Day 6:

Freestyle Finals at Tarifa Kitesurf World Championships 2015 Tarifa, Spain (Wednesday, July 15, 2015) - A thrilling day at the Virgin Kitesurf World Championships (VKWC) third stop in Tarifa saw impressive battles that enthralled the crowds. With gusts up to 40 knots, the best riders rode hard to make their way to the finals.  In the female competition, reigning world champion Karolina Winkowska (PL) claimed the victory for the third time this season. As for males, Carlos Mario (BR) dominated the day and took his second event win ever after Argentina 2013.   Mario made his way to the final… The day started with an unstoppable Carlos Mario facing current world champion Christophe Tack (BE). The wind seriously picked up during the heat, preventing riders even to unhook. But Mario still managed to pull off great tricks such as a Back Side 317, a 317, a double Hinterberger Mobe 5 as well as a double Heart Attack. He put on a display of incredible level and advanced against Tack to the semifinals where he met five-time world champion Aaron Hadlow (GB). The 17 years-old Brazilian kept the momentum going and performed again against the British rider, nailing several double handle passes with a blistering facility. Aaron Hadlow still landed clean moves such as a Back Side 315 but struggled to land his S-Mobe 7 and crashed several times.   …So did Jacobs Kiwi Marc Jacobs (NZ) had a difficult first heat confronting Youri Zoon (NL), his best buddy on the Tour. This battle saw an impressive close heat where both riders took their time to adapt to the strong wind. Jacobs found himself really overpowered but answered back to each great move two-time world champion Zoon landed. It finally came to the Kiwi competitor by 1.5 point, allowing him to meet Liam Whaley (ES) in the semifinals. Current number one Whaley did not start the heat very well as he had a problem with his kite and had to change it. He still tried to put pressure on Marc Jacobs who stayed focused and powerful in every trick he landed. The scores were extremely close again but Jacobs advanced in the final.     The battle for victory The winners final opposed Carlos Mario with Marc Jacobs in front of a large audience avid for action. Both started with the same perfect Front Blind Mobes, setting the tone and announcing that it was going to be a stiff competition. Mario crashed and had to go out on a 9 meter kite instead of a 7m. He came back to the water and immediately landed an incredible double Heart Attack, putting the spectators on fire. Powerhouse Marc Jacobs rode very well but could not match the trick list of "Bêbe" composed with almost perfect Back Side 317, 317 and a Heart Attack 5. The Brazilian stayed consistent during the whole event, delivering smartly constructed heats with incredible ease.   Carlos Mario: “The level was really high but thanks to God I managed to pull the tricks I wanted. I went on my 7m but the wind started to de and I quickly switched to my 9m which was perfect. The conditions were very strong and gusty here. In Brazil I was training with my 14m and 12m and when I got here and had to use my 7 and 6m it was very difficult but luckily I could do all the tricks I wanted. I am so happy but I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now”.      Marc Jacobs: “I’m super stocked to be second, I mean I wasn’t expecting it to be honest but strong winds always kind of help me. The conditions were pretty hard, my smallest kite was a 8m and most guys were on 7m or 6m and I’m stocked I made it work. I’m super happy for Bêbe (Carlos Mario) because he is riding super insane and he deserved a win, he has just been a little unlucky on the first two events so it’s good to see he got it on this one. Balneario is sick, you can’t get any better spot here in Tarifa, the level was twice as better here than it would have been on the other spot”.   Liam Whaley: “In the semifinal against Marc Jacobs my kite blew up in the air because my one pump system wasn’t connected properly so my kite completely deflated. My friend came really fast with a 5.5m but the lines were not adjusted properly and I did a perfect BS317 but my kite didn’t react properly and couldn’t ride completely out of the trick so it was considered as a crash.  Then I think I did alright in the mini final so I’m happy I got the third place. My knee is a bit unstable but I didn’t have any pain in it. I’m going to get an MRI now to check what’s up and hopefully I can compete in the next event but if not I’ll use it as a discard, we’ll see”.   The mini final Liam Whaley was up against Aaron Hadlow in the race for the third spot on the podium. Hadlow crashed his kite just before the heat and Liam helped him relaunching it. A great gesture of fair play that delighted the audience. Both competitors rode very well, landing a Tootsie Roll and the biggest Crow Mobe 5 of the event for Hadlow, and a double Heart Attack and a Back Side 317 for Whaley. Aaron Hadlow delivered his most powered heat of the competition but Liam Whaley made the difference and ranked third for the first time of the season.     Winkowska made her way to the final… It took time to Polish world champion to enter her heat in the semifinals against Paula Novotna (CZ). As for the Czech rider, she broke her leash and lost her kite. Both struggled with the strong winds and had a close heat but Winkowska managed to nail a powerful S-Bend to Blind that gave her the win.    …So did Pulido Gisela Pulido (ES) was opposed with Bruna Kajiya (BR) in the semifinals. Both riders did a great job in the tough conditions, executing Blind Judges, 313, Front to Blinds and S-Bend to Blinds. Bruna Kajiya fell behind by crashing too many tricks at the end of the seven minutes. As for nine-time Spanish world champion, she landed five high scoring tricks and advanced to the winners final.   The clash of the titans Crowds were cheering for local champion Gisela Pulido as soon as she took to the water. Unfortunately, she suffered a host of crashes that prevented her from competing properly, even if she still landed a great S-Mobe and a S-Bend to Blind. In the meantime, Karolina kept on adding points to her score putting on a display of consistency and great variety of tricks. Her well-executed and powerful Back to Blind, Front to Blind and Slim 5 allowed her to claim her third victory of the season.   The mini final Bruna Kajiya and Paula Novotna first heat had to be re-run after both riders tangled their kites and one of Kajiya lines broke. The Brazilian rider then went for a "go-for-broke" approach while Paula crashed too many times to rival.   Karolina Winkowska: “I feel awesome, I had a really good final heat. I had so many Polish people screaming Karolina, Karolina go for it!!! I had fans and being here surrounded by the crowd cheering was so nice. This is the hardest place for me because it’s Gisela’s hometown, it’s like the place she trains the most, but in the end it’s only about tricks. I did a very big Front to Blind I was really happy about, it felt the best. I think it was actually my best heat".       Gisela Pulido: “In the semifinal against Bruna I was happy about my gear, I was riding my 6m on short lines but in the final the wind kind of dropped and I didn’t have another 6m with longer lines which would have made a big difference. I didn’t have enough power and I was struggling so I’m not very happy. I like it here because people can watch from the beach and I was happy to have some much people supporting me. It posted about the event on Facebook and some guys came to me saying "Hey I came just because I wanted to see you" and that makes me feel very happy because people are motivated about the sport”.    Bruna Kajiya: “I was stressed because we had to re-run the heat after we tangled our kites and my best bar broke. I was having a really good heat, I did four tricks I felt good about, one of them being a S-Mobe that I was like BOOM really good, and then I got tangled in the buoy. But in the end I won and I’m happy about that, it’s been a day full of emotions. We always aim for something bigger but I mean it’s competition and they all ride so well so I’m happy about my third place".   Forecast for tomorrow is looking stronger and riders’ meeting is at 12:30 p.m. with a first possible start of the big air discipine at 1 p.m.

