GKA Freestyle World Cup Tarifa 2021 | FLIGHT TO THE FINALS

Friday 25th June

Report: Sasha Jade / All photos: Samuel Cardenas / Video: Mintautas Grigas

Happy Friday Ladies and Gentlemen! Currently Reporting to you sheltered in a container as the sandstorm continues to blast. The angry wind has coated the remaining blue of the ocean with whirling whitecaps to the shoreline.

The Atmosphere on the beach is intense as the riders huddled behind the gear container, in an attempt to hear the judges over the loud Levante in the first skippers’ meeting.

Due to the dangerously overpowered conditions for any form of Freestyle, it was no surprise to the riders when the judges announced the format of the day to be pure Big-Air. The talk went straight to safety measures.

Judging by today’s conditions the primary battle would continue to be between the Riders and the wind. With that in mind, the Judges decided on changing the rules to one man on the battlefield at a time to ensure the safety of the riders.

The athletes competing in the heat would conquer the battlefield 7 times, returning to the shore after each trick attempt, to clear the competition area for the next competitor to take the stage. The judges will be counting the best 3 tricks.

The brave athletes managed to power climb up the ladder to the finals! Valentin Garat (FRA) was back to kick off the first heat of the men’s Semi’s with a Double Frontroll Kite loop that made a statement that he was ready to take his second chance to the crown.

Each rider proceeded to answer back, reminding Garat wasn’t the only one that was ready. Arthur Guillebert (FRA) showed just how ready he was, surpassing Garats Double, continuing to boosting up his score flipping the audience all over the place as they couldn’t keep their eyes off the machine! 

The remaining riders continued to climb their way to the new heights guillotine Guillebert was flying to, but as they were gaining ground so was he, determined to be the first to the crown. Garat persistently looped his way closer, not ready to give up, but Jeremy Burlando (ESP) managed to gain the height he needed doubling the altitude of his previous double Backroll Kiteloop at the last moment to take him to the finals!

With only 2 spots left in the final battle, the pressure was on in the next heat. Looks like it was enough to crack young Serin as he came crashing off the ladder. The warrior took a gnarly beating from a gust, leaving him defeated after a long tiring climb.

The remaining riders in the heat kept their game face on as they chased each other up the ladder. Ewan Jaspan (AUZ) was in the lead after adding a double to his first Backroll. Posito Martinez (DOM) was right behind him, Tic taking his way up, but as the time ran out, Adeuri Corniel (DOM) flipped his way in front of him sending us all squinting into the sun with his massive Kiteloop Frontroll. 

Posito persisted, answering back with one of his own, but it wasn’t enough to overtake his fellow Dominican. Corniel nearly looped his way past Jaspan with his last Kiteloop of the heat, but Jaspan held his ground giving the audience one last thrill with the variety of his Frontroll Contraloop. 

We were down to our final warriors, ready to take on the final battle claim the first crown of the year.

The Women’s finalists put back on their armor and head back to the water. Wind still neuking, and the girls continued to battle the conditions move to move. Young Mikaili Sol (BRA) showed her dominance in the sport once again, totaling 20+ point averages back to back. Without looking back, the queen fearlessly claimed her way to the crown!

Pippa Van Iesel (NED) looped back strong, giving the Brazillian a run for her money. Unfortunately, missed her last reach to the crown but strongly secured the second position.

 Hannah Whiteley (GBR) pushed through some tough Levante gusts pulling together a decent part of her repertoire secured her third-place position on the power podium.  Rita Arnaus (ESP) coming in with Spanish fire from the semi-finals, couldn’t quite maintain the heat up as she struggled to land her bigger moves.

The queens head back to the shores of their kingdom as the final gladiators head out for the last battle of the day! Although the Spanish summer sun remained up, it was already 20.00 o clock! 

Jeremy Burlando (ITA) taking an early lead, a new rookie on tour pulling a move from move-in his dance with the big names in the final. Italian Stallion had got glimpses of the glistening crown as he boosted his way up the ladder to the final. He knew he was getting closer and continued full speed ahead to claim it.

The Dominican Adeuri Cornieu followed a different strategy, leaving the best till last. In the final moments of the heat, he gathered all his remaining energy, throwing Kiteloop above the skylines of Morrocco! But it wasn’t high enough to take the 3rd position from Ewan Jaspan (AUS) who solidly held his ground throughout the heat. 

Arthur Guillebert has been in flames since the beginning of the event, showing that he can handle any conditions thrown at him. The flipping Frenchman hasn’t messed a beat since the first green flag that rose. He politely removed his board stepping over Burlando, his last obstacle to the crown, and proceeded to claim the first World Cup title of his career!

Meet The GKA Freestyle World Cup Tarifa 2021 | BIG AIR podium! 

MEN:
1. A. Guillebert (FRA)
2. J. Burlando (ITA)
3. E. Jaspan (AUS)
4. A. Corniel (DOM)

WOMEN:
1. M. Sol (BRA)
2. P. Van Iersel (NLD)
3. H. Whiteley (GBR)
4. R. Arnaus (ESP)

These warriors have been perservering to climb up the ladder for 2 solid days hanging on strongly through the gnarly Levante. Up and above their comfort zone from the first day with the new pure big air format the conditions required.

Each and every one of them showed up with courage, bringing everything they had to the uninviting shores of this event and invited us to be entertained.
They all head back for a well-deserved drink. But we’re not celebrating yet as they will be returning at noon (12.00 pm-CET) for one last chance to express themselves on this battlefield, in case they left anything behind!

The official celebration will be held Sunday Afternoon. Stay tuned!