Australian kiteboarders Chrissy Gaudieri, Ewan Jaspan and Keahai De Aboitz have been given wild card entries to compete in the PKRA this year.
The wildcards were given to the top two Australian men riders and the top Australian women’s rider at
the AKSA Australian Freestyle Championships in February.
To qualify the riders must have competed at nationals and not already be a registered PKRA (Professional Kite riders Association) rider.
The nationals, which were presented by Cabrinha and sponsored by Red Bull, were held on February
11, 12 and 13 as part of this year’s St Kilda Festival.
Over $3,000 in prize money was given at the event which attracted more than 300,000 visitors.
International riders Kristen Boese, Jules Hosp and Jesse Richman attended.
PKRA Australia Gold Coast 2010 event organiser Minotaur Sport Management said the purpose of offering the wildcard entries is to uncover hidden Australian talent.
“We want to give Australian riders the opportunity of a lifetime to compete on the world stage,” Anton
Richardson CEO of Minotaur Sports Management said.
“Kiteboarding is the world’s fastest growing sports and securing this event for Australia just adds to the buzz that already exists in kiteboarding. We want to ensure that the world sees the exceptionally high level of talent that exists in Australia.”
The first event will be in December 2010
“The PKRA has never been in Australia before. We have now secured that Australia will be the last event of the tour calendar each year and will host the closing and awards ceremony where the world champion male and female riders will be crowned. There is sure to be a massive party to celebrate what is expected to be the best year for the PKRA Tour,” he said. |
