At the Kiteboard Racing World Championship in Cagliari, competition got off to a good start. The light Scirocco breeze picked -up in the afternoon at Poetto beach, allowing three races in each of the four fleets. The competitors were divided into three male fleets and one female.
All the favorites were right on top, like World Champion Johnny Heineken on red fleet and his sister Erika Heineken on the ladies. Great start also for the new European champion Slalom, Andrea Riccardo Leccese (Columbian guy riding under the Italian team) who won all the races on his fleet. He is leading now the Overall ranking together with Heineken.
The first day of competition had appeared uncertain, in the eyes of the 195 competitors (including 42 women). Until noon, the weather kept everyone calm down, to finalize the preparation of their boards and kite and deal with the sailing instructions during the skippers meeting. A little later, the rise of a breeze from the south has was prompted by the committee to start competition. All competitors left the beach in a few minutes coloring the sky with hundreds kites and reaching the racing area, not far from the shoreline.
Tomorrow the qualification rounds will continue in order to give the names of the 50 finalists in the men Gold Race and 20 in the women that will battle on Saturday to reach the medal race.
Riccardo Leccese. 'After the three first places today I' m convinced I can win the title. I can't wait till Saturday, so I can compete against Heineken in the gold race: he is my only concern.'
Surprised to be among the first, Andrea Beverino, at his debut on the kite after a long career on windsurfing. 'I am very pleased to be in sixth place, the first of the Italians, really I did not expect it,' his comment in front of the overall standings.
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