Budapest was quite the whirlwind of events! The week began with hot and sunny weather, which inconveniently turned to stormy skies when flight operations were scheduled to take place. These conditions had already caused the cancellation of qualifying, so it was a disappointment when the team awoke to rain yet again. We crossed our fingers and prepared for the race!
A gap in showers allowed the Round of 14 to start, but weather decided to take over. Gate 2 became unsecured and slowly started its way down the river, causing a mid-race delay. It was re-secured shortly thereafter and the Round of 14 went on with Kirby facing Peter Podlunsek of Slovenia. Although they both incurred a 2-second penalty for incorrect level, Kirby ultimately had the faster lap and progressed to the Super 8.
Once more, weather intervened! Due to an additional delay, the Final Four was canceled, and the Super Eight concluded the event. The team leaves Budapest with a fourth place finish and remains third in the overall World Championship Standings.
“Considering the conditions, I’m happy with my flights overall. I needed a little more speed to make the podium, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Looking towards Ascot, I hope to find myself on the podium again!”
