Against The Rythm

2026 PWC Gemona, Italy - Task 4 Task 4 brought the longest course of the competition so far, with pilots taking on a demanding 97.1 km route that zigzagged between the mountain ranges and across the valley several times. The task combined long ridge runs with multiple flatland crossings, rewarding both efficient gliding and tactical decision-making. Conditions on the mountains were strong from the start, allowing pilots to climb quickly along the ridges. As the race began, the field spread into two or three distinct groups, each choosing different lines towards the first turnpoint. Significant gaps were already created on the return leg towards take-off, where pilots who had chosen the better lines gained valuable time and altitude. After climbing above launch, competitors made the first major crossing of the valley, carrying enough height to comfortably reach the opposite foothills. From there, the route followed the ridges towards the second turnpoint, where strong lift allowed pilots to gain altitude with ease before crossing the valley once again towards take-off. The return to launch became one of the busiest moments of the day. Large numbers of pilots arrived low at the same time, creating a hectic scene as they searched for lift directly in front of take-off. Despite the congestion, the climb worked well enough for most of the leading group to continue onto the next section of the course. The route then followed the mountain ridge behind take-off to another turnpoint before retracing the same ridge and preparing for yet another valley crossing. Once back on the opposite side, pilots headed towards the penultimate turnpoint, located close to controlled airspace. This proved to be the most decisive part of the task. The climb before the airspace was weak and unreliable, forcing pilots to make difficult decisions. Those who managed to climb high enough were able to glide safely over the restricted area, while many others either had to take the longer route around it—losing valuable time—or inadvertently entered the airspace and incurred penalties. After rounding the final turnpoint in the middle of the valley, one last climb was needed before the glide to goal. Rather than committing immediately, many pilots topped up their altitude by soaring a nearby hillside before beginning the final speed section and gliding into goal. Throughout the day, the mountains provided the strongest lift, with powerful ridge climbs allowing pilots to gain height without prolonged thermalling. The valley crossings, meanwhile, were flown as efficiently as possible, with competitors aiming to minimize time spent searching for lift in the flats before reconnecting with the next mountain range. The day's victory went to Andy Tallia, adding another impressive World Cup performance following his Superfinal victory earlier this season. Alexia Fischer claimed the women's victory, while the overall competition continues to tighten heading into the remaining tasks. 00:00:00 Waiting for the start 00:03:10 Start of speed section 00:05:13 TP1 00:06:52 Missed the first strong thermal, this is going to be a long one 00:17:27 Crossing the valley 00:19:42 Weak ridge 00:26:10 TP2 00:29:49 Crossing the valley back 00:34:12 Better ridge back to Gemona takeoff 00:39:08 TP3 00:41:17 Not a lot of landings in sight 00:42:03 In the forest below the group 00:48:30 TP4 00:55:29 Hippolyte! 00:57:32 Crossing the valley once again 01:01:38 Trying my best to stay above the restricted airspace (1100m AMSL) 01:04:23 TP5 01:05:28 Final glide 01:05:48 Goal 01:07:21 Landing