Good morning the UK!

We have woken up to a beautiful bright sunny day today with crystal clear visibility and a really good feel about the air.

In 2009 we first have the European Championships with the Open, 18m and 15m in Slovakia, and the World Juniors Championships in Finland. We then have the Women's World  Championships in Hungary and the European Standard and Club Classes in Lithuania.

Please click below for more information on each of these competitions.

Slovakia www.pribinacup.sk/egc2009/ 

The Brits have arrived in Lusse, near Berlin in Germany, for the practice period for the 2008 World Championships in the flapped classes.

Phil Jones flies in the 18 metre class, hoping to defend the title he won two years ago in Sweden. Pete Harvey, in the open class, will be looking to upgrade the European title he has won twice in a row to the World title.

The 2008 World Championships in Rieti have now come to an end. The Brits put in some good efforts in a tough environment, perhaps better suited to more specialist mountain pilots.

The Standard Class was won by German, Michael Buchtal and the Club Class by German, Matthias Sturm. Worthy winners they were too! In the Standards, the Brits were 10th, 11th and 17th, and in the Club class, 10th, 18th and 31st, with G in particular perhaps unlucky not to be challenging for a medal after 2 day wins and an unfortunate landout.

The GBR team go into the final day of the 30th World Gliding Championships with some opportunties to be placed in the medal positions.

Both the Standard and Club class pilots have performed well in challenging conditions but have been up against some great flying by the German and French teams.

With the weather conditions today looking better today there is a good chance that the team can move up the tables in both classes.

The GBR Team have taken off on the sixth competition day of the 30th World Gliding Championships. 6 pilots are represented in the Standard and Club Class.

 The Standard Class is currently being led by the local pilot, Giorgio Galetto, with 4162 points. The GBR are in the following positions:

15th - Richard Hood - 3675pts

17th - Leigh Wells - 3573pts

25th - Jay Rebbeck - 3335pts

The Club Class is being led by Swiss pilot Werner Danz with 3890 points.

17th - Gee Dale - 3385pts

Today is the first day of the World Gliding Championships in Rieti, Italy. The official opening ceremony was last night, and well attended by the locals.

The contest will run until the 19th July, with the prize giving on the 20th.

You can now buy the latest in gliding fashion wear and help the British Gliding Team! It's a wing thing have created a special 2008 range of "team supporters" kit. 10% goes straight to the team fund.

Buy the clothes from www.itsawingthing.com.