21/08/2026
⭐Piedrahita, Spain, BGD Edition, 22 - 29 August.⭐
The SRS heads to Piedrahita, in the plains of Spain, two hours' drive west of Madrid, for the fifth edition this year. BGD (Bruce Goldsmith Design), partnering this event, are fielding two very strong teams, with a Goldsmith in each! Tyr is in BGD 1 and Bruce is in BGD 2, making it very much a family affair!
Piedrahita (1000m) sits on the northern side of the Sierra de Gredos, giving a superb blend of mountain and flatland flying. The surrounding ranges - the Sierra de Ávila to the northeast and the Sierra de Béjar to the southwest - interact with the prevailing winds in a way that benefits free fight: much of the stronger airflow is diverted around the Piedrahita and Ávila valleys, creating calmer, more flyable days.
This diversion also produces a useful secondary effect. As the air spills back into the valleys from both sides, opposing flows often meet and form a convergent lift line running eastward. The valleys themselves are wide and full of large, fence-free, fields.
To the north, a vast plateau offers excellent terrain for triangle flights. And on the right day, there's the chance to cross the Gredos range for a spectacular flight to Pedro Bernardo. In August, thermals commonly reach 4,000 m, giving plenty of altitude to work with.
Expect company in your climbs. Griffon vultures - brown plumage and nearly 3‑metre wingspans - are the most common, and you'll often share thermals with half a dozen of these at once. You may also encounter the larger Black vulture, with its dark plumage and wingspan exceeding 3 metres.
👉125 pilots, including 14 ladies and 21 teams are taking part. Rafael Rosa and Cesar Arevalo have both won an SRS - can they do it again here in the land of tortillas and stonking thermals?
😎Keep up with the race on https://srs.live from Sunday morning onwards and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
