With excellent conditions with a very light S wind and base to 3100m a 90km race around the valley was set progressively zig zagging out towards the valley using the corrals , take off, the pass, Hoyoredondo, Bonilla and the red roof as turn points with goal in Piedrahita. Many pilots completed the course unaware of the accident and task cancellation. Unfortunately a competitor took a deflation and spun down into the hill near the big spine without throwing his reserve. Although 2 pilots landed the pilot had died before the comp doctor arrived on the scene some 30 minutes later.

After cloud clearing by 2pm, a late take off enabled Christian Maurer to fly 91km and take the overall championship of the 4 tasks for the 2008 Piedrahita XC Open.

Blowin a hooly. No task today.

Although the forecast seemed almost impossible, the wind came on the hill and was averaging 12km at around 1pm. However the clouds were quite low and there was little sun. It was decided to launch the task, but within minutes it could be seen that there was significant turbulence in front of take off and the task was cancelled. A number of pilots chose to continue flying, among them Christian Maurer who made 170km

A worrying forecast with strong winds predicted and obvious signs in the clouds. However, winds averaged 11pm until 3pm, with gusts no more that 28km/hr, so most competitors got off. After 3pm the winds started to increase significantly so we stopped the task, pilots scoring to 15minutes before that time. No results yet, but plenty of pilots around Avila.

Many pilots were hoping for a rest after late retrieves yesterday. They got what they wanted. The wind started to come on early but was soon over the back with a nice mix of dust devils. Not looking too good for the next few days. The photo is of two of yesterdays winners, Christian Maurer, with the top score, and Dave Regan with his personal best.

Fantastic convergence conditions with perfect Cus and high base. I flew tandem with Maria, a journalist with the Diario de Avila. My intention was to get to Avila and get some good shots with the camera pole, however, with that mission accomplished (and to do so deviating from the convergence line swinging much further off to the north) we decided to push on to break my 10 year old Spanish tandem record (119km). Maria had already thrown up at the pass and mid was to Avila. Now, with one final retch high over the NE side of Avila, she agreed she was game to continue. Amazing conditions and an easy flight. At 127km I had to wind down to a village to get down half hour before last landing time as I had duties as a competition director. I had to check all the texts from landed pilots to ensure everyone was accounted for. Good days for pilots in my group, with Dave, Tobias, and Paul (Russell) all around 100km, and Joerg, who the day before nearly got to Madrid (Airspace!!), making it to around 160km. Best distance for the day for Crigel Maurer with 210km.

Also a great PB for Dave Regan whose previous best of 25km was beaten 4 times over with a 100km flight. Also, a great flight on a tandem for Adrian and Sue Leppard with 79km.

A great day with NW and a Cu filled sky. With 3 turnpoints to maximise distance, many pilots flew to Avila, back towards Menga, and then to Avila again. Some flew to near Madrd (unaware we imagine of the airspace!).

Too windy during the day for a task, but most pilots did a nice evening flight. Over 100 pilots registered.

We tried Chia in the morning and Lastra in the afternoon, but too strong. Lots of Pilots arriving for registration for the XC Open.