On a long-anticipated Saturday, the winds were finally in favor for the men’s division after two days of uncertainty. The gusts reached a satisfactory 15 knots by the afternoon, marking it as the only day in the week with favorable conditions for the men’s heats.
The competition was fraught with unexpected outcomes. Most notably, Matchu Lopes, the front-runner for the season, faced defeat at the hands of Brazilian Pedro Matos.
Four riders truly made their mark today. They were Airton Cozzolino, the Italian originating from Cape Verde; young German prodigy, Keanu Merten; Spain’s Kiko Roig; and the