Koch and Schibevaag defend their lead at day 2 of the IKA Worlds
Today was a completely different day for the 34 racers from 14 countries participating in the 2010 IKA World Kite Racing Championship. While day 1 was overcast with winds gusting to over 30 knots, today, competitors were met with blue skies and had light to moderate wind conditions in the 9 to 16 knot range.
Read the wrap up of day 2 written by Marina from TKB
Race 1 was highly challenging with competitors doing their best to make it out to the start line with winds on the beach around 7-9 knots and on the water, around 9 to 11 knots. Many riders had to be brought back to the beach as their kites couldn’t relaunch in the light conditions while others were simply not able to finish.
In the end, for the men it was Bruno Sroka (FRA, Cabrinha) coming in first followed by yesterday’s frontrunner Adam Koch (USA, Ozone) who came back from 7th at the start line and Damien LeRoy (USA, Cabrinha). For the women, the leader Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone) came in first and was the only girl able to finish.
For the 2nd race, the winds picked up a notch and again, Bruno Sroka took the lead followed by Damien LeRoy and Adam Koch. For the women, it was Kari in first once again, followed by Kristin Boese (GER, Best) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North).
The third race was the most exciting of all with the men going neck to neck for the top spots. With winds averaging from 12-16 knots, at the last buoy before the finish line, it was Damien leading the pack, closely followed by Adam and Johnny Heineken (USA, RRD). Each was able to hold their positions for their respective first, second and third finishes. For this race, last year’s winner Steph Bridge claimed first for the women followed by Kari and Katja Roose (NED, Airush).
For the final race of the day, Adam was leading the pack but crashed just before the last buoy before the finish line. He was able to quickly relaunch but not before being passed by Damien and Bruno. Adam was able to gain back ground and barely scraped by the buoy but managed to regain a 2nd place position. Damien took first with a good solid lead and Bruno came in third. Kari had another good day coming in first, followed closely by Steph with Katja trailing in third.
Thank you to the events main sponsors NJS Designs, The Corpus Christi Visitors and Conference Bureau, Ozone and Live2Kite for their support and making this event happen. Other sponsors include The Kiteboarder Magazine, Budweiser, Curtis Fins, Corpus Christi Marina, Corpus Christi Aquarium and LVN Contractors.
Tomorrow the forecast is for solid wind but with a northwesterly direction which could mean extremely gusty winds for competitors. Riders are getting a little of everything in Corpus this year but there are no complaints. We have wind!
Pending protest, the rankings after day 2 are:
1. Adam Koch (USA, Ozone)
2. Damien Leroy (USA, Cabrinha)
3. Bruno Sroka (France, Cabrinha)
Women:
1. Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)
2. Steph Bridge (GBR, North)
3. Kristin Boese (GER, Best)
Full results can be found here: http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_regatta_results.php?regatta_id=2696
Here is also some footage taken from a mark laying boat, thanks to Chip Ducrest
2010 IKA World Championships, Day 1 from Chip Ducrest on Vimeo.
