Raging winds encompass Essaouira Bay

It was a spectacular second day for the Essaouira Kiteboarding World Cup 2010. The men’s and women’s single eliminations got underway at approximately 11:30am under hazy skies, warm temperatures and fiery winds.

It was an outstanding day for Austrian rider, Michael Schitzhofer (JN Kites, AUT). Schitzhofer defeated local Moroccan rider Momo Hamaini in his first heat of the day with clean executions, power, style and technical difficulty of tricks. Schitzhofer was on fire in the third round of heats, eliminating Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) in a very close heat due to better execution and switch tricks. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) put an end to Schitzhofer’s winning streak in the semi finals, which would lead him to 4th place in the single eliminations.

Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) competed with great power and strength today, eliminating Ben Bowd (Rodwy, GRE), Ariel Corniel (Ozone, DOM) and Michael Schitzhofer (JN Kites, AUT) landing him in the final against fellow Dutchmen Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED). Zoon’s mobe 5 and switch blind-judge 3 were not enough to take on 2009 World Champion Langeree. Zoon takes the second place title while Langeree finishes in first place.

The Italian Stallion, Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) was also on top of his game today defeating Moroccan rider Yassine Bouceta followed by Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA). Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED) eliminated Rondina in the semi final earning him 3rd place in the single eliminations.

A total of 12 women were out on the water today competing for the chance to win an event title. Polish rider Ania Grzelinska (North, POL) eliminated Japanese rider Aya Oshima (Cabrinha, JPN) in the first heat in the women’s division advancing her to the second round. Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GRB) defeated Grzelinska leading her to the semi final against Jo Wilson (Naish, GRB). Wilson dominated the semi final landing in the final against Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP), which means Sykes-Davies battled Asia Litwin (Nobile, POL) for 4th place.

Polish rider Asia Litwin (Nobile, POL) got thru the second round of heats defeating Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) but was later eliminated buy Pulido in the semi final. Litwin ends in third place while Pulido takes first and Wilson second place.

The single eliminations wrapped up at 4:30pm with a brief announcement stating the winners of the day.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Tomorrows mandatory skippers meeting in scheduled for 11:00am with an 11:30am first possible start.

Thank you to all the sponsors who made the Essaouira Kiteboard World Cup 2010 possible: Association Marocaine de Kitsurf, kitemorocco.com, ONMT, Sprite SAEMOG and the Atlas Hotel Essaouira.

For all live results please go to: www.extremeelements.tv/live_results/results.php

MENS RESULTS:

1. Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED)

2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)

3. Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA)

4. Michael Schitzhofer (JN Kites, AUT)

WOMENS RESULTS:

1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)

2. Jo Wilson (Naish, GRB)

3. Asia Litwin (Nobile, POL)

4. Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GRB)