KTE News:

Spectacular end of the MINI Kitesurf Worldcup Sylt event 2012

Slalom World Champions 2012 are crowned and dutch and german riders earned
important points for the European Championship in Course Racing and Freestyle

Hamburg/ Sylt, July 1st – the MINI Kitesurf Worldcup Sylt event came to an official close
today, as top competitors were celebrated at the awards ceremony in front of hundreds of
in-person fans. Over 98.000 spectators were visiting the event during the week, while 85
riders out of 15 nations participated in three different disciplines in slalom, course racing
and freestyle.

In the world champion slalom fleet, french riders are clearly lead the pack. Julien Kerneur
(France, RRD), current number three of the world, battled it out and won the world champion
title in slalom 2012, followed by Maxime Nocher (France, North) on second and Rolf van der
Vlugt (NED, Airush), on third place.

The womens final in slalom was dominated by dutch girl Katja Roose (Airush), 1st place in
the IKA world ranking, who took victory in close racing over Caroline Adrien (France, Cabrinha) in second and Kristin Boese (GER, Best) in third.

With regard to the future olympic discipline « Course Racings » and in preparation for Rio de
Janeiro 2016, the fight for the first places was incredibly close. Dutch rider Rolf van der
Vlugt (Airush), and current 7th in the world ranking, won the tour stop in his neighbouring
country in the challenging conditions of the Northern Sea, leaving competitor Florian Gruber
(North) from Germany in 2nd place and Blazej Ozog (POL, North) on podium step three.
For french rider, Caroline Adrien, the competition in Sylt was very successful. She
conquered the world vize champion title 2012 in slalom as well as the 1st overall in course
racings. Here in Sylt, she left no doubt who is one of the fastest European female racer. In
second place overall finished Katja Roose (NED, Airush) and Christine Bönniger (GER,
Flysurfer) on third place.

With freestyle best kiteboarding talents in the world, the Brandenburger Strand in Sylt,
attracted onlookers with major maneuvers and complicated tricks showcased throughout the
event. Anticipation in the final day reached a spectacular highlight with the men’s super final
heat. Stefan Spiessberger from Austria and German Champion Mario Rodwald engaged in
a battle to the end, displaying their most spectacular of moves, competing against each
other. Mario Rodwald came out victorious.

At the end of the final eliminations of the MINI Kitesurf Tour Europe Sylt, Mario Rodwald
(GER, North) and Annelous Lammerts (NED, Slingshot) earned first place, with Stefan
Spiessberger (AUT, North) and german rider Sabrina Lutz (North) achieving second, Luke
Whiteside (UK, North) and Kelly Schouten (NED, Ozone) coming in third.

This was the MINI Kitesurf Worldcup Sylt 2012 with three different disciplines that asked for
a great variety of riding skills from large waves to choppy water and light to strong wind
conditions. The feedback of the riders has been very positive enjoying the northern
atmosphere in Sylt and the high quality on the water. 20.000€ in prize money was divided
between the riders. The event in Germany was incredibly well received, and plans for next
year’s event is already in the works.

The third tour stop of the MINI Kitesurf Tour Europe 2012 will be in Netherlands/
Brouwserdam from 16th – 19th of august. This competition promises to deliver the ultimate
in racing action, with a special freestyle exhibition put on by top riders. Spectators and fans
can look forward to more live

Quote "Over 98.000 spectators were visiting the event during the week"
Surely this is a mistake, the sport isnt that big for spectators in germany is it?

They won't come extra for a kite event, specially if no one jumps high

That location is at a high visited promenade.
Lots of older people and families, specially now that summer holiday season started.