F3F EuroChamps Slovakia 2013

Following the first F3F World Championship in Germany in 2012, featuring Stefan Bertschi, Martin Kopp, and Reto Blumer representing Switzerland, this year it was Slovakia’s turn to host the first European Championship in the new official FAI discipline of slope-soaring speed flying.

Flying under the Swiss flag, the F3F national team consisted of three pilots: Gianfranco Cavalli (TI), Martin Ulrich (SZ), and Reto Blumer (FR, team manager). Very early on Thursday, September 5, the team made the 1,200-km trip to Donovaly, a charming ski resort in central Slovakia, 235 km east of Bratislava. The three days from Friday through Sunday were dedicated to an Open event as part of the F3F Contest Eurotour program. Light wind conditions offered a tentative glimpse
into the potential and challenges of the site’s north and south slopes, which are accessible via a gondola and a short approach walk. Only four rounds could be completed, which was enough to validate the competition but left the 51 registered pilots wanting more! The results for the “F3F Swiss Pilots” were not as good as expected, with Reto placing 21st at best, Martin 30th, and Gianfranco 42nd. The competition was won by the very consistent Rado-van Plch (CZE), while three of his compatriots and three French pilots placed in the top ten. On Monday, the real competition began with a first heat won by the young Sébastien Lanes (FRA). The Swiss team finished in 14th, 22nd, and 28th place, led by Martin. A second heat was unfortunately interrupted by a “group scoring” incident. Tuesday turned out to be another exceptional day with excellent conditions, allowing for the completion of Round 2 and the completion of seven additional rounds. Wednesday was marked by dreadful rainy weather that prevented any flying, but this gave the Swiss team the opportunity to explore the region. It wasn’t until Thursday afternoon that conditions finally became light but acceptable on a properly oriented backup slope. All pilots were therefore able to fly a 10th run. On Friday and Saturday, weather conditions

deteriorated, leaving no chance to fly additional rounds. The championship was therefore contested over just 10 rounds. Rounds 2 and 3 were dominated by a very, very effective Frédéric Hours (FRA). Several talented pilots from Norway, France, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia shared the best flights of the rounds

4–8, and the fastest time of the championship went to Andreas Fricke (FRA) with 39.09 seconds. The 1,000-meter race in Heat 9, however, was won by Switzerland, allowing Reto to finish in a respectable 12th place at this F3F European Championship. Martin’s performance in his first international championship was very encouraging, with a solid 15th-place finish, while Gianfranco placed lower in the standings at 25th. The Swiss team’s potential is undeniable, but they need more experience in executing strategies and flight paths.

The 2013 F3F European Champion is the masterful and unflappable Frédéric Hours (FRA), followed by Espen Torp (NOR) and Jiří Souček (CZE). In the team competition, France earned admiration for its excellent teamwork, finishing ahead of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, while Switzerland had to settle for 6th place among the nations… for now!

Unfortunately, unfavorable weather and wind conditions prevented Donovaly from becoming a hotbed of record-breaking performances (a new F3F world record was just set at the Typhoon Race in Taiwan at 24.58 seconds!). However, excellent organization and a smooth event allowed all teams to familiarize themselves with the technical slopes where the world’s top F3F pilots will compete in 2014 at the next World Championship. And the consistently friendly atmosphere among pilots from different nations only served to fuel the “Need for Speed” of the “F3F Swiss Pilots”! Those who had the chance to experience the conditions in Slovakia this year certainly won’t be at a disadvantage heading into the next World Championships!

Reto Blumer, team manager