| August
29th – 31st, 2003, Saalbach-Hinterglemm On Friday night Mad Mike shows a spectacular jump from a helicopter and a fascinating flight to open the World Games of Mountain Biking. 1500 ambitious amateur mountain bikers from all over the world fight for medals in four disciplines: marathon, cross-country, dual and free ride.
There had not been any rain in Saalbach four weeks, but right in time for the opening ceremony a cold front arrived. “ A little rain doesn't bother me. As you can see I've got an umbrella,” Mike joked as he got into the helicopter during the first downpour. 700 m above the spectators’ heads and just below the clouds, Mike leaves the helicopter and climbs on to the helicopter skid. Seconds later he jumps backwards into empty space. Getting his full weight behind ropes, he gets them out of his packsack. They stretch and pull out the glider. Losing just a little height, Mike’s glider is completely open.
The wind hits Mike at a speed of 60 km/h, raindrops hit his face. This weather isn't ideal for flying. To get down as quickly as possible, before the soaked glider falls down like a stone, Mike does extraordinary manoeuvres: AssChopper, Tumblings, McTwist. The spectators in the Hinterglemmerare pedestrian precinct are thrilled. when Mike draws his AcroFigures with orange smoke above their heads. Mike lands, totally soaked. “The glider has become saturated with rain and is very heavy. This flight couldn’t have gone on for much longer. But it was great, nevertheless!”
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