The kick off event for the 2008 Kitespeed season couln'd have been better. Two races were held today in good speedsailing conditions, and a lot more is to come during the week.

The best start into the new season had Rolf van der Vlugt (NED) with a first and a second place, and Charlotte Consorti (FRA) with two bullets.

After a nice opening ceremony yesterday evening in the Port Saint Louis city hall, some of the riders were a little to late for the initial skippersmeeting, held at 9:00 hours. As the wind was still building up nicely, Race Director Marc Blanc allowed the riders a little more time to prepare their equipment, for a first possible start at 11:00 hours.

The first race was held then saw good conditions with winds around 30 knots and a slightly starboard angle, allowing for top speeds of almost 37 knots. The usual podium aspirants struggled a little bit, and Rolf van der Vlugt snatched the victory ahead of Silvain Hoceini (FRA) and reigning world champion Alexandre Caizergues (FRA).  In the womens fleet it was close racing between Charlotte Consorti and outright world record holder Sjoukje Bredenkamp from South Africa, with the better end for Charlotte.

The wind dropped a little bit at the end of the first leg, so the riders were allowed a break of one hour, when the wind picked up again.

The second round was sailed in 25-30 knots of wind, this time with a better end for Alex Caizergues, who closely defeated Rolf van der Vlugt. Patrice Menossi in third completed the first three men.

In the womens fleet almost the same picture, Charlotte ahead of Sjouke, followed by Katja Roose (NED).

Standings after 2 rounds:
1. Rolf van der Vlugt
2. Alexandre Caizergues
3. Sylvain Hoceini
4. Christophe Prin-Guenon
5. Patrice Menossi

1. Charlotte Consorti
2. Sjoukje Bredenkamp
3. Katja Roose

The forecast for the upcoming days is even better than the conditions today, we can expect up to 40 knots of wind from a perfect north direction.

We will try to establish a livecast from tomorrow, but internet connection down at the speed strip is not very reliable. Please check www.speedworldcup.com for updates.