Hang gliders competing in the Forbes Flatlands competition are back on the ground after six days of flying.
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The pilots flew an average of 1200km over the competition period from December 31 to January 6, with an average air time of 30 hours.
Current world number one, Gold Coaster Jonny Durand, reclaimed the top spot once again in 2017. Austria’s Gerolf Heinrichs took second place and Brazilian Andre Wolf placed third.
69 pilots competed in the open class whilst seven competed in the sport class, with Victorian woman, Emma Martin, finishing first. Local competitors from the Central West included Forbes’ Len Paton and Guy Hubbard from Cowra.
The six tasks during the competition, included straight line and turn points to Wellington, Alectown, Lake Cargelligo, Goolgowi, Bogan Gate and Hillston.
“It is good for the Australian pilots to compete against the best in the world. It brings the spotlight to country NSW, putting Forbes on the map,” said organiser, Vicki Cain.