Thursday 26 / December / 2024
MUSCAT: A total of 12 of the best known riders of the kitesurf circuit have been confirmed for the 2018 Kite Speed World Championship on Masirah Island, where they will hope to reach speeds of over 40 knots (74kmph), or even more in ideal kiteboarding conditions, on the island’s flat, shallow lagoon.
Oman first hosted the championship last year, with Alex Caizergues returning again this year to defend his title.
The French racer described Masirah as “an amazing kiteboarding paradise” after last year’s event, in which he set a new in-competition world speed record of 48.5 knots, almost 90kmph.
Also attending the Oman Sail-organised event is British kitesurfer Dave Williams, who came third last year, and high-profile US racer Mandi Browning, a three-time cancer survivor and former Olympic-level synchronised swimmer. Other returning racers include Victor Bachichet, Luke Wigglesworth, Martin Carter and Swedish national record holder Roger Ornvang.
Kitesurfers from Italy and New Zealand will also be at the championship, which will see racing from August 18 to 22 at the Masirah Beach Camp venue, with a prize-pot of €10,000 on offer.
“We are delighted to welcome back the Kite Speed World Championship for the second year in succession,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer at Oman Sail.
“Oman has shown that it can offer perfect conditions for this innovative and exciting sport, which is rapidly growing around the world, so we look forward to welcoming back old friends and making new ones on Masirah Island.”
Oman also hosted the Formula Kite World Championships last November at Muscat's Al Hail Beach with great success and excellent competitor feedback.