Day 5:

The Virgin Kitesurf World Championships (VKWC) third stop saw a great day of action at Balneario spot. The 30 to 35 knots of Levante - cross offshore wind - allowed riders to continue through freestyle male and female Rounds 3. The fifth day of competition was then completed by Round 1 of big air disciplinewhere competitors delivered a real show that delighted the audience.

Females were the first to get down to business with Gisela Pulido (ES) facing Annelous Lammerts (NL). Pulido felt at ease again in the gusty and strong wind of Tarifa, performing a number of great tricks such as a 313 and a well-executed S-Bend to Blind. For Annelous Lammerts, things were more complicated as she kicked off her heat crashing and loosing her kite. The Dutch girl had to go back out with her 4.5 meter kite and struggled to land her moves while Gisela added points to her score, advancing in the semifinals. 

 

In the next heat, Bruna Kajiya (BR) was up against Kristiin Oja (EE) who soon crashed her kite and got her lines tangled. Meanwhile the Brazilian made the most of the spot riding alone and nailing a powerful S-Bend to Blind and a Blind Judge. 2009 world champion claimed her spot in the semifinals.
 

 

Competition continued with Paula Novotna (CZ) riding against Dioneia Vieira (BR). After reaching the second highest score yesterday (40 points), Novotna was motivated to pursue her way up the ladder. Vieira was on form too and delivered several great moves, making things difficult for her opponent. A the end of the seven minutes, Novotna’s Back to Blind allowed her to seal the deal.

 

Then it was time for current world champion Karolina Winkowska (PL) to confront Annabel Van Westerop (AU). Polish rider came out strong pulling off a well done Blind Judge but Van Westerop did not want to fall behind and answered back to each trick Karolina nailed, building a close heat that Winkowska finally won.

