Alex Caizergues and Melissa Gil lead the 2009 Kitespeed Worlds

After two rounds of racing yesterday, Alex Caizergues (FRA, F-One) and Melissa Gil (USA, Cabrinha) have taken the lead in this years speed world championship.

In total, 35 competitors registered for the first event of the season, and although the weather forecast is not brilliant for the upcoming days, there is hope for the weekend to bring more wind to allow for more racing.

The first heat of the competition was won by Rob Douglas (USA, Cabrinha), the first kiter that broke the speedsailing dominance of the windsurfers last year in Luderitz, and one of the three kiteboarders that made it over 50 knots. Heat two was then won by World Record Holder Alex Caizergues. Second in both legs was Sylvain Hoceini, ensuring him a second place in the overall ranking as well. Rob Douglas is in third overall, and US course racing star Damien Leroy (Cabrinha) on an excellent fourth place in his first speed competition. In fifth, local hero Sylvain Maurin (FRA, F-One).

In the womens fleet, newcomer Melissa Gil was able to defeat reigning world champion Charlotte Consorti (FRA, F-One), they are both tied in points but Melissa with a slightly better top speed. In third then reigning world record holder Sjoukje Bredenkamp (RSA, Naish).

Racing continues until Sunday, fifth of April, with daily racing from 10:00 hours.

Full results can be found here, for pictures check the press lounge.