Glading Grand Prix: Comfortable Win For Kiwi Legend

Comfortable Win For Kiwi Legend

Kiwi gliding legend, Terry Delore has always done things his way and today was no exception earning him first place on the third day of racing at the New Zealand Community Trust Gliding Grand Prix.

Convinced he had come last, he was delighted to find he was first home with a comfortable seven minute lead over second place Uli Schwenk of Germany,

“After the first turnpoint I got and stayed high – I didn’t see or hear anyone for the rest of the race and thought I was at the back of the field again,” said Delore. “At the start I didn’t take any notice of what anyone else was doing, I don’t like flying in a gaggle, I did my own thing and finally I was flying in the groove – there’ll be smiles on the faces of my crew at last!”

Delore is renowned within gliding circles for his numerous world records, some held individually and ten held with adventurer, Steve Fossett. He said the course was made particularly difficult by having to cross the mountain ranges instead of ridge running down them. “But then I’ve never flown a Gavin Wills task that isn’t hard!” he said of the Grand Prix’s course setter.

Third place was a battle of the nations with Ben Flewett (NZE) just seconds ahead of Olivier Darroze (FRA) and John Coutts NZE), seconds behind him in a thrilling low level finish.

The overall score after three days’ racing puts Ben Flewett (NZE) in the lead with 20 points and a three way tie for second with Olivier Darroze (FRA), John Coutts (NZE) and Sebastian Kawa (POL) with 15 points.

The Grand Prix continues tomorrow and opens to the public on Friday, together with airshow displays, on-ground entertainment and a giant outdoor screen to enjoy all the action. For tickets and further information, visit www.gp06.com.

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