CONDITIONS have been mixed for the start of this year's Formula 1.0 Gliding Grand Prix in the skies overhead.
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The weather has been a factor in flying so far this week, with Tuesday's action called off.
However, with temperatures expected to be hot and sunny for the remainder of the week, the competition will once again heat up.
The event sees 30 gliders and their pilots taking off across two divisions when the conditions do suit, with a new course/race outlined each morning.
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These can be up to 500 kilometres each day depending on conditions.
The Formula 1.0 will finish on Saturday where a grand champion will be crowned.
Numbers are slightly down this year due to the Women's World Gliding Championships, which are currently being held in Australia.
Around four or five female pilots who would usually attend the event in Leeton are competing at the world event in 2019.
However, numbers are still good and organisers remain pleased with the Brobenah Airfield venue.
Last year's issues of heavy dust have been addressed, with a brand new strip of green grass allowing the gliders to safely take off.
One of the pilots taking part in 2019 is Christian Streifeneder, who has been participating in the event since its inception a three years ago.
Mr Streifeneder said he used the competition to not only finesse his gliding skills, but escape the German winter.
"I like the idea of this competition ... it's a really competitive format and it's easy to understand," he said.
"It's also good publicity (for the sport of gliding). It captures people's attention.
"My partner is from Australia as well. I love coming back to the warm. Also you make lots of friends here. So it's good to come back and see everyone."
Mr Streifeneder has been a glider pilot for almost 35 years. He was introduced to the sport by his own family, who have a long and proud tradition of being glider pilots.
The competition has attracted its share of international pilots since its inception, with those from Australia travelling long distances to take part.
Nick Gilbert is one of the organisers of the event and said residents were welcome to head out and watch the gliders taking off and coming back into land at the end of each race.
"Everything is going well again so far this year ... the conditions haven't been on our side a couple of days, but the days we have gone up have been absolutely fantastic," he said.
"The rest of the competition is going to have pretty epic conditions by the looks of it.
"On Monday, the gliders experienced some of the strongest thermals they've ever seen, which is really great. There's was absolutely no complaining going on here (on Monday) about the weather. It made for perfect gliding."
With many of the gliders bringing their families along for the trip, it also means a significant boost for the town's economy once again.
Accommodation, retail stores and restaurants are all being frequented by the groups, as well as day excursions touring the region for those not going up in the air.
The competition will continue through until the conclusion of the final event on Saturday. Residents are encouraged to head out to Brobenah Airfield to spectate, but are also welcome to chat with the gliders about the sport and what it's all about.
Those that can't make it out, can also view each race thanks to live tracking here.
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