The Kite Race European Championships in Italy bought the best racers to the town of Gizzeria at the Hang Loose Beach. Following the first 2 days of the qualifying series the 78 mens fleet was split into gold & silver. Going into the gold fleet, Oliver Bridge from GB was leading & he ensured that things stayed that way.
After 7 gold fleet races, Oliver won 5 of them which gave him a 16 point advantage over his opponent Ricarrdo Leccese (ITY) in 2nd place. In 3rd place going into the medal race day & fully dialled into these conditions was Maxime Nocher (FRA).
The medal race day took the form of 4 shorter races with riders on 17mtr Dyno kites & their biggest fins. The beach was linned with spectators & those that were not at the event were following the racing live on the Trac trac. The wind was shifting & many position place changes took place making things exciting. At age 15, Oliver showed great maturity to hold things together & remain in control of the regatta securing his Tripple tittle win: Under 18′s Under 21′s and Mens European Champion.
Sailing a consistent & tactical week, Maxime Nocher (FRA) was on the podium with 3rd position while team mates filled the other top 10 placings: 6th Blajez Ozog (POL), 7th Florian Grubber (GER), 9th Olivier Dansin (FRA). 5 NKB positions filled the Top 10 mens Platinum races.
The womans fleet was won by Steph Bridge making this a rather unique Mother & Son Duo European championship win. Steph also wins the womans masters while Ariane Imbert takes 9th overall & 2nd in the womans masters.
Video Here