PKRA - Day 4 - Major Feats and Big Wins in Adicora

The fourth day at the Copa Mundial de Kitesurf Adicora proved to be more exciting as ever, as both race and freestyle action took place on this ideal and windy morning and afternoon. If spectators and competitors thought the beach was crowded on previous days, they would not have guessed that those crowded first days were only the beginning, as the weekend brought seemingly endless throngs of people, covering every patch of the water’s edge. This huge attendance also inspired amazing energy, every rider gaining cheers and stoke from the lively beach in front of them.

Racing commenced first for the day, the 14-18 knots perfect for some morning competition. Peter Zweers (NED) commented that he first expected his 15m to be sufficient, but quickly changed to a 10m just before the race began, and found that to be the perfect size for the conditions. Three races played out on this day, with Bryan Lake (USA) leading the pack on each finishing line. Riccardo Leccese (COL) placed consistently second, and Alvaro Cadena (COL) and Victor Adamo (BRA) held onto third interchangeably. After the racing, Zweers commented that he has much to learn for the top riders, going on to say that he is amazed at the level that both Lake and Leccese race at.

The day continued on with the much-anticipated double eliminations. Heats began with the women on 8m kites, as both Rocio Ines Campos (ARG) and Annabel Von Westerop hit some nice Blind Judge 3s and Loop Slims. For the women, Manuel Jungo (SUI) climbed the ladder for some time, until losing in her heat against Asia Litwin (POL). Later on, Alberto Rondina (ITA) and Marc Jacobs (NZ) battled it out in one of the closest heats of the day. Rondina revealed after his heat that the wind seemed to vary in different parts of the box, and that this sometimes made it difficult to execute tricks in the perfect place.

Sam Light (UK) also shined as he rose threw the ranks. He threw several classic wake-style maneuvers that many have come to expect from the seasoned rider, as well as a well-received Switch Slim and Air Back-to-Blind_. In speaking about his match-up with Alex Pastor (ESP), Light commented that it wasn’t his best heat, but that he was really happy to go against him and see how he fared. He also spoke of his strategy in executing more toeside tricks, which has worked to his advantage with the new PKRA scoring system.

Eventually, the big winners of the day were Youri Zoon, Kevin Langeree, Mario Rodwald, Gisela Pulido, Bruna Kajiya, and Karolina Winkowska. In Zoon and Langeree’s match-up, each competitor was completely fired up and going their hardest. Zoon drew a gasp from the crowd with his 8.23 Double Back Mobe, while Langeree hit a high scoring Front Mobe, among other big tricks. In fact, in the last moments of this men’s final, Youri hit his trick so hard that his boots completely snapped of his board, providing a perfect and dramatic exit to a stupendous last heat of the day. Notably, both Langeree and Mario were all smiles after the official announcements, as this will be the best placement that each competitor has achieved all year.

Additionally, Pulido and Kajiya performed at their highest abilities, each executing major tricks in the slightly decreasing wind. In the women’s final heat, Gisela scored a major Kite Loop Slim, while Bruna completed a nice S-Mobe and Blind Judge 3 . Pulido came out the winner in this final, saying that she is very happy to have earned first, even though she would have been grateful to earn a second place finish as well.

For the fifth day here in Venezuela, spectators and online viewers can look forward to racing action at its best on the last day of the event. Needless to say, tonight will bring some considerable celebration for the happy podium placers of the 2012 Copa Mundial de Kitesurf Adicora - and there could be no better place than here to celebrate.