Formula Kite Asian Championships 2014 Race Day 5

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The 2014 Formula Kite Asian Championships has just drawn to a close and youngster Olly Bridge has taken the silverware in the overall mens competition, as well as the under 21 and under 18 category! Olly comes from a racing pedigree with his mum, Steph being a multiple world champion. Steph herself had a great tussle with Elina Kalinina during the regatta and in the end finished on equal points. A count back tie break saw Elina clinch the title!

Press Release:

Late winds allow for final day races to close the Asian Kiteboard Course Racing Championships…

Light winds dominated the event…

The ocean in front of the Qanat Quartier beach area was alive with colour yet again yesterday, as Kiters from around the world hit the waters to compete for the last day of the Asian Kite Racing championship.

Both men and women’s fleets were able to complete the full schedule of 12 races in the final days medal race series.

Winds were extremely light ranging from 6-8knots only, meaning riders had to be extremely technical with their riding skills.

Qatar provided a stunning backdrop amongst the desert…

Narapichit Pudla (THA, P1/Ozone) was crowned the Asian Champion after the 6 day event, with Oliver Bridge (GBR, North) sweeping the podium with 1^st positions in the Men’s Open fleet, Under 21 fleet and Under 18 Fleet. The ladies event saw a close battle between Elina Kalinina (RUS, ELF/TMV) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North), with Elina clinching the first position of the ladies Fleet after the tie break.

Olly Bridge on his way to victory, he cleaned up winning the under 18’s under 21’s and men’s categories!

The Championship ended with a closing ceremony at the Grand Hyatt hotel, with prizes presented by President of Qatar sailing & Rowing Federation, Mr Khalifa Al Suwaidi.

Final Standings:

Men:
1) Oliver Bridge (GBR, North)                                                       13 points
2 Florian Trittel (SPA, ML/ Elf)                                                 17 points
3) Florian Gruber (GER, Ozone / TMV)                                 21 points

4) Riccardo Leccese (ITA, ML/Ozone) 30 points
5) Mario Calbucci (ITA, TMV/Elf) 31 points

Women:
1) Elena Kalinina (RUS, Elf / TMV)                                              13 Points
2) Stephanie Bridge (GBR, North)                                          13 Points
3) Anastasia Akopova (RUS, ML/Ozone)                              27 Points
4) Astrid Berz (SUI, ML/Ozone)                                             36 Points
5) Jade O’Connor (IRL, UC/Ozone)                                            36 Points

ASIAN Champion:
1) Narapichit Pudla (Thai, Ozone)                                            58 points
2) Osama Shihab (Jorden, Ozone)                                              61 points
3) Channon Phrakaew (Thai, North)                                           150 points