 

As soon as girls came out of the water, guys got in. 17 years-old Brazilian Carlos Mario went for a "go-for-broke" approach against fellow countryman Alex Neto. Mario performed blistering tricks such as a powerful Back Side 317 and a 317 with an astounding facility, as if he was not on a 6 meter kite. Neto did not get flustered and managed to ride powerfully as well but could not match "Bêbe"’s performance. The two friends from the Brazilian village of Cumbuco gave each other a warm hug at the end of the heat.

 

Taking advantage of the strong conditions, reigning world champion Christophe Tack (BE)took the victory against Russian rider Sergei Borisov. Belgian metronome smartly added points to his score nailing very technical tricks like a Moby Dick and a Back Side 315 while Borisov fell behind at the end of the seven minutes, suffering too many crashes.

 

Next heat opposed Stefan Spiessberger (AT) with Eudazio Da Silva (BR). Both riders came out strong battling in a fierce competition. Da Silva showcased strength and commitment going full speed in and out of every single trick. Spiessberger also achieved to land some good moves like his signature grabbed S-Mobe but could not equal Da Silva’s scores.

 

Then Aaron Hadlow (GB) took to the water against Patrick Blanc (ES). The British rider was on form and performed a number of great tricks such as a perfect Slim 7. The Spanish boy could not do anything against the experienced five-time world champion who advanced in the semifinals.

 

The following heat opposed the two most powerful riders of the day Marc Jacobs (NZ) andPosito Martinez (DO) who both pulled off incredibly aerial manoeuvres. Martinez attempted a gigantic Hinterberger Mobe 7 that impressed the judges but did not manage to land it,allowing Jacobs to snatch the lead.

 

Alex Pastor (ES) and Youri Zoon (NL) put on a great show of intensity and variety of tricks. Spanish 2013 world champion enjoyed the local public cheering for him as he kicked off the heat with commitment. So did two-time world champion Zoon who landed back-to-back clean moves in what could have been an excellent final. Both rode big until Pastor ripped his bindings off his board and lost his chance to advance.

 

The second to last heat saw Spanish outsider Noe Font up against Robinson Hilario (DO).Wildcard competitor Font continued to climb up the ladder, doing a very good job. As for Hilario, he could not put his heat together and did not add enough points to take the win over his opponent.

 

Closing freestyle heat of the day opposed local rider and current VKWC number one Liam Whaley (ES) with his Tarifa’s friend Jerome Cloetens (BE). The two protagonists are used to train together at the great spot of Balneario. However Whaley showed no mercy to Cloetens who crashed his kite and lost time. Liam stayed focused and landed massive moves, delivering an amazing heat. It seems that he is still firmly into the race to the world title.


 

Day 4:

The world’s best battled this afternoon to avoid early elimination as the contest ran throughfreestyle male and female Rounds 1 and 2.

Carlos Mario (BR) was the only rider who could quietly enjoy the show today as he already earned his place in Round 3 before yesterday, during the only heat completed.

The first to hit the water were Christophe Tack (BE), Alex Pastor (ES) and Michael Schitzhofer (AT). Reigning world champion Tack performed the highest score of the day (41.13 points) nailing a massive 317, a Slim 7 and a Back Side 317 sending him straight to Round 3. The Belgian rider seems determined to get back on top of the podium and will faceSergei Borisov (RU) tomorrow.

The next most impressive rider of the day was Posito Martinez (DO) who obtained the second highest score (40 points) thanks to incredibly high and powerful double Handle Passes, such as a seldom seen Hinterberger Mobe 7. Martinez will be up against Marc Jacobs (NZ) in Round 3.

Eudazio Da Silva (BR) and Aaron Hadlow (GB) - now installed in Tarifa - both eliminated their opponents in their respective heats and jumped to the third round where they will meetStefan Spiessberger (AT) and Patrick Blanc (ES).

Youri Zoon (NL) and Robinson Hilario (DO) also advanced straight to Round 3, as well asLiam Whaley (ES). Current number one - who has been resting before the event because of some pain in his knee - felt quite confident riding on his home turf. He kicked off the heat with his signature moves: grabbed Front Blind Mobe and Back Mobe 5, Double Heart Attack, 317 and Back Side 317 followed by a very committed Double Half Cab. Whaley will face his local mate Jerome Cloetens (BE) who also put on a display of very powerful manoeuvres in Round 2.

