Freestyle single eliminations wrap up the second day of competition

The wind forecast today predicted a change in direction and speeds ranging anywhere from 30-40 knots. Shortly after 2:00pm the assumption was correct, the wind began to shift and the speed jumped from 10 to 20 knots within 30 minutes.

Riders abandoned their lunch in order to start pumping up their kites and preparing for an intense freestyle single elimination competition.

Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had an amazing day defeating the Russian’s Sergey Borisov (Best ,RUS) and Sergey Belmesov (Liquid Force, RUS), as well as Ariel Corniel (Ozone, DOM) leading him straight into the final against Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA). In the final heat, Zoon had an overall better execution of tricks and kite position, which made for a high risk factor due to the extreme wind conditions. Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) eliminated Michele Ratti Morales (Slingshot, ESP), Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) as well as Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) in the semi final leading him into the final against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon takes first place in the freestyle single elimination while Garat takes second followed by Yates in third.

In the women’s freestyle division it was a winning day for German rider Kristin Boese (Best, GER). Boese defeated Holly Kennedy (North, GBR), Ania Grzelinska (North, POL) leading her into the final against Spanish rider Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP). Pulido put an end to Boese’s winning streak in the final heat. Pulido defeated Boese in a 3/0 judges decision entitling her to first place while Boese takes second. Ania Grzelinska (North, POL) defeated Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in the women’s loser semi final leading her to third place.

The wind forecast for today is predicting to be even more intense than yesterday’s raging winds. The mandatory riders’ meeting is scheduled for 10:00am for freestyle and 12:00pm for waves.

The El Medano Kiteboarding World Cup is supported in part by: Volumen Canarias, Turismo Granadilla De Abona Turismo De Tenerife, Ilustre Ayuntamiento De Granadilla De Abona, Coca Cola, Red Bull, Cruzcampo, Hotel Aeropuerto Sur, Hotel Mare Nostrum Resort, ASEC El Medano, Club De Kitesurf Borde De Ataque, PKRA, IKA, ISAF.

FREESTYLE SINGLE ELIMINATION WINNERS

MEN

1. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)

2. Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA)

3. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)

4. Ariel Corniel (Ozone, DOM)

WOMEN

1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)

2. Kristin Boese (Best, GER)

3. Ania Grzelinska (North, POL)

4. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)