Some of the world’s best kitesurfers were all pumped up for a fresh challenge on Sunday: the Red Bull Kite Cross. A new concept in kite racing, the event combined the core disciplines of kitesurfing – course racing, freestyle and wave riding – in one fast and furious race.
After an anxious wait for the wind, the kitesurfers charged out of the gate as they made history in the first Red Bull Kite Cross. The race was a slalom-style course that saw riders clearing obstacles, carving around buoys then bringing it home with a jump over “the wall”.
The competition, held on the last day of the Gold Coast PKRA Kitesurfing Pro World Tour, levelled the playing field as top riders and rookies alike faced this new style of race. World Champion Andy Yates had a shocker, crashing his kite at the start of his heat and putting him well behind the pack.
'I love everything about kitesurfing – being out on the water, doing tricks, the adrenaline rush' - Bruna Kajiya
Conditions weren’t ideal, with wind dropping out at crucial moments and sluggish surf, but winner of the mens Kite Cross Mitu Monteiro found the race a breeze. The wave rider from Cape Verde boosted his chances with a clean jump over the first obstacle. He says, “This was such a nice event. There were no waves for me during this stop of the world tour, but the Kite Cross was a great way for me to be out on the water and be happy!”
Jalou Langeree sailed off with the first-place cheque in the female rounds. “Red Bull Kite Cross was a sick event. It was a beach start, so as soon as you heard the horn you had to race for the water and get out in front," she said. "There wasn’t much wind so I had to really work the kite, but I managed to jump all the obstacles and clear the buoys, which put me into first place.”
Another kitesurfer who was blown away by the competition was Red Bull rider Gisela Pulido. “It was amazing, I really enjoyed jumping and racing around the buoys," said 16-year-old world champion from Barcelona. "I don’t get to do that in any of my other events, so it was heaps of fun.”
Kitesurfing is the fastest-growing watersport in the world. Red Bull rider and world number two Bruna Kajiya says, “I love everything about kitesurfing – being out on the water, doing tricks, the adrenaline rush. It’s such a great sport.”
Riders in the Red Bull Kite Cross competed for a prize pool of AU$5,000. Full results:
MENS
1. Mitu Monteiro
2. Mario Rodwald
3. Julien Kerneur
WOMENS
1. Jalou Langeree
2. Shari Shibevaag
3. Karolina Winkowska
Red Bull Photofiles
Red Bull Photofiles
Red Bull Photofiles
.jpg "Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton")
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