The female competition saw Gisela Pulido (ES) in great shape - playing at home and enjoying the support of her local fans - dealing with her opponents with strength and commitment. The nine-time world champion put on a well-constructed heat that sent her directly to Round 3. She rode consistently and dispatched Hannah Whiteley (GB) andDioneia Vieira (BR) by landing tricks almost as powered as the guys'. Tomorrow, Pulido will face Annelous Lammerts (NL). 

Dutch girl Lammerts did not start the day that good as she fell behind Paula Novotna’s (CZ)performance in Round 1. She finally seized the opportunity to reach Round 3 eliminatingSpanish wildcard Rita Arnaus in Round 2 by pulling off a S-Bend to Blind, a Back Mobe and a 313.

As for Paula Novotna, she earned the second highest score of the day (40 points) delivering a very powerful heat, landing some perfectly executed Heart Attack and KGB scoring in the high 8. Tomorrow she will be up against Dioneia Vieira who booked her ticket for Round 3 dominating her heat against Katarzyna Lange (PL).

Current world champion Karolina Winkowska (PL) established a commanding lead over her two opponents - Kristiin Oja (EE) and Katarzyna Lange - thanks to her consistency and clean moves who gave her the highest female score of the day with a 41.13. In Round 3, she will face Annabel Van Westerop (AU) who took down Helena Brochocka (PL) in Round 2.

2009 world champion Bruna Kajiya (BR) brightly jumped into Round 3, advancing over Arnaus and Van Westerop. Tomorrow she will be confronted to Kristiin Oja who dispatched Hannah Whiteley in a close heat in Round 2.

Levante wind is looking even stronger for tomorrow and should last until the end of the event.Riders’ meeting is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. with a first possible start expected at 1:00. 

Day 1:

Top riders filled in their registration sheets before going for a first session at Playa de Los Lances to get used to the conditions. They all showed great signs of excitement, smiling, giving high fives to each other and posing for the typical portrait with new photographer Svetlana Romantsova.

As for today, a light Poniente - side onshore wind - picked up around noon but was not consistent enough to complete a heat in proper conditions. Freestyle males were the first to take to the water but the contest director, Erik Troostheide, had to cancel the first and second heats several times.

Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a light Levante - the other local wind, side offshore. Riders’ meeting is scheduled at 1 p.m. with a first possible start expected at 1:30 p.m. 

Wedstrijd is gestart  op de nieuwe spot; Balneairo.

Round 1 Heat 2:

1: Tack

2: Pastor

3 Schitzhofer

Heat 1: 1.Carlos Mario (BR) 2.Marc Jacobs (NZ) 3.Sergei Borisov (RU)
Heat 2: 1.Christophe Tack (BE) 2.Alex Pastor (ES) 3.Michael Schitzhofer (AT)
Heat 3: 1.Eudazio Da Silva (BR) 2.David Tonijuan Colomer (ES) 3.Patrick Blanc (ES)
Heat 4: 1.Aaron Hadlow (GB) 2.Jerome Cloetens (BE) 3.Nico Franco (ES)
Heat 5: 1.Posito Martinez (DO) 2.Alex Neto (BR) 3.Paul Serin (FR)
Heat 6: 1.Youri Zoon (NL) 2.Oswald Smith (ZA) 3.Ariel Corniel (DO)
Heat 7: 1.Robinson Hilario (DO) 2.Stefan Spiessberger (AT) 3.Jerrie Van De Kop (NL)
Heat 8: 1.Liam Whaley (ES) 2.Reno Romeu (BR) 3.Noe Font (ES)

3de ronde, mannen:

17: Mario vs Neto,

18: Borisov vs Tack, (Tack best scorende heat van de hele dag!)

19: Da Silva vs Spiessberger,

20: Hadlow vs Blanc,

21: Jacobs vs Martinez, 

22: Zoon vs Pastor,

23: Hilario vs Font,

24: Whaley vs Cloetens,

3de ronde, vrouwen:

 9: Pulido vs Lammerts,

10: Novotna vs Vieira,

11: Winkowska vs Van Westerop,

12: Kajiya vs Oja,

link

ik vind er persoonlijk maar weinig aan op deze manier.
1: geen livestream
2: geen dubbels meer... 

Vind het ook zonde dat de doubles er uit zijn, 1x een foutje en je bent klaar. Doubles halen de randomness er wat uit.

De IKA vindt er ook niks meer aan!

http://kiteworldmag.com/news/ika-terminates-agreement-with-pkra/