Louise Joselyn reports: On July 27 the first task was set -  136.2 km. Start opened at 12:30. Well, that was fast!  The organisers estimated maybe 3 hours for the task, but the first pilot, Manfred Ruhmer (AUT), landed back in goal on his Swift-Light in less than 2 hours.  He was swiftly followed by countryman Franz Pacheiner in the Archaeopteryx, with Jacques Bott (FRA) landing third.  Within 10 minutes most of the rest of the field had also landed at goal.

“It was a good task,” Jacques said.  “The northernmost turn point was well placed as we could see conditions were not good beyond.”  Rob van der Poth (LUX) thought the task was excellent: “Just right for the first task, to get used to the routine of the competition.  But I don’t think I have ever flown so fast!  I guess that is competition!”