The weather
will once again have an important effect on the final standings. In 2013, only
two competitors were able to launch for the final flight due to winds that rose
quite quickly. The next year, tasks were changed quite due to ever-changing
wind speed, direction and rain that came in spurts.
With the
return of the Nationals and two new competitors seeking a trip to the World’s
in Japan in 2016, as well as the retirement of a true veteran and legend of
Canadian competitive ballooning, it means that more is at stake this year. As it is also the only real competition in
Canada, it is difficult to assess the competitors based on their performances
this year. Still, there are a few favourites heading into the competition.
The two
most recent champions, Dave Gleed and Jason Adams must be considered favourites
not simply because of that success, but because of excellent careers. Adams,
who has been living in High River this summer, has been particularly dedicated
to competition and did well at Field of Flight in Battle Creek earlier this
year. He’ll also represent Canada the World Air Games later this year and was
the only pilot to fly the maple leaf in Brazil last year. Dale Ritchie is also
a perennial favourite based on a career of excellence. Meg Skelton, who
finished 20th at the Women’s Worlds last year, is coming up to fly a
Garry Lockyer event before next year’s Women’s Worlds.
Younger
pilots will have something to say about the order of finish. Rookies Eduardo
Martinez and Hal Cooper are rookies in name only. They both bring with them
international experience with Cooper flying for Canada at the World’s in
Austria and Martinez doing well in Mexico. With his permanent residency, he is
very happy to be eligible to win the championship. Brant Leatherdale has the
backup of Del Michaud who has decided to stop flying competitively and Cliff
Skocdopole would have been in Brazil with Adams if he wasn’t such a good
businessman.
Three other
former champions, Dan Balisky, Dale Lang and Marvin Schultz will also be
competing along with Calgary Balloon Club Vice-President Richard Clark who
enjoys the spirit of competition without the expectation of winning.
Yes, the
name of every competitor has been listed. Part of the challenge is what the
weather will do. The more tasks that are
flown and the more technical they are, the more likely those with more
experience in high level competitions will be advantaged. Another question mark
is crews. The event is looking for a lot more volunteers on the ground. Without
a team known to the pilots, their routines might change. The lesson is to sign
up and volunteer!See you in High River!
