Welsh Open 2004

What a great few days - probably the most competitive F3F I have ever been involved in.

At the end of day one Greg was well clear in the lead but Alex in second, me in third, Mark in fourth and Espen in fifth were separated by almost nothing. Day two was a brilliant ding dong battle between us - the best I can remember.

The slope lift was exceptional, good for around 40 seconds. Because of the great slope lift the thermals had less of an influence than usual. There were 19 sub 40s with Espen getting the FTD of 34.35. Over half of the competitors got new PBs - including Espen.

Just look at the points below to see how it panned out. Alex lucked out in the lift (although his new to production Falcon - more soon - did get a 36.65) but the difference in points between me, Mark and Espen after 13 rounds and one discard is just amazing - really amazing. The fast times, reasonably consistent air and the manageable field of 31 meant, for me, this was the most tactical F3F I have ever flown - you had to fly sub forty but you couldn't risk a cut - eh Mark!

Well done Greg.

Lots of thanks are due to :

• The enormous help and tolerance of the local guys

• Everyone who helped

• Special thanks to the visitors who volunteered help - that is so import to organisers

• Sarah Ayling for the best trophies we've ever had ( more soon )

• ET Air for great sponsorship

• Everything / everyone else I've forgotten

• Andrzej Tabero for compiling the full scores