UIM Aquabike World Championship - impressive 74 boat fleet

by aquabike.net on 11 Mar 2011 UIM Aquabike Championship - Qatar Grand Prix

An impressive field of 74 riders competing across four disciplines - Runabout F1, Freestyle and Ski F1 for both men and women - took to the waters of Doha Bay for the first of three days of non-stop action in preparation for heats one and two of the Qatar Grand Prix, the opening round of the UIM Aquabike World Championship.

This afternoon’s two twenty-minute free practice sessions gave the riders the opportunity to test their machines and get a feel for the course and conditions, ahead of the first UIM Aquabike Grand Prix to be held in the Qatari capital.
Amongst the talented list of competitors from 12 countries in Europe and the Middle East is a trio of French champions all looking to make a good start to the defense of their titles.

Defending Runabout F1 and F1 Slalom World Champion, Cyrille Lemoine, lines up for the season in a new team, but will have to wait until the next race before he gets his new engine. 'We start this race in the same position as last year in terms of performance,' said Lemoine, who has won 10 UIM Aquabike World Championships. It’s an early start to the season so we don’t have the new engine or bike yet. A win might be difficult so we must be reliable and aim for as many points as possible.

Competing in the category with the biggest number of entries, 38, the French star knows he faces a hard couple of days. 'Today the competition is very, very tough. There are many, many good riders. I think I can expect a big fight with Medori, Zapata and also Bin Hendi from Dubai and I also think all can win this race.'

Another double World Champion is Mickael Poret, who beat brothers Jeremy and Morgan to win his titles in F1 Ski Division and F1 Slalom, and he also knows he faces stiff competition from the 24 riders lining up in his class this weekend. 'The first race is always difficult to anticipate but it gives you the chance to check out the opposition. To win is always the target but securing points is as important,' he said. 'It is great to be racing against my brothers, we push each other very hard all the time and it brings out the best in each of us.'

In women’s Ski F1, Julie Bulteau leads the line of eight that includes 2010 Slalom Champion, Stefanie Balzer, Slovenia’s Pija Sumer, Italy’s Marta Sorrentino and Paola Boggi, Spain’s Patty Gutierrez and the French duo of Estelle Poret and Lou Dardillet. 'My preparation has been good and I look forward to the season and racing here in Doha,' said the defending world Champion. 'The water and the course are very good and I was also able to practice alongside the men to day. For me it is always important to start the season with a win.'

Italy’s Roberto Mariani fronts the spectacular Freestyle class that includes the UAE’s Khaled Al Qubaisi, Frenchman Romain Stampers and Italian Valerio Calderoni.

Tomorrow’s (Friday) Pole Position gets underway on Doha Bay from 10.00hrs with the women’s Ski F1 qualifiers. Ski F1, Freestyle and Runabout competitors will follow the ladies out on to the water during the two hour and fourty-five minute qualifying session.

The first heat of two of the grand prix weekend begins at 14.00hrs. The Ski Ladies F1 riders again lead the way on to the water and Ski F1, Freestyle and Runabout riders follow in turn before the session finishes at 16.00hrs.
On Friday evening the top eight riders from the morning’s qualifying session from each category will compete in a special show, held under lights on Doha Bay, in Parallel Slalom in F1 Ski and Runabout and Freestyle.

For further information visit: Aquabike