Yesterday was the official practice day here at the World Cup of canopy piloting 2009. One of our favorites, Pete Allum, from Italy arrived yesterday morning and is looking like a strong contender this year. The wind yesterday was light and variable, shifting from a head to tail wind from minute to minute. Dmitri from the Russian team wins the award for the training days for having taken out the most course markers in a wipe-out at four markers.
Yesterday Pablo Hernandez from Spain landed at the world record mark during one of his practice runs. Greg Windmiller, Ian Bobo both put up time in the 2.3's All of these being unofficial as judges weren't preset to verify. But they certainly set the stage for some amazing competition to come.
Yesterdays opening ceremonies were quite grand. Local Zulu dancers entertained competitors and the crowd. A large South African flag was landed in front of the pond and the meet was declared open.
This morning we began at 6:15am with two rounds of accuracy. Light downwind conditions on the ground set the stage for a very challenging beginning to this years World Cup competition. One of the favorites, Marat from Brazil was the first competitor through the course. After scoring all four water gates, spectacularly scoring the last one with his butt, and standing up the landing he was scored a zero after a bank strike. Nickolay Sukernakov(spelling) was the second through through the course scoring all the water gates and laying it down quite spectacularly in the scoring zones. Sadly he sustained a broken femur in the process. The meet is now on weather hold due to high winds. More to come. We'll try to update pictures as soon as the internet connection gets a little stronger!!!
