excuse the french but....

Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup - Turkey
11-18 July 2004


Turkey, Burc beach, 16th July 2004

First round completed !

Incredible storms and very strong wind woke up everybody at 6am in the morning It all disappeared in 30 minutes came back around 9am and disappeared again . We had to wait until 2pm and the wind finally established itself North / East between 12 and 15 knots.

We launched the first heat straight away facing the two "Jeremie's" (Eloy & Tronet) of the Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup 2004 against the Turkish rider Aykurt Tanyr. The "frenchies" easily found their way to the second round. Jeremie Eloy looked on top form and his performance is rather promising for the coming days.

In the second heat, Charles Deleau, the 2003 KPWT World Champion, peaceful, more and more confident with double handle pass, and Ofri Argov from Israel, fighting hard for the World title, won their place for the second round.

Congratulations to the young kid coming up Kevin Langeree ! He impressed the public and the judges. He is definitely a rising star of the kiteboarding planet No surprise with Cedric Le Bourgocq, very technical, who went also through. Ogueday Ozel defended with courage and determination the colors of Turkey in front of Mickal Fernandez, from France, who keeps improving his style and his surf.

Coming from Morocco, Soufiane Hamaini did rather well and will continue the fight for the victory! Last but not least, Guillaume Mariani, our French athlete, confirmed his talent.

We completed the first round as the sun was going down Everybody is appointed at 8am tomorrow morning. The show will go on !!!! Get connected.

News, info, Riders' ITV, everyday on www.kiteboardpro.com.

Many Thanks to our Title sponsor Jim Beam,
To our Sponsors : University of Bogazici, Quiksilver, TV8, Power 100 FM
And to our World Tour partners: Gaastra, Julbo, Takoon, Hawaiisurf

Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup - Turkey
11-18 July 2004

Turkey, Burc beach, 17th & 18th July 2004.

News, info, Riders' ITVs, on www.kiteboardpro.com.

Saturday morning - 9.30 am - 14 knots - Everybody was on the beach, ready for the race! The show started straight away and we completed the winner brackets in the morning.

Some riders really stood out and astonished the judges. The two finals were really tight : Mickal Fernandez / Charles Deleau and Laurence Lignires / Gisela Pulido.

Mickal impressed everybody with his aerial style and manoeuvres !
Charles, as powerful as usual, performed incredible jumps. Just imagine : 20sm kite, handle pass, 7 meters high, 5 meters from the shore . Nevertheless, despite all his efforts, the World Champion had to leave the highest step of the podium to his friend Mickal Fernandez.

A special focus on the young generation of Kiteboarders :

Kevin Langeree, from Holland, 15 years old and already a champion. Kiteloops, back, front, always in the move He managed all these jumps and looked very at ease in front of the other competitors who follow the Tour.
And of course Gisela Pulido, from Spain, 10 years old and already at the top. Gisela won in front of Laurence Lignires. Blind, kite, the youngest woman of the KPWT was outstanding on the water. Fabienne D'Ortoli, with her 15sm kite, did not manage to jump high enough and finished at the third place of the Winner bracket.

The wind kept picking up and established itself around 15 and 20 knots in the afternoon. We did not waste any time and launched the double elimination at 3.30pm. Guillaume Mariani and Arnaud Dussen went through their heats very efficiently and managed to improve drastically their position in the ranking of the event. The Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup 2004 revealed also the frenchy Thomas Coquelet and the dutch Johan Spelt.
The israelian team with their leader Ofri Argov - who won the Best Trick and invented a new trick - also surprised the jury with their level. A special thank to our Russian friends for their good spirit, smiles and humour !
As the wind dropped down around 7.30pm, we had to stop the double elimination. We all went to one of the most famous and expected party of the KPWT : BBQ, Jim Beam, concert, DJ's, The perfect package for a successful party. Many thanks to Kerem and his team of Sportworks Group who take care of us like kings and queens !
Sunday morning - 10am - 8 knots Double elimination is on stand by until 4pm.

Despite very good jumps and a unique style, Charles Deleau lost his heat versus Kevin Langeree who distinguished himself with the variety of his riding. In the men final, Mickal Fernandez, much more technical and powerful, confirmed his first place in front of the young kid from Holland.

On the women side, the double elimination did not change the podium. Gisela Pulido proved her know-how and talent. Laurence Lignires from Guadeloupe finished second and Fabienne D'Ortoli, who prefers strong wind, kept her third position.

JIM BEAM KITEBOARD WORLD CUP 2004 - RESULTS

MEN
1st Mickal Fernandez : 5000$USD (FRA) rrd
2nd Kevin Langeree : 4000$USD (HOL) naish
3rd Charles Deleau : 3000$USD (FRA) north



WOMEN
1st Gisela Pulido : 3000$USD (SPA) gaastra
2nd Laurence Lignieres : 2000$USD (GUA) chicken surfing
3rd Fabienne D'Ortoli : 1000$USD (FRA) cabrinha



Best Tricks

Men : Ofri Argov (ISR) airush

Women : Gisela Pulido (SP) gaastra


Many thanks to the riders for the show and to the local organizer Sportworks Group !

Hope to see you next year !

Many Thanks to our Title sponsor Jim Beam,
To our Sponsors : University of Bogazici, Quiksilver, TV8, Power 100 FM
And to our World Tour partners: Gaastra, Julbo, Takoon, Hawaiisurf