Kite Racing Europeans - Leccese and Bridge emerge victorious
by Kite Surf Tour on 3 Oct 2012
2012 Kite Racing Europeans Julien Gazeau
http://www.kitesurftour.eu/
The fourth leg of the Mini Kitesurf Tour Europe was set up on the popular beach of La Baule, near Nantes, were 117 riders out of twenty nations were ready to show their best on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With an ideal event site and the side-event of the famous french Derby Kite, the four days were an eventful and exciting tour stop, filled with the biggest names in kiteboarding.
The conditions proved to be difficult during the four days of competition with highly varying and shifting winds that allowed races only to be held during the first days. During the competition days 12 races in total were run, four races for each of the three groups. Varied and light winds with around 7-12 knots provided the biggest challenge for competitors and the race committee, that had to adjust the course to the new wind directions.
After the two day’s of course racing action on the water, Riccardo Leccese (ITA, Mikes Lab/Ozone) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North) are the 2012 Course Racing European Champions. Adam Koch (USA, Mikes Lab/Ozone) won the open Europeans, with Leccese in second and Julien Kerneur (FRA, RRD) in third. Bridge was on top of her game this week with Caroline Adrien (FRA, Aguera/Cabrinha) and Katja Roose (NED, Airush) close behind.
Unfortunately, all freestyle riders didn’t get any chance to hit the water on that event. They were chilling on the beach or in the event village, where kite brand companies displayed their gear and stuff. Most of the freestyle riders tried their best skills on Golf Competition, E-Skating Challenging and SUP-Action.
On the final day, the awards ceremony took place on the stage at the event site, where fans, friends, and spectators gathered to see the final unveiling of the official winners. Proudly accepting their awards and accolades, each winner looked over the audience with big smiles and much appreciation.
The last but one event in France, was well received. Next up on tour, the Mini Kitesurf Tour Europe will take part in Spain, Castelldefels. Featuring racing and freestyle performances as well as a great event village with a trainer kite area and Mini showroom. The last actionful tour stop will host all European rider from 1st-4th of November 2012.
Kitesurf Tour website
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