It's great that we have so many experienced opinions voiced on this
subject. Too bad none of them was in the cockpit at the time, much
less at the contest in question. In 45 years of glider flying, I've
very occasionally been in gaggles where there were midairs (never
involving me, fortunately). The first thing that usually happens--as
in this case, according to the contest report--is one or both pilots
announce the collision or otherwise communicate the situation. Then--
if they're still flying--each seeks input/in-air inspection from other
pilots in close proximity before making their decisions, which--as
here--may be different. In the cases I'm most familiar with, some
pilots have continued on, others have landed, wisely, as soon as
possible. I suspect the decision-making process varies depending on
the terrain, progress along the task to that point, weather, and state
of mind in addition to the condition of the aircraft. That's not to
say that one would fly on with safety in doubt, merely that every
situation is different.

I also know the pilot of the Ventus. He's highly experienced,
qualified, and motivated to win, but I would not consider him to be
incautious or of a "safety be damned" bent. I wasn't there that day so
except for this posting, I'll try to refrain from offering opinions.
Healthy facts-based debate in this forum is good. Speculation doesn't
accomplish much. Never forget that not all of the readers of this
newsgroup are knowledgeable and committed glider pilots. Let's not
make the same mistakes that we justifiably criticize the media for
making. Instead, let the facts emerge before we add fuel to a fire
that we started.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA