posted Aug 4th, 2010 - The voters for the French 8-way team Aerodyne Cypres Maubeuge have the upper hand again after Round 8. France is the underdog according to the poll results and the comments in the related forum. In reality, France is the 2-time defending world champion of 2006 and 2008.

This update comes along with the 8-way videos of Round 4, this time featuring all teams. Yesterday's videos of Rounds 5 - 7 are still missing and will be added later.

The change on the top of the leaderboard was caused by two penalties for the Golden Knights. All three top teams completed 19 points within working time. The US Army team ended up with 17 points on the scoreboard. Russia tied the highscore for a round for the third time with a great performance in Round 8 but is too far away from the gold and silver medal positions.

8-way competition in Menzelinsk - Round 4

The 8-way team from Kazakhstan scored its second point of the meet, congratulations. Just as Norway, Russia's next-door neighbors to the south helped out when only three 8-way teams were registered for the 8-way competition. The 4-way Open Class team members recruited some friends and signed up.

It was not easy and caused some pain, literally. There were injuries and reserve rides, and life did not become easier for the 4-way team. However, Kazakhstan scored the first point in Round 2 and completed a Satellite, the first formation of the sequence, in Round 8.

Both last-minute teams received logistical help from the Menzelinsk host as an appreciation for the efforts. French 2-time world champion and alternate Emmanuel "Manu" Sarrazin helps Norway with coaching. The Russian 8-way experts take care of the Kazakhstan team. The teams are now in the air for Round 9.