For the Paragliding World Cup pilots in Mexico, day six brought cloud-obscured skies and rain, but most were probably glad of the rest day and a chance to recharge their batteries.
Most pilots spent the rest day off sightseeing and relaxing, chewing the fat and discussing the events of the competition so far.
Gin’s factory pilot Seyong Jung commented on Gin’s team blog that they have had a line-shrinkage problem on the Boomerang X that has caused the glider to go out of trim after relatively little use. It has meant the wing does not recover as well as it did when originally tested. Gin have assured us they will resolve the problem before serial production of the wings begins.
There have been a couple of lines-caught-around-the-helmet incidents when pilots have full-stalled their gliders to get out of cravats. Luca Donini’s lines ended up wrapped around his visor, and another pilot reportedly had lines entangled in his helmet-cam. He managed to recover his glider, and save his helmet too, but Luca took a reserve ride.
Nick Greece is earning an unfortunate reputation as a glider-destroyer, having damaged his first EnZo when a reserve rided ended in the embracing branches of a tree; and then accidentally melted Ozone’s spare on some lamps embedded in a floor. Oops.
Anyway, Day seven (31 January) is looking hopeful weather-wise and the last report on the PWC website said pilots were heading up the hill. Bon courage, everyone.
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