** Slingshot Show-stopping at the Gorge Games **

It was a signature Gorge day with hot sun and equally unforgiving winds as Slingshot rolled up with the big guns and a big presence on Tuesday for the Gorge Games Kiteboarding Events. Bertrand Fleury, Ben Wilson, Mark Doyle, Fiona Wedenig, and a dozen regional Slingshot riders put on a spectacle for the crowds throughout the day.

The kiteboarding kicked off with the First Annual Kitercross, a boardercross-style event where kiters are required to dodge, jump, and clear buoys and obstacles on the water in the fastest time. Head-to-head racing of kites and riders fighting for space made for a fast-paced, interesting event.

"That's the most fun I've had in a contest, and I don't even do contests!" - Ben Wilson, Slingshot Team Rider.

Ben Wilson races toeside in the Kitercross

The Freestyle Expression Session event served up the highlights of the day, with Slingshot riders throwing down powered moves on their smallest kites. The gnarliest, most intense moves ever witnessed in the Gorge came from Slingshot's Bertrand Fleury. Bertrand validated his insanity and stature, leveling the crowd with his signature unhooked, inverted kite loops.

All the way from Australia, Slingshot's Daniel Ballstab and Dave Boone - aka "Balls and Booney" - were quickly humbled by the devilish Gorge winds, but recovered on their Fuel 7s. The Fuel 7 served as kite of choice for many of the riders: It's forgiveness and quick handling in the high winds made for.>

All the way from Australia, Slingshot's Daniel Ballstab and Dave Boone - aka "Balls and Booney" - were quickly humbled by the devilish Gorge winds, but recovered on their Fuel 7s. The Fuel 7 served as kite of choice for many of the riders: It's forgiveness and quick handling in the high winds made for smooth moves despite the gnarly conditions.>

Mark Doyle threw down everything in his stock for a flawless heat, despite broken ribs. Big powered mobes, s-bends, handle-pass 3s and kite loops -- Doyle took the heat, but was disqualified for not wearing a helmet.

Bertrand Fleury in the Expression Session