U.S. Team Triumphs at World Cups

The U.S. Canopy Piloting Team has just returned from the 8th FAI World Cup of Canopy Piloting at Nouvel Air Skydiving Center in Farnham, Canada, where it competed against an international field of 77 canopy pilots in a well-organized, beautifully run competition. USA’s Nick Batsch became the World Cup overall champion in a hard-fought contest, just ahead of Spain’s Pablo Hernandez and USA’s Curt Bartholomew. The 12-strong U.S. Team occupied seven of the top-10 overall places:

In the speed event, the U.S. Team swept the first four places: Batsch in first, Price second, Windmiller third and Bobo fourth.

In the distance event, Cornelia Mihai from the United Arab Emirates became the first woman to win an FAI first-category canopy piloting event, clinching the gold in the third round with the longest flight of the meet, 121.95 meters. Batsch took silver and Windmiller bronze.

In zone accuracy, Bartholomew waged an exciting duel against Italy’s Mario Fattoruso and achieved the near-impossible, winning all three rounds with scores of 96, 91 and a perfect 100 in the final round to cinch the gold. Fattoruso earned silver and Hernandez bronze. Price finished fourth and Batsch placed fifth.

Full scores and results are available online. Look for complete coverage and results in the November issue of Parachutist.