EVENTS 2021 Red Bull X-Alps features NZ’s Nick Neynens and Kinga Masztalerz The 10th edition of Red Bull X-Alps is set to kick off on June 20, 2021. The return of the world’s toughest adventure race will see 33 athletes from around the globe arriving in Austria, competing to hike and fly their way to the finish line. Starting in Salzburg, the competitors will put their body and mind to the ultimate test, navigating their way over 1,000km through treacherous alpine terrain. Often covering 100km a day, only by foot or paraglider, the athletes must combine skill and strategy, pushing through pain, injuries and fatigue to reach each turnpoint and avoid elimination. The journey itself is an epic story, but the most important part of the entire race is the group of athletes putting their abilities to the test to compete in Red Bull X-Alps 2021. The 10th edition will see 33 world-class athletes from 17 nations pushing themselves to the limit, in an effort to beat not only personal, but also world records; 14 of whom are rookies and 3 are female. The athletes won’t be all alone though, as each athlete is assisted on the ground by a dedicated supporter, ensuring they get the strategic, medical and nutritional help needed in a race like this. The line-up for Red Bull X-Alps 2021 is one of the strongest yet. With returning veterans and rookies alike, we have no doubt that this selection includes the world’s toughest adventure athletes ever! They come from far and wide, including countries like Brazil, Japan and Russia. Race director Christoph Weber says, “We always try to have an international field of athletes. We are not just filling up the race with European teams. Rather, we want to give the whole world a chance to take part in this race.” Following careful consideration, it is with great excitement that the moment has finally arrived to announce who will be taking part in Red Bull X-Alps 2021. The line-up is as follows: Nicola Donini (ITA3) – Rookie Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) – Veteran Kaoru Ogisawa (JPN1) – Veteran Simon Oberrauner (AUT2) – Veteran Ken Oguma (JPN2) – Rookie Thomas Friedrich (AUT3) – Rookie Eduardo Garza (MEX) - Veteran Tom de Dorlodot (BEL) – Veteran Ferdinand van Schelven (NED) – Veteran Antonio Filho (BRA) – Rookie Dagfinn Graneng (NOR) – Rookie Maxime Pinot (FRA1) – Veteran Nick Neynens (NZL1) - Veteran Benoit Outters (FRA2) – Veteran Kinga Masztalerz (NZL2) – Veteran Theo de Blic (FRA3) – Rookie Michal Gierlach (POL) – Veteran Laurie Genovese (FRA4) – Rookie Toma Coconea (ROU) – Veteran Damien Lacaze (FRA5) – Rookie Andrei Mashak (RUS) – Rookie Steve Bramfitt (GBR) – Rookie Christian Maurer (SUI1) – Champion Manuel Nuebel (GER1) – Veteran Patrick von Kaenel (SUI2) – Veteran Markus Anders (GER2) – Veteran Hanes Kaempf (SUI3) – Rookie Michael Lacher (GER3) – Rookie Yael Margelisch (SUI4) – Rookie Aaron Durogati (ITA1) – Veteran Gavin McClurg (USA1) – Veteran Tobias Grossrubatscher (ITA2) – Veteran Cody Mittanck (USA2) – Veteran You’re probably wondering how we make the call. For example, is there a set ratio between rookies and veterans? Race director Christoph Weber explains, “We always have around 30-40% of rookies. The number increases by itself because as many older athletes choose to stop racing, lots of younger athletes are entering who look promising and strong. It The home of Australia’s flat-land hang gliding makes sense to give them a chance.” and one of the world’s greatest flat-land hang Physically and mentally, nothing comes gliding locations invites you to experience the close to the challenges of Red Bull X-Alps; thrill of competitive hang gliding, to enhance and when you consider the ever-changing your flying skills and to further enjoy the great weather conditions, thousands of vertical camaraderie of hang gliding. meters and a distance of over 1,000km; Registration is open for the 2021 Forbes there’s truly no telling what will happen. Does Flatlands hang gliding championship. someone have what it takes to stop Chrigel We look forward to welcoming all pilots Maurer from taking a 7th victory? Will one of to Forbes for our 15th consecutive Forbes the rookies surprise us or will we see one of competition! the French athletes take the lead? FAI Category 2 events in both Sport and Who are you supporting for Red Bull X-Alps Open Classes. 2021? Learn more about the athletes on SAFA sanctioned AAA in Open Class and AA redbullxalps.com and follow their every step in Sport Class during the race with the advanced and super Practice flying Monday 18th of January 2021 addictive Live Tracking. Gear up and get Registration Monday 18th from 10: 00-12: ready, Red Bull X-Alps 2021 is going to be 00 & 1600-1800 at HQ truly unforgettable. We’ll see you out there! 1st Competition day Tuesday 19th of January 2021 Covid-19 and Events Last Competition day Tuesday 26th of January 2021 Due to the changeable Covid-19 virus Details for the event can be found here: situation, some events and competitions may www.forbesflatlands.com/competitionbe cancelled or postponed. Check with event organisers or their online notification system, details to confirm if events are still being held before Come and be a part of this fantastic event booking travel and accommodation. in 2021! It will be worth checking again immediately Volunteers always appreciated, please prior to the event. contact vicki@moyes.com.au
Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championship 2021!
