Birdman Richard’s on a high

CELEBRATION: Richard, left, with Chris Miles, from Uppermill, who finished third in the national championships

Dad soars to a second national title
A SECOND epic victory seemed like pie in the sky for a daredevil from Greenfield.

But Richard Butterworth hit an all-time high as he soared to victory in the British Paragliding Cup for the second year in a row — the first man in the tournament’s history to retain the title.

The Greenfield dad won the first of five rounds, and kept his lead throughout the competition during tasks in Scotland, Shropshire, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District.

But the end wasn’t as spectacular as he would have hoped. Richard (42) said: “It was a bit of an anti-climax, during the last task in South Wales it got really windy.

“We had to sit on the hill for about three hours until it was finally cancelled, so I won based on all the scores. It felt great, but it wasn’t the glorious end I’d hoped for.”

In each task a goal of around 40-50 kilometres is set, with the distance of each competitor measured and timed.

It seems there is something in the air in Saddleworth too, as third place went to Chris Miles, who lives in Uppermill.

Richard can often be seen soaring in the skies around Dovestone as he hones his gliding skills three times a week.

Since being crowned champion last year, he’s flown in competitions in Slovenia and the Alps.

But now he is aiming higher. He added: “I’d really like to do more cross-country flying where the aim is to fly for the longest distance possible.

“The record has been set this year at 250km and it took over seven hours. My longest flight is about 145km so I’ve got a way to go yet but that’s my aim.”

He’s now training up his 15-year-old son Thomas, who is also flying high in the sport.