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British dominate at the European Junior Kitesurf Cup – France
Race director Pierre allowed the under 13 category to freeride on day 1 which was great to ease nerves. Day 2 the heats were drawn and it was party time for the UK team. Robbie, age 13 came up against other talented riders in a single elimination style event. Riding powered on his Flexifoil 5m kite, Robbie nailed high kite loops, raileys & hooked in transitions. A great style of riding, this event was a superb learning curve for Robbie who is more motivated than ever to nail new moves.
Youngest of the Bridglets Tom, now age 9, had a blinder of a heat against his older brother Oliver (age 12). A text book 8 minutes of kite loop pass, blind, slims and KGB – all on his 4m North Evo. Tom just blew everyone away with his level of technical riding. Many thought he had enough to take the under 18’s & he was the talk of the beach!!! Tom earned his place in the semi-final and had enough time to change & chill on the beach while watching his older brother do it the hard way! Oliver made an impressive come back, beating Dutch rider Wouter (age 13) and an Italian rider before getting to the final with Tom and Liam Whalley, a 13 year old rider from Tarifa. The final of the under 13’s was just as impressive as the other age categories. Tom went for a slim early, crashed the landing and spent too long body dragging back to his board. Liam landed a blind judge, 313 and high powered kite loop while Oliver got more blind landings, and powered tricks to give him the 1st place overall.
The final 2 days of competition took the form of big air & best trick contest which was a great chance for the UK riders to gain valuable heat experience. Gusty, up to 40knot winds & in these super challenging conditions the boys mixed it up with the older categories & ripped.
Flying the BKSA flag the UK boys were professional & showed team spirit. The event was well organised, easy to get to from the UK, offered amazing prize money and is a must for any under 18’s next year.
Results 13 & under
1st: UK | Oliver Bridge. Sponsors Edge Watersports, Xcel, North Kiteboarding, Ion
2nd: Spain | Liam Whalley
3rd: UK | Tom Bridge. Sponsors Edge Watersports, North Kiteboarding, Ion, Xcel