NZ Paragliding Nationals 2021 Tasman region from 20 February to 27 February. The Headquarters will be based at the Mapua Leisure Park (https://goo.gl/maps/ NEcEzsEM46PY1Fne8). Mapua is a seaside village about 20 minutes from Nelson. Registration via AirTribune will open on Saturday 1st August at 10:00. The Airtribune site has been published and is available for viewing but bare in mind that it is a work in progress but will be ready for registrations by that date. At this stage the comp is limited to 80 pilots but if there is overwhelming demand consideration will be given,in consultation with the PCC, to increase that number to 100. There will be 40 places allocated to the top ranking WPRS and NZPRS pilots. We are obliged under FIA rules to offer 20 places for international pilots up until two months before the start of the competition. However with the current situation with COVID19 we doubt there will be much interest from pilots from overseas apart from the ones already here in New Zealand and we look forward to their participation. Other than that it is a first in first served basis with the two organisers making the final decision (and no we are not open to bribes). The Leisure Park covers an extensive area with many secluded spaces. Let Google be your friend. There is, at this stage, plentiful and varied accommodation at the Leisure Park (nelsonholiday.co.nz) but it would pay to get in early.
There are nearby alternative basic camping grounds but not bookable. We would encourage you to be at the Park. And yes the rumours are true in that from February to March the Mapua Leisure Park is a clothing optional location. But don’t let that faze you as there are very limited areas in the where that is permitted. - Peter Allison and Lyn Watkins (your on-location organisers)
Hang Gliding Nationals 2021
Mt Murchison Photo: Dennis Thorpe
Murchison, Saturday 30 January to Saturday 6 February 2021 Matt Barlow Phone 022 153 7965 email nat.matt3@gmail.com
Wanaka Hike & Fly With support of NZHGPA and Southern Club Kinga Masztalerz is organising the 1st hike & fly race this summer (6-7 March 2021) It’s designed to be challenging both for high end athletes and less experienced pilots with not much thermalling experience. Two day race in the stunning Southern Alps with a flexible formula suitable both for high level athletes and leisure pilots who want to learn and socialise with fellow hike & fly enthusiasts. Applications are now open, 1st come 1st served so apply now :-) Live tracking. Tips and recommendations on the website: www.wanakahikefly.nz FB: https://facebook.com/wanakahikefly/ IG: @wanakahikefly
Omarama Hang Gliding Cross Country Classic
Saturday 6 February to Sunday 14 February 2021 lying near Omarama is spectacular; expect to fly to 9 or 10,000ft and an easy 20km to over 100km depending on your skill and luck. Beat your Personal Best; height, distance High at Ohau, on the way to Mt Cook (centre distance) Photo: Bill Degen etc, move up the XC Champs table, or maybe fly to Mt Cook! Accommodation; free camping, cabins, This summer, Monday 8th is the public caravans, motels and luxury hotels and this holiday so even if you are working, that’s still year no overseas tourists! The gliding airfield 5 days that you can fly. campground welcomes hang glider pilots and This time of year gets the most flyable days has weather briefings at 10am each day. with the least strong winds and turbulence, THE MISSION; Fly open distance, in any so gives the most XC flying opportunities. direction from any site in the Omarama area. Last year wasn’t epic but we still had good Enter any number of flights. flying in relatively stable weather with good Required; Advanced rating with mountain/ thermalling and even a smooth wave day that XC skills. Pilots with lower skill ratings may fly allowed a long flight around the Mackenzie. if under supervision if conditions are suitable. It is usually hot, sometimes windy and strong Printed site briefings are available. thermals but landing areas are massive and The track up Magic Mountain is limited the competition is stress free; There’s no to 4WDs with low ratio gearing for safe queues or waiting. descents or brakes will burn out. To maintain Fly the whole week, just the weekends or the track we ask pilots for a donation but the just the days you want, when you want. It’s competition is free. up to you, only your best 3 flights count. You For more information, site briefings etc; decide if, when and where to fly and a few contact Bill Degen at aero@xtra.co.nz or check unlucky flights won’t ruin your score. www.hgpg.co.nz for updates.
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