Day 3 - PKRA Racing Hits Holland

May-17-2012
The third day in Scheveningen, Holland offered promise as a great racing day, with winds blowing from 11-15 knots once the competitors arrived to the beach. Starting at 11:15, racers entered the water as surfers took advantage of the abundance of waves nearby in the light side-shore conditions. Once the horn sounded, competitors were off, as Adam Koch (USA) took an early lead. Working their way around the course twice, Koch continued his lead throughout the duration, with Ricardo Lecesse (COL) holding strong in second, and Bryan Lake (USA) in third. By the time these first competitors crossed the finish line, winds were decreasing and the current changed drastically, causing some riders to come in before completing the race. Katja Roose was the only woman to cross the finish line as a result of these shifting conditions. This race would turn out to be the first and last of the day.



Following this race, the riders were able to take a break and utilize the O’Neil rider’s lounge, unsure of what the wind would allow for in the coming hours. Bryan Lake commented on these light conditions, saying that he wished it were windier, as his favorite races are spent in strong, windy conditions. Regardless, Lake revealed that he is still enjoying his first trip to Holland, getting used to the cold weather and new atmosphere. Adam Koch was also visibly excited to be back in Scheveningen after making his way here many years ago as a freestyle competitor in the early days of the PKRA. Obviously pleased with his first win of the O’Neill Kiteboard World Cup, Koch appears to stay focused yet lighthearted throughout his downtime on the beach, keeping focused on a top podium placement. A seasoned competitor as well, top finisher Ricardo Lecesse spoke about his affinity for Holland, saying that he is happy to be here even in light wind, as he has never been to the country before. Lecesse went on to explain that he missed his first tack, which put him behind; however, after coming in a close second, he is ready and determined to achieve a first place finish. Obviously passionate when he speaks about racing, Lecesse is also simply enjoying the opportunity to have fun in a new place, doing what he loves.

Hometown girl Katja Roose (NED) also provided locals with a great show, making her home country proud. As racing has just recently been announced as an Olympic sport for the 2016 games in Rio de Jeneiro, Katja happily reports an increased interest in the sport of kiteboarding, and more specifically kite racing. As the top female competitor on the PKRA tour, Roose would undoubtedly do well in the Olympic arena.

Fans and followers may continue to tune into the O’Neill Kiteboard World Cup live broadcast stream at www. http://live.prokitetour.com/. Updates may also be found via the PKRA Facebook page and Twitter feed.