Anthisnes F3B Eurotour

F3X Insider has just returned from the F3B Eurotour event in Belgium hosted by the CRPAL club.

This was an exceptionally enjoyable event which was attended by some of the biggest names in Europe. The welcome offered by the CRPAL club was absolutely outstanding with excellent facilities including a bar and a hot meal on site on Saturday as well as lunches on Saturday and Sunday.

The flying was challenging as the flying field is quite narrow with a 2m high maize field on one side, a ploughed field on the other and a very tall forest behind. The forest produced good lift for Duration although one UK pilot lost his model in the forest after losing sight of it momentarily and after much searching in the extensive forest it was found up an extremely tall tree. Most of the model was eventually retrieved but it was unfortunately a write-off.

Models flown at the event included the Herrigs with their Freestylers, Ceres variants, Radicals and Shooters. All looked good and there really is not much to choose between the current crop of top line F3B machinery. Top Three were:

1. Martin Herrig
2. Roland Hofman
3. Christian Müller

Best Speed time was a 13.15 from Roland Hofmann.

Also in the top 5 was Steve Haley from the the UK flying a Ceres Lift. This was Steve's first international competition in several years and a very impressive return it was too.

F3X Insider understands that Steve may be expecting a Shooter very shortly and is also considering a Target. He will definitely be seen at a few Eurotours next year.

If you have never been to Eurotour event you really should get to one, even if only as a helper. The opportunity to some of the top pilots do their stuff and talk to them in the pits really should not be ignored. The social side of the event is excellent and it makes for an excellent weekend.

Best comment of the weekend was: 'Eurotours are harder to win than the World Championships. More Germans!'.