- (April 30, 2003-Podersdorf, Austria)- As hoped, the wind gradually returned through out the day, allowing for a 2pm start to the finish of the Freestyle Double Elimination. Winds were a gusty 16-22 knots, from the south. Picking up as the heats advanced made for difficult decision making for the riders, regarding their kite sizes! The dreaded wind hole on the shoreline added to the drama as the Finals neared. Starting off with the Mens’ Heats #28 and #29, the following results came through, Lago ESP advanced over Hadlow UK, Aaron Hadlow is only 14 years old and represents the new school of young groms entering the competitive field, he was able to penetrate the Top 10 and is one to watch! Doyle USA, again a member of the younger riders entering the Pro domain, beat Tyburski USA. Phillip ANT, building on his progressive and strong performance in 2002, won Eloy FRA- a new face on the PKRA showing lots of promise as he rose from 25th in the Singles ladder to 9th place! And, Shinn UK, our 2001 Tour Champion passed by De Jong NED.
In Heat #15 for the Women, Goeschl NED, a new, positive force in the Women’s field, with a strong reputation already as a ‘no fears’ rider, beat last years newcomer Wedenig SUI. And, Bunton UK, showing progress and great intention, advanced over Peral ESP, a new and young newcomer who is currently also competing in windsurfing!
Back in the Men’s Freestyle Heat #30, Lago ESP finessed by Doyle USA, and Philip ANT in an anticipated confrontation, beat Shinn UK. In the Women’s Quarter Final, Bunton UK went on to beat Goeschl NED, who unfortunately missed most of her Heat! In the Men’s Heat #31, James USA, showing marked improvement and his signature style left behind Lago ESP. In the same Heat, Herraiz ESP, demonstrating the results of his determined training, won over Phillip ANT.
In the Women’s Semi Finals, Bunton UK happily advanced to the Women’s Finals over local favorite Koelbichtler AUT. In the Men’s Quarter Finals James USA took down the mighty Herraiz ESP. Continuing to the Men’s Semi Finals James USA, continued on to take down Koch USA, though Koch demonstrated much grace and flow.
In the Women’s Finals, it was the pervasive Cindy Mosey NZL who prevailed over Claire Bunton UK. The Men’s Finals was energy in motion, as James USA and his comrade Vari ARG exchanged tricks, it was Martin Vari ARG, who has blown everyone away here in Austria with his remarkable evolution and candid display of finesse, that clenched and maintained control of 1st Place in the Men’s Freestyle competition!
Results of Men’s Freestyle Doubles Elimination/Austrai 2003:
1st Vari, Martin ARG Cabrinha:
2nd James, Will USA North
3rd Koch, Adam USA Naish
4th Herraiz, Jaime ESP North
5th Lago, Abel ESP Naish
5th Phillip, Andre ANT Cabrinha
7th Doyle, Mark USA Slingshot
7th Shinn, Mark UK Nasih
9th Hadlow, Aaron UK Flexifoil
9th De Jong, Steph NED North
9th Eloy, Jeremie FRA North
9th Tyburski, David USA RRD
13th Meyer, Ben USA Naish
13th Brouwer, Christian NED
13th Solbach, Sky USA Gaastra
13th Deleau, Charles FRA North
17th Kellner, Steve SA Slingshot
17th Oneiva, Alvaro ESP Wipika
17th Gilbert, Chris USA Naish
17th Argano, Gianni ESP Slingshot
17th Fenoll, Javier ESP Naish
17th Miller, Leeshi ISL Naish
17th Kerherve, Yoann ESP
17th Bodenwinkler, Kurt SUI
25th Tobias, Jeff USA Slingshot
25th Sieber, Christoph AUT North
25th Franco, Paul USA Naish
25th Austin, Flash USA Wipika
25th Ciriaco , Jose DR Gaastra
25th Pages, Alex ESP Nasih
25th Vannucci, Simone ITA RRD
25th Kundernatsch , Bernie AUT Takoon
Results of Women’s Freestyle Doubles Elimination/Austria 2003:
1st Mosey, Cindy NZL North
2nd Bunton, Claire UK Takoon
3rd Kollbichler, Ingrid AUT Cabrinha
4th Goeschl, Petra NED
5th Peral. Angela ESP North
5th Wedenig, Fiona SUI Slingshot
7th Steindl, Gabriele North
7th Boese, Kristin GER RRD
9th Fischli, Sonja SUI
9th Kearsley, Laura USA
9th Glasman, Michele ARG Cabrinha
9th Rodriguez, Sofia ESP
After the Freestyle discipline, the wind grew stonger and filled in closer to shore, allowing for the Best trick course to be made where riders and spectators could see the intense action! Gust variances increased and made for dramatic displays of valor as landings were made more precious! 2 Men’s heats and one women’s heat was run with 15 minute duration. A Men’s Final heat of 8 advanced riders topped off the show. Brutal wipeouts and risk were the usual fare for this secondary discipline sporting a $5000 purse! Results for the Best Trick discipline follow:
Women’s Best Trick:
1st Cindy Mosey NZL North 720 Board-Off, kite low
2nd Claire Bunton UK Takoon 720 back loop with kite loop
3rd Fiona Wedenig SUI Slingshot Unhooked 360 Off Axis
Men’s Best Trick:
1st Martin Vari ARG Cabrinha Unhooked Backspin to Raley with Kite-loop
2nd Jaime Herraiz ESP North Toe-side PeteRose
3rd Alvaro Oneiva ESP Wipika Nack Nack (Blind to Blind)
A last large tent party, for the Awards, is scheduled tonight at 10pm, and will officially close the Spark 7 PKRA World Cup in Austria!
The PKRA, and all its members, are stoked at the quality and professionalism of this event, Organized by Gerhard Polak and all his fantastic staff! This first 2003 World Tour stop has been a fantastic success and has set the standards for the rest of the Tour season! We believe with this kind of action and dynamic forum for expression the sport is sure to benefit and grow! We look forward to the next PKRA Tour stop in Cabarete DR!
FOR MORE INFOand PHOTOS: www.pkra.info
Hmm...
