Day 5 Task 5 : 105km

A great forecast but not such a great looking day. The high cloud was getting thicker as we waited on launch but in true Rolda style the sun burst through at about 10am and inspired the task committee to adventurous things!

100km day ?

We decided to set 2 alternative tasks, both with the same start but with different goals depending on how the sky looked.
Plan A = Piedechinche about 100km to the south, Plan B = Tuluá airfield goal approx. 50km.

Task5

When it came to decision time, we decided that it was pointless to waste the day with a short task ... if conditions didn't improve, pilots would be landing close to Tuluá anyway. But there was always the good chance that the sky would clear and then we would be well on the way to Piedechinche.

For me, the car journey back down to Rolda from take-off was an adventure in itself with my driver trying to impersonate Juan Pablo Montoya ... but only in 3rd gear, on muddy dirt roads filled with holes, small furry mammals and whole families on motor scooters. The staff boys in the back were ready to throw themselves out of the pick-up to preserve their lives ... inside the truck we were strapped in & totally silent hoping to survive as far as HQ!

As it turned out, the slow start and weak conditions continued and progress was slow throughout the day. It was interesting to see the different route options taken, some in the western mountains, some in the valley and others in the east.
The task was won by Swiss pilot, Lukas Gantenbein in 4 hours 22mins. Lukas made a remarkable recovery after Heli-ing his R10 near the cantera after falling out of a thermal with trimmers full closed. Everyone close was expecting to see a reserve deployment but he calmly composed himself and then jumped back into the climb and raced ahead!

Task winner - Swiss Lukas

Following very closely behind, were Brad Gunnuscio & the local hereos, Julian and Steban showing consistent world class talent. These Colombian guys will be ready for big things in Mexico Superfinal!
Approx 15 pilots made goal with a large number about 15-20km short after 6 hours of flying!

Retrieve close to goal turned into another adventure with a strike at a nearby factory town. The atmosphere was slightly tense as darkness fell, bonfires and people demonstrating in the street, others building temporary tents to sleep in ...
About 15-20 pilots were grounded on opposite sides of the demonstration and vehicles weren't able to pass so many kilometeres were driven trying to get contact on each side of the happenings.

All pilots are now reported safe (some having been beaten with the naughty stick for failing to report on time ;-) ) though not all back yet at HQ, downloads are happening and I hope we get results out later tonight ...

Task 5 results
1. Lukas Ganterbein SUI (R10.3)
2. Brad Gunnuscio USA (R11)
3. Julian Andres Carreño COL (R10)

Overall after 5 tasks
1. Julian Andres Carreño COL (R10)
2. Steban Novoa COL (R11)
3. Brad Gunnuscio USA (R11)