| Bleriot Cup 2006 |
| The News - Old News | |
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Can it be three in a row for Team GB! The French are a very capable nation and after a bit of a whitewash on UK's part last year with by both disciplines (Hang-gliding & Paragliding) racking up the points over French soil, we are expecting a much harder battle this year. If we can take the advantage on the first task day we do have the good old British weather on our side, as the weather forecasters are predicating an unseasonable run of poor weather during the competition. Similar to the famous Ryder Cup, what makes the Bleriot so intriguing, like golf, the sports of Hang-gliding and Paragliding are very much sports for the individual. A selection process based on individual talent alone, (as important as that may be) is not going to be good enough to win the cup. Consideration to include an individual’s ability to put the needs of the team even if this is to the detriment of one owns flying has a big part to play. It was these challenges that so intrigued Elemental’s founder Burkitt Rudd (himself a keen competition pilot, into supporting this competition format, as well as the process of developing talent in this unique flying competition. In 2004 Kitt experienced first hand the joys and challenges of bringing together a group of fiercely competitive individuals (who would normally be competing against each other) when he was selected to play his part. With shrewd tactical play and ability to fire up his team, Captain Neil Roberts helped to secure a surprise win and halt a five year winning streak which the French had enjoyed. 2004 Comp report . http://www.pgcomps.org.uk/bleriot/bleriot04_report.htm In 2005 the Brits were able to demonstrate that good teamwork plays an important role in the success of a team. Despite losing many key pilots to injury during the run up. New Pilots were drawn in and it was impressed upon them how a competition like this will be won through not only displaying competent individual flying, but by positive teamwork and having a clear communication strategy. ( These are fundemental elements and is something we reinenforce with all the team we work with). 2005 Comp reports http://www.pgcomps.org.uk/bleriot/bleriot05_report.htm. http://www.pottyplace.com/accom/bleriot.htm http://www.ojovolador.com/eng/read/reports/bleriot/index.htm The French team is evolving and learning from their weaknesses in their over dependence upon individual stars (which they have many). Though Kitt, this years Paragliding Team captain is confident in the abilities of the team and the strong team camaraderie which has been developed. |
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