Defending champion GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024 – Everyone is smiling, Delannoy is at the top of the podium

by Caroline Morris August 26, 10:10 UTC
20-25 August 2024

On the sixth day of the defending champion GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024, the sun was shining after a week full of action. The wind whipped as Frenchwoman Clémence Derrien faced Brazilian Kesiane Rodrigues in the mini-final, battling for third and fourth place.

“We have a nice wind like yesterday,” said Derrien. “It’s more onshore, so it’s a bit difficult for the waves, but at least the wind is strong. I’ll give it my all and try.”

Mini-final will be played

Rodrigues executed her tactics flawlessly, landing a rodeo for the first point of the heat, while Derrien unfortunately crashed her kite on a front roll attempt. Rodrigues landed the highest freestyle trick with her tic tac flip and rodeo, cementing her lead before the focus shifted to the wave segment.

The offshore wind allowed the athletes to choose their direction on the wave, favoring their preferred stance, but Derrien had to deliver two big wave scores after managing just one in freestyle. Rodrigues, on the other hand, looked relaxed and secured a solid wave score of 4.67, which was enough to take her third place in the competition, while Derrien ended up in fourth place.

The climax unfolds

The tension rose as the siren sounded for the final race between Losserand and Delannoy.

“I finished second last year, which I’m pretty proud of,” said Losserand. “To be in the final against Capu again will be pretty interesting. I’ve trained a lot for this, so let’s see if I can get the win this time.”

Delannoy, ranked second, was in a strong position to reclaim her crown after winning the 2022 World Championship title. Losserand, determined to improve on her second-place finish from last year, gave it her all but lost her board on a big move, while Delannoy made an incredible start.

A first-time result

Delannoy was on top form as she landed an incredible Front Roll Shove It Three, the first ever in a women’s competition. The judges rewarded the move with a well-deserved ten point score, giving Delannoy a big lead. Losserand responded with a beautiful Double Back Roll Board Off, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to catch up.

In the wave segment, Delannoy quickly reached a score of 4.2 while Losserand searched for the perfect wave. Unfortunately, the waves did not form as well as the previous days, leaving Losserand struggling as her wave closed in with only foam to counterbalance it towards the end. The tension was building as only a few points separated first and second place.

Losserand posted a great wave score of 6.07, but needed another one like that. As the final minute ticked away, it became clear that Delannoy had done enough to secure the win.

With a smile on his face, Delannoy took the win with a score of 22.97 against 19.67 for Losserand, a difference of just 3.31 points.

Emotional victory for Delannoy

Cheers erupted on the beach as Delannoy, amid tears of happiness, shared a touching moment with her family and stumbled upon her perfect ten-score.

“I’ve done it before,” said Delannoy, “but it was quite difficult under these conditions. I’m super happy to win another title and Sylt is a very special place for me.”

The podium was full of smiles, fans crowded around the athletes and cheered in admiration. Capucine Delannoy took first place, followed by Camille Losserand in second, Kesiane Rodrigues in third and Clémence Derrien in fourth.

Congratulations to all winners of the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024 and to an incredible week of exciting competitions.

Results of the defending champion GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024:

Results Women

1. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2. Camille Losserand (SUI)
3. Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
4. Clémence Derrien (FRA)

Results Men

1. James Carew (AUS)
2. Gabriele Benetton (BRA)
3. Lorezo Casati (ESP)
4. Nicola Abadjiev (BUL)

Results of the Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt 2024

1. Charles Brodel (FRA)
2. Lorenzo Casati (ESP)
3. Peer Schnyder (SUI)
4. Joselito del Rosario (DOM)

GKA Hydrofoil Big Air European Championships 2024

1. Charles Brodel (FRA)
2. Lorenzo Casati (ESP)
3. Peer Schnyder (SUI)