In the third stage of the 2019 Helicopter World Cup held in Belarus last week, the formidable Russian duo of Elena Prokofyeva and Diana Riiazova remained overall leaders in the General Class, despite having been knocked off the top spots during the actual competition. Last year’s winners, the equally impressive Russian Masters Class crew of Yury Yablokov and Konstantin Podoinitsyn, also kept hold of their top overall position. 

The Belarus home crew performed well, with Alexander Tsenter and Vladimir Striyonock taking first place in the Fender General class and 2nd and 3rd places in the Slalom Masters class.

The contest took place in Vitebsk at the Kukovyachino airfield and the 19 crews from five countries (Belarus, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Ukraine) enjoyed warm hospitality and a friendly atmosphere for the competition. The full program of disciplines was completed in the R-44 and Mil-2 helicopters.

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The 4th and final stage will be hosted by Poland between 20-22 September.

HWC Stage 3 results

Fender

GENERAL class

1. Alexander Tsenter - Vladimir Striyonock (Belarus)
2. Elena Prokofyeva - Diana Riiazova (Russia) - LADIES 
3. Andreyi Baraev - Vadim Sazonov (Russia)

MASTERS class

1. Yury Yablokov - Konstantin Podoinitsyn (Russia)
2. Maxim Sotnikov - Puajukas Aleh (Russia)
3. Sergei Tupikov - Aleksei Pintelin (Russia)  

Slalom

GENERAL class

1. Andreyi Baraev - Vadim Sazonov (Russia)
2. Vladyslav Musiienko - Igor Sokolov (Ukraine)
3. Irina Didenko - Svetlana Gumbatova (Russia) - LADIES 

MASTERS class

1. Viсtor Degtyar - Petr Vasiliev (Russia)
2. Uladzimir Buhayeu - Andrei Rogonov (Belarus)
3. Mikita Laptseu - Vladzislau Kurs (Belarus)

Overall leaders 

After three stages (sum of two best results in both disciplines in stages 1-3)

GENERAL class: Elena Prokofyeva - Diana Riiazova (Russia)

MASTERS class: Yury Yablokov - Konstantin Podoinitsyn (Russia)
 

HELICOPTER WORLD CUP 2019 STAGES

• Wycombe Air Park (GBR) 13 to 15 June
• Konakovo airfield (RUS) 19 to 21 July
• Vitebsk (BLR) 9 to 11 August
• Lososina (POL) 20 to 22 September

Image: N. Sotnikova