Day two of the 5th stop of the PKRA World Tour 2005, in Fuerteventura, started out partly cloudy with uneven, choppy water along the shoreline. Since these conditions were not appropriate to start the speed contest, the freestyle got going earlier than expected at 12:50pm. As the afternoon progressed, the clouds cleared and the wind strengthened to an average of 28 knots, gusting at times to 32 knots.
The Freestyle riders were warmed up from yesterday’s “Richter†conditions and definitely were pulling out more powered, big moves for the judges and spectators on the beach. Aaron Hadlow, currently ranked #1 in the PKRA point standings, continued to dominate his heats landing difficult power moves, such as a 720 with a double down loop, securing first place in the singles. Etienne Lhote placed second in the singles showing off a variety of stylish, powered moves. Rubin Lenton pulled another major kite loop, besting his huge air with the kite below his body from yesterday, and secured third overall in the singles. Cesar Portas came in fourth, displaying a nice back to blind while still managing to win the yard sale award for the day.
Four rounds of the Men’s Double Eliminations were completed before calling it a day. Greg Thijsee (Cabrinha), is having an excellent event, enjoying the conditions, as he practices in similar types in South Africa, showing off low, wake style powered moves and perfectly executed and correctly landed KGBs. Leo Estrado (Slingshot) pulled a beautiful mile high kite loop handle pass, Alvarro Onieva (Best) performed a nice front grab to blind, Daniel Anderson (North) had a strong day landing some stylish mobs and Leshai Miller (Naish), also riding powered up, displayed a nice forward mob along with the more difficult, low kite loops.
The Women’s Single Eliminations had some great final heats with riders battling it out even with the overpowered conditions. Ania Grzelinska was on fire today landing a nice back to blind with a surface handle pass as well as several powered kite loops securing first place for the Singles. Although not advancing, Helene Barriere had the biggest air for the women today, jumping as high as some of the male competitors, while Bruna Kajiya displayed a nice hoochie glide, and Jalou Langeree had a nice railey to revert. Joe Wilson is also riding extremely well. Yesterday, she became the first person this year to beat Kristin Boese, currently ranked #1 in the world, showing off such moves as a double S bend unhooked. Today she continued to ride well, however struggled with the conditions and was unable to fend off Kristin again, who finished second overall for the Single Eliminations. Angela Peral placed third in the Singles with bold, yet consistent rounds; always showing the judges she is willing to go for it. And Katja Roose, who is coming on strong this event, placed fourth showing good variety and smooth moves.
The women were able to progress through two heats of the Double Eliminations before they were released for the day. Joe Wilson (Cabrinha, UK), Jalou Langeree (Naish, Netherlands), Helene Barriere (North, France), and Bruna Kajiya (Naish, Brazil) all advanced and will meet tomorrow for more exciting action.
Men’s Single Elimination Final Results
#1 Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, UK)
#2 Etienne Lhote (F-One, France)
#3 Ruben Lenton (Slingshot, Netherlands)
#4 Cesar Portas (North, Spain)
Women’s Single Elimination Final Results
#1 Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland)
#2 Kristin Boese (JN Kites, Germany)
#3 Angela Peral (North, Spain)
#4 Katia Roose (Airrush, Netherlands)
Skippers meeting for both Speed and Freestyle competitors will be held at 10am tomorrow. Depending on the conditions, the event organizers will determine the order of competition between the two disciplines.
