Copa Kitley GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Cauipe 2024 – Freestyle title competition set to intensify in Brazil
by Ian MacKinnon 12 Nov 02:34 PST
12-15 November 2024
Valentin Rodriguez – Copa Kitley GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Cauipe © Svetlana Romantsova
The second stop of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour’s freestyle season is about to get exciting as it kicks off in the perfect conditions of Cauipe, located in northeastern Brazil.
The Copa Kitley GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Cauipe will take place in the flat waters and strong winds of the lagoon, creating a stadium-like atmosphere that offers a vibrant environment for the competitions.
Top seed, Switzerland’s Maxime Chabloz, is in a good position heading to Brazil after placing second at the season opener in Dunkerque, France.
Former world champion, France’s Arthur Guillebert, dramatically secured victory at the first event of the year on his home turf, winning the final with his last trick of the heat.
Recovering from injury
However, the reigning world champion, Brazil’s Carlos Mario, who considers Cauipe his home spot, is not set to compete in the upcoming event as he is still recovering from an injury he suffered during the Dunkerque semi-final.
Germany’s Finn Flügel, 15, and Italy’s Matteo Dorotini, who finished third and fourth in the France final, are also looking to gain title momentum in Cauipe.
But former Freestyle world champion, Italy’s Gianmaria Coccoluto, remains a serious contender, especially after claiming his first title in Taíba two seasons ago with nearly flawless performances.
Karim Mahmoud (EGY), who recently participated in the GKA Big Air world cup in Jericoacoara, along with French competitors Val Garat and Louka Pitot, have also demonstrated their ability to challenge top competitors.
Extend her lead
In the women’s division, Brazil’s Bruna Kajiya, the defending and four-time world champion, aims to expand her lead on home waters in Cauipe, having won the first stop in Dunkerque in August.
Spain’s Rita Arnaus made a strong return to competition in France after being sidelined with a knee injury for nearly 18 months. She clinched the runner-up position and has been training vigorously in Brazil in preparation for Cauipe.
Newcomer, Denmark’s Kaya Lehmann, made an impression by finishing third in Dunkerque, just ahead of Italy’s Francesca Bagnoli, who is always a formidable competitor. Join us for all the excitement.
