THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: 24-28th AUGUST
Take a look forward to the final GKA Kiteboarding World Tour stop of the season – the Air Games Fehmarn!
The stage is set /ย Photo: Act Agencyย
This weekend will see the final fixture of the 2018 GKA Kiteboarding World Tour kick off in Fehmarn, Germany; one of Germanyโs most popular kiting destinations thatโs played host to some legendary kiteboarding World Tour events over the years.
The GKA Cabarete podium placers /ย Photo: Genesis Reyesย
After a stunning event in Cabarete last month, where Carlos Mario topped the menโs division podium for the first time this season, Jesse Richman still holds the overall lead but thereโs only 33 points between him and Carlos who was near-faultless in both the single and double elimination finals.
Whichever of the riders wins in Fehmarn will take the title soย it’s going to be a tense event for them both!
Jesse in Tarifa /ย Photo: Toby Bromwichย
Jesseโs been ultra-strong at the last two events in Tarifa and Cabarete, and the mixture of big air and technical freestyle that this tour demands of the riders certainly suits his riding style, but a summer event in Europe could potentially spell light winds and Jesse himself will tell you that โBebeโ can really pull ahead in those conditions so itโs going to be a tight one!
Carlos ‘The Machine’ Mario /ย Photo: Genesis Reyesย
Posito Martinez, whoโs 99 points behind Carlos in third after a strong event at home in Cabarete, would also have a shot at the title if Carlos was to finish fourth or lower and if Jesse was to only get as far as sixthย place in Fehmarn.
Posito Martinez smiling on the job in Cabarete / Photo: Genesis Reyes
There are other riders with potential routes to a podium finish as well. Nicolas Delmas, who has been very consistent this season to retain fourth overall, and Maxime Chabloz who managed second place in Tarifa could both still finish 2018 in third if things go their way.
Maxime Chabloz going HUGE during a tow-up session in Leucate / Photo: Toby Bromwich
In the womenโs division, Mikaili Sol, Hannah Whiteley and Pippa Van Iersel have all been unshakable in first, second and third respectively and Mikaili and Hannah have met in three final heats so far with Mika taking the win each time.
However, with Hannah holding such a tight grip on second, there are now only 66 points between her and first place and she could still clinch the title at the last minute if Mika was to finish third or lower.
Mikaili Sol – triple front roll /ย Photo: Genesis Reyes ย
Thereโs no clear indication that thatโll happen though. Mikaโs been very consistent this season and the five time Junior World Champion has proven that she can perform under pressure too but she doesnโt have Hannahโs experience on a full scale professional freestyle tour and so an overall victory for her in the womenโs division is far from a done deal just yet!
Hannah Whiteley soars to second at Kite Beach in Cabareteย /ย Photo: Genesis Reyes ย
So itโs all still to play for in Fehmarn this month and neither of our current tour leaders is going to have an easy run at securing their World Titles if their fellow competitors have anything to say about it!
TAKE A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE ACTION FROM THE GKA CABARETE FINALS
CURRENT TOP FIVES
MEN
1: Jesse Richman (USA) – 4167 pts
2: Carlos Mario (BRA) – 4134 pts
3: Posito Martinez (DOM) – 4034 pts
4: Nicolas Delmas (FRA) – 3937 pts
5: Maxime Chabloz (FRA) – 3903 pts
WOMEN
1: Mikaili Sol (BRA) – 4200 pts
2: Hannah Whitely (UK) – 4134 pts
3: Pippa van Iersel (NL) – 4068 pts
4: Pauline Valesa (FRA) – 3969 pts
5: Osaia Reding Commaille (FRA) – 3936 pts
