BIRDMEN FALL SHORT OF pounds 30,000 JACKPOT.CONTESTANTS in the eccentric International Worthing Birdman bird·man n. 1. also One, such as an ornithologist, who works with birds. 2. Slang An aviator. competition leapt for glory over the English Channel English Channel, Fr. La Manche [the sleeve], arm of the Atlantic Ocean, c.350 (560 km) long, between France and Great Britain. It is 112 mi (180 km) wide at its west entrance, between Land's End, England, and Ushant, France. Its greatest width, c. yesterday in makeshift contraptions. Fun flyers in bizarre costumes went wing-to-wing with serious contenders by throwing themselves from a platform on Worthing Pier Worthing Pier is a pier in Worthing, West Sussex, England. Designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson, it was opened on July 4, 1861 and remains open, although it has been completely rebuilt in that time. at the two-day event. In front of an estimated 20,000-strong crowd, the more serious-minded aviators vied for a pounds 30,000 jackpot on offer to the contestant able to fly the furthest over 100 metres. Although Steve Elkins came agonisingly close on Saturday with a distance of 99.87m, he and his rivals were unable to go the extra distance yesterday. Ron Freeman, 53, who lives in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, flew the furthest yesterday with a flight of just over 63m in his glider dubbed the Geordie Flyer. Mr Freeman said: "It has been one of the best Birdman contests to date. It is on a par to 2003 when I competed against Richard Branson when he sponsored the competition. We could have done with a bit more wind to carry us a bit further but overall it has been fantastic." CAPTION(S): A daredevil ' Flying Scotsman'' tries - and (inset) fails to fly 100 metres from Worthing Pier at the annual International Worthing Birdman competition in West Sussex |
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