Sea, Sail & Surf news
ISAF Sailing World Cup Final
Oliver Bridge blows away the kite competition in Abu Dhabi
“It’s the first time we’ve had the kites in an ISAF event like this"
Monday 1 December 2014 –
All the versions of this article: [English] [français]
After a tense semi-final Bridge qualified through to the final alongside 2014 World Champion Maxime Nocher (FRA), 2013 World Champion Florian Gruber (GER) and regular podium finisher Florian Trittel (ESP).
In one of the most important races of the year Bridge was relieved to turn his excellent series into gold by taking the victory,
“That was pretty intense,” he smiled. “We had two semi-finals and then the final which the winner would take, just on that race. I managed to remain unbeaten in all of my heats and then I won the final so I’m really happy.
“It’s the first time we’ve had the kites in an ISAF event like this. I’ve had good results all year; I managed to win the European Championship so it’s great to end the year with another win, which is a really important one.
“It’s been pretty amazing in Abu Dhabi. We’ve had great conditions and great racing. Some of the days have been intense with short and fast races. It’s been exciting.”
Nocher fought hard to catch Bridge but was unable to match him. He was nonetheless pleased with his week,
“The racing today was fantastic today,” said the Frenchman. “In the World Championship the races are usually 15 minutes long but here they’re only 4-5 minutes so it’s intense. I’m very happy to be second but it was a big fight between Ollie.”
Gruber fended off Trittel to complete the podium.
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