The subjective criteria for choosing a pilot on the Italian
team

A pilot on the Italian team sends me his view of the criteria used
to choose pilots beyond the first four (which use objective criteria):

To understand better the system you have to consider that normally
the choice is for one pilot out of five or two out of six top. Everything looks
amplified this year because the pilots are four but don't forget that only two
are going to score for the team.

The choice is pretty much discretional but there are some guide lines that the
commissioner normally look at when it's time to decide. Here in my experience
and opinion the most important ones.

1- Complete the team in terms of flying characteristics

For example, our team in Laragne had three pilots potentially very fast and
consistent. To complete the team you needed to have consistent pilots to back up
possible mistakes of the first three. The key of that comp was to have the back
up able to bring an average of 850 points when the team needed. In order to do
that the back up pilot must be consistent in the medium/high part of the daily
score and also consider his personal result as a secondary target.

2- Recent results

Since part of the team is chosen looking at the previous year ranking that allow
the commissioner to consider the hottest pilot on the field (for example, last
year at the Europeans has been chosen the 2010 Italian Champion, Moroder, as
sixth).

3- Past result in same area/condition

For example, Reichegger last year at the pre worlds has finished 15th overall.
Fourth of the Italians in the field and he has history of very good result at
the past comps in met Cucco.

4- Young pilots of potential future interest for the team

Especially when there are places available, like the seventh and eight pilots
this year, that don't score for the team. They can can get used with big comps
without the pressure to affect the team with unfortunate bad results and be
ready to help the team in the future.

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