German rider Mario RODWALD & colombian racer Riccardo LACCESE acquired austrian titles
Podersdorf, May 6th – sunny temperatures, tropical feeling and windy conditions made the first tourstop of the MINI KTE 2012 to a felicitous kick-off event.
95 riders out of 22 nations started in Podersdorf to embattle the first title of the European Championship. A part of the 119.000 Surfworld Cup visitors and exhibitors, supported the professional kitesurfers with action and lust for life, while a full display of the newest MINIs lined the beach in style.
Four actionful days with good wind conditions made it a spectacular event.
Freestyle competitions turned out to be exciting and created by a big fight between the nations. In the single and double eliminations, the two local friends Schitzhofer and Spiessberger were riding against each other. But austrian power was not strong enough to beat the german star Mario Rodwald.
At the end of the final eliminations, Mario Rodwald and Chiara Espostio from Italy earned first place, with local star Stefan Spiessberger and Michalina Laskowska achieving second, Michael Schitzhofer and Barbara Stechauner, also local austrian riders, in third.
In racing disciplines, the colombian rider Laccesse won over this event. The french racers Julien Kerneur and Maxime Nocher taking place two and three on podium finishes.
For the women, Alice Brunacci from Italy was riding really constantly throughout the whole competition. Making a huge mark on the event as well, Christine Bönniger, in the first race event of the MINI KTE, finished at an amazing second place.
Finally, the closing ceremonies and awards signified the end of the MINI Kitesurf Tour Europe in Podersdorf. Up next for the MINI KTE 2012 will be the MINI Kitesurf World Cup in Sylt (26 june – 01 july 2012). This competition stop promises to deliver special freestyle and ultimate racing action put on by top riders. The event in Podersdorf was incredibly well organized and successful, and plans for next year’s tourstop event is already under discussion.
The KTE would like to thank MINI, Chupa Chups and all media partner for making the first tour stop of 2012 so spectacular and successful.
