True to form the PKRA in Leucate delivered some spectacular competition and a wind forecast to match any. The event opened up with a day of 30-40 knot winds blowing offshore at the comp site. Our speed team arrived early and eager to break records in the Leucate’s excellent racing conditions. The freestyle team fresh from their recent Hawaiian exploits in Maui, geared up grudgingly with thick wetsuits and tiny kites.
The Switchblade Speed Team: Rob Douglas, Morgan Douglas, Jamie Douglas and Damien LeRoy saw great Sosh Cup Results. 50 minutes into the first heat, Rob Douglas set a new speed record for Leaucate with a blistering 44.61 kt average. Antoine Albeau 20 time world champion windsurfer answered back in heat 2 with a bullet. In the end Rob came in 1st in kiteboarding and 2nd overall with the best speed over 500m of 44.61 knots. Damien LeRoy found his groove after a neck cracking fall and managed to hold on to 3rd place which landed him 5th overall. Morgan and Jamie made their climb up the leader board as Morgan came in 6th kite and 11th overall with Jamie in 9th kite and 15th overall.
In the freestyle mens division our man Alby Rondina had to retire early after an injury made it impossible to compete. Liam Whaley had an impressive start showing experience in the strong and gusty winds defeating Ewan Jaspan but faced the eventual winner Alex Pastor in Heat 3. Liam had a strong heat but lost out to his fellow Tarifian competitor.
In the ladies division Annabel Van Westerop went up against Manuela Jungo for the 4/5th showdown in the singles, unfortunately she lost out but stood in a strong position going into the doubles on the following day.
The doubles competition came around on the final day of wind and with sand flying and gusts up to 40knts it was clear that the only choice for kites would be the smallest kites available. WIth Alby retired early it was down to Liam to march forward. Round 3 saw Liam vs Christop Tack in the battle to move up the ladder into the final 8. It was a close heat but Christoph advanced leaving Liam in a final position of 9th. Annabel advanced through her first 2 heats to face Manuela Jungo again. She managed an impressive heat and advanced to face Bruna Kajiya and battle for a podium position. In winds normally thought too dangerous for girls, Annabel powered through on her 5.5m Chaos kite and ended up a solid 4th position overall. This puts her now tied for 4th position in the overall rankings and ready for the next tour stop in Italy.
Und so beginnen für James - eine halbe Weltreise entfernt an der Geburtsstätte unseres Sportes - zahlreiche neue Abenteuer als er sich
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