Maitai Freestyle Invitational Cabarete Day 3 Highlights
Fri 15th Jul, 2016 @ 9:00 pm
The World Kiteboarding League brings us the scoop from day three of the Maitai Freestyle Invitational Cabarete 2016! Big action went down in the men’s trials and the start of the ladies main event. Read the details from Cabarete, reported by the WKL, that follow.
Day three of the MaiTai Freestyle Invitational Cabarete 2016 was a great success in terms of riding, spectators and fan engagement! We had an amazing day of wind, blowing an average of 18 knots throughout most of the heats. The men’s trials were all successfully completed as well as the first heat of the women’s main event.
One of the most exciting elements of the day was the activation of our live stream. As it was one of the elements that has been greatly missed by our fans, we were delighted to have an amazing media team here on location to make this happen. Be sure to tune in again tomorrow via our facebook page from 11.30 am onwards to watch all the action, rider interviews and get a glimpse of the Cabarete lifestyle!
During the morning skipper’s meeting, riders were also invited to a presentation of all the MaiTai Global members, together with the WKL Crew. This is the perfect example of how the MaiTai Cabarete Freestyle Invitational is more than just another Kite event, but is union of entrepreneurs and athletes, and a perfect example of what wonderful things can be created when people work towards a common goal.
The men’s trials commenced at 1.30 pm with the wind blowing an estimated 18 knots. As Heat 1 had already been completed the day before, the day started directly with Heat 2. The wind remained consistent for most of the afternoon other than the occasional lull, as the full men’s trials were successfully completed. The trials saw a fierce battle between the 16 riders who were fighting for one of the two spots available in the main event. Eventually, it was two French riders who claimed victory, Antoine Fermon and Giuliano.
Giuliano is one of the youngest riders here at the event, with just 15 years of age, this is his first World Cup event.
“I came here with the objective of getting into the main event, so I am super happy that I have managed to do that. Although I had a bad start to my heat, I later managed to land a good 317 that I was happy with. I’m looking forward to now competing in the main event.”
As for Antoine Fermon, who is also part of the french team and is the coach of Giuliano, he was equally delighted.
“I’m so happy for Giuliano as I always coach him at our home, and it’s amazing that he has managed to do this at his first event. It’s important for me to try to finish as high in the ranking as possible, as I would ideally like to be within the top 16.”
These two riders will now go through to the main event that will be starting tomorrow morning.
On the women’s side, the first heat of the main event was completed. The event was then called off for the day as the sun was setting. For the first heat, the girls were all on form but it was Therese Taabbel who showed amazing determination and focus, giving her the top position within her heat. Tomorrow we will continue with both the men’s and women’s main events.
The WKL team wishes to extend their condolences to all those affected by today’s terrorist attack in France.
