conclusion, Frank Schwerdtfeger from Germany crossed the finish line first, clocking a time of 1:20:13 with an average speed of 132.8 km/h. Uwe Melzer followed closely, finishing in 1:20:17, just four seconds behind. Zbyszek Tkocz secured the third spot on the podium with a time of 1:20:21.

Celebrating the Champions: The Final Standings

With the final race complete, the overall standings for the championship were finalized. Marcin May from Poland emerged as the Pro Championship winner, amassing an impressive total of 4,479 points. Davis Chappins from the USA secured second place with 3,773 points, and Frank Schwerdtfeger from Germany took third with 3,741 points.

Qualifying for the World Final: An Epic Journey Continues

The top three pilots – Marcin May, Davis Chappins, and Frank Schwerdtfeger – have earned their spots in the prestigious World Final, to be held in Karlsruhe, Germany, at the Interglide on November 9th and 10th, 2024. Their exceptional performance throughout the championship has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown at the global level.

Conclusion: A Landmark Event in Virtual Gliding

Today's race not only marked the end of an incredible championship but also highlighted the skill, strategy, and sportsmanship of the world's best virtual glider pilots. As we celebrate the champions and look forward to the World Final, we thank all the participants, organizers, and fans who made this event possible. Happy soaring, and see you in Karlsruhe!