GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2021 – Best Trick Competition

Only good vibes here in Sylt, where the maelstrom of the last few days has been replaced with summer sunshine. Having crowned our champions of the main event, the riders could now relax and have fun on the water. 

With clear skies and a lighter breeze, it was perfect for the Best Trick competition to be held. But first the expression session provided the riders with a chance to showcase the crazy maneuvers they have been working on during the off season and for the riders to see what tricks they might need to add to their repertoire to get onto the top spot of the podium next time round.

For the Best Trick comp the judges decided to run fifteen minute heats, with one best trick counting… The ultimate strapless showdown. As the wind was looking lighter than previous days the judges were looking at technicality in tricks rather than height.

First up in the men’s heat we had Airton Cozzolino (ITA), Kiko Torres (ESP), Elvis Nunes (CPV) and Hendrick Lopez (CHE). Airton was back with vengeance after his big loss yesterday in the semi finals; he skyrocketed into this first heat smashing out a massive Flat 3 off a wave scoring a 9.

Then – when we thought we had seen the best he had on offer – he attempted a Flat 7 off a wave! Everyone on the beach held their breath, but unfortunately he couldn’t quite stick the landing. Considering this is a trick that top twintip riders struggle to land though, he was forgiven… And hopefully, we’ll see him pull it off in Denmark.

In the second heat of the men’s round we had Camille Delannoy putting on a great show, landing a very clean double Front Roll and a spectacular Kiteloop Tic Tac taking him through to the finals.

In the finals of the men’s expression session we saw Matchu Lopes really upping his game after his disappointment yesterday… He was going for some huge Flat 3s showing that he is more than capable of taking on the legendary Cozzolino.

“I landed a flat 3 many years ago but I hadn’t attempted it in a while as I have been working on other maneuvers. The expression session was the perfect time to try it though as we had light wind with small kickers! After a few attempts the muscle memory started to come back to me and I was stoked to land one.”

It was a close call between the two shredders but Airton was hungry for the win and, in the ongoing battle between the two groundbreaking riders, came out on top this time around 

Final Standings in the mens division:

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
2. Matchu Lopes (ESP)
3. Camile Delannoy (FRA)

In the women’s best trick competition we had Clemence Derrien (FRA) pull off some impressive maneuvers with a super stylish front roll board off.

But it was Capucine Delannoy (FRA) who was showing us why she is the worthy winner of this event as she landed a flawless frontroll one foot. Capucine has clearly been training hard over the previous months as she has completely dominated here in Sylt. 

Final standings in the women’s division:

1. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2. Clemence Derrien (FRA)
3. Catharina Edin (SWE)

With the bar raised once again, and the progression of the strapless side of the sport continuing to blow minds! Tomorrow will be a well earned rest day for the riders and on Saturday the forecast is looking good to run a surf competition.

 Make sure to check out the highlight video from today’s best trick competition below!