GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023: France Edition – Event Highlights and Results

GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup France – Finals Day in Dunkerque

28 August – 1 September 2024

The GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup France showcased thrilling finals in Dunkerque as riders braved challenging windy conditions. The competition commenced with the continuation of round two of the men’s heats, proceeding into the eliminations.

The tension escalated during the men’s quarter-finals as competitors aimed to achieve four high scores out of seven trick attempts.

Intense Competition

The third round delivered a surprise upset as French rider Valentin Garat made a remarkable comeback in the last heat. After trailing behind, he executed a stunning slim-7 trick, earning an impressive 8.07 score, the highest at that moment, and secured his place in the semi-finals alongside reigning world champion Carlos Mario (BRA). “I’m thirty years old now and have been competing on the tour for quite some time,” Garat reflected. “I think my best position is fifth place, but I really want to make it to a podium, then I can retire.”

Unexpected Results in the Men’s Semis

The men’s semi-finals continued to surprise as 15-year-old Finn Flügel (GER) competed fiercely against Garat, Maxime Chabloz (SUI), and ranked number two Gianmaria Coccoluto (ITA). Garat played strategically while Chabloz was making strides to match his highest score of 8.43. Coccoluto struggled with the pressure and ultimately lost out to Flügel, who took the lead, followed closely by Chabloz and Garat. The competition reached a nail-biting climax during their final trick attempts.

Coccoluto attempted to reclaim his position and nearly secured second place but crashed on his last attempt, prompting his exit from the event. “I feel good,” he said afterward. “Sometimes it happens, and the conditions are really hard. I hope to do better in Brazil.”

In the second heat of the semis, Arthur Guillebert (FRA) performed a phenomenal heartattack-5 with an 8.77 score, the highest of the competition, while Carlos Mario unfortunately suffered an injury that cut his competition short.

Dramatic Men’s Finals

With Coccoluto and Mario out, the stage was set for the men’s finals. The competitors included Matteo Dorotini (ITA), Finn Flügel, Maxime Chabloz, and Arthur Guillebert. Flügel launched into action with a powerful toeside trick right at the start, while Guillebert delighted the crowd with a stunning dum dum. As the race progressed, Chabloz seized the lead but faced a setback with a crash that allowed Guillebert to take over momentarily.

In a climactic finale, Guillebert needed a score of six points or more from his final trick attempt. He delivered a remarkable frontside 317, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats as the judges deliberated. The score was enough to clinch the victory for Guillebert, while Chabloz expressed both disappointment and eagerness for future events. “I’m very gutted, but happy at the same time,” he admitted.

Ultimately, Arthur Guillebert triumphed on home soil, securing first place, followed closely by Maxime Chabloz in second, Finn Flügel in third, and Matteo Dorotini in fourth.

Women’s Semi-Final Highlights

In the women’s semifinals, Rita Arnaus (ESP) demonstrated remarkable skill, leaving competitors far behind in heat one. Having recovered from an injury, Arnaus advanced to the finals alongside Kaya Lehmann (GER), who made an impressive debut at her first competition.

Heat two saw Bruna Kajiya (BRA) surge ahead from the start, but Francesca Bagnoli (ITA) secured her second place with a solid 6.23 slim trick, paving her way to the podium.

Bagnoli’s Setback

Focused on her final, Bagnoli faced an unfortunate incident with a hydrofoil, resulting in a damaged kite that hindered her performance. Meanwhile, Arnaus, returning from injury, showcased her resilience. However, Kajiya proved too strong, landing every trick and scoring high, including a 7.17 for a flawless KGB.

Kajiya’s Victory

In the women’s final, Bruna Kajiya emerged victorious once again, securing the win with Rita Arnaus in second place — a fantastic accomplishment as her first event back. Kaya Lehmann impressed with third place, while Bagnoli finished fourth. “I’m super excited to have won here again like last year,” Kajiya said. “I came here with confidence because I put in the work.”

Congratulations to all the winners of the GKA Freestyle World Cup France 2024, and stay tuned as the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour moves to Brazil in November.

GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup France 2024 Results – Men

• 1. Arthur Guillebert (FRA)
• 2. Maxime Chabloz (SUI)
• 3. Finn Flügel (GER)
• 4. Matteo Dorotini (ITA)

GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup France 2024 Results – Women

• 1. Bruna Kajiya (BRA)
• 2. Rita Arnaus (ESP)
• 3. Kaya Lehmann (GER)
• 4. Francesca Bagnoli (ITA)