From perfect scores to the unlucky losses, the unimaginable and the fortunate, Duotone’s Airton Cozzolino and Mika Sol sealed the deal at the Ceara Kite Pro event, crowning Airton with his 4th World Championship title.
Here’s what our team riders had to say.
“It’s not easy to do the boogie loop, I’ve been trying for years and I did it today for only the second time. Somehow, I did it in competition! I’ve been watching Aaron and Ruben do them and I really wanted to do it strapless. Congrats to everyone today and I’m super stoked for this win, woo!”
AIRTON’s road to victory
Featuring six events this year, riders can discard their two worst results from six to give them their overall season points finish.
Airton’s final scorecard is therefore impeccable, with four wins, mixing wave and strapless freestyle victories, demonstrating his incredible mastery of all-round surfboard riding.
15.30 – MEN’S ROUND 9 HEAT 34 James Carew (AUS) V Camille Delannoy (FRA) by GKA:
“James lost his board first trick while Camille started in the same way as his last heat, confidently landing a double front and then a front roll double tick tack right after. C’est bon! James made a toeside front 3 on the way out but then crashed again on his boosted back roll tick tack flip. He just wasn’t getting his usual massive height. His third attempt, however, was big and perfect! The number three ranked rider really wanting it having just seen number two Mitu go out. Camille was yet to crash after four tricks and he already had a 9 for a front roll tick tack rodeo. The score was 31.13 to 15.53.
“Prea is windy, super consistent and perfect for strapless freestyle. I used my 10 m Neo pretty much every day with 22 m lines and a low V. The Pro Voke is an incredible performer. The channels on the bottom spread the water and really help with landing hard and keeping speed. It’s also really smooth in chop and strong winds.
To have this quality of conditions for the last stop of the season is really important for the whole tour in general. We can push the limits and go out with a bang. The stronger conditions meant the judges were looking for height. It wasn’t so much about technicality, but more about power, going big, landing hard and smooth. Airton really stood out, sending it hard with a whole new level of comfort and ability in the air. No one was going to catch him this time.
Over the last two years the GKA has done a really good job in supporting our sport and the world tour. A lot of people are now tuning in to the livestream whenever possible and it’s spreading the word about the riders, brands and variety of disciplines.
To see the tour really thrive and grow consistently each year is great and I’m stoked to be part of it.”
“I have no words, I was training so hard the last two weeks, but I really can’t believe I’ve won. I’m so thankful.”
For the full blow by blow report, head to the official GKA website for all the news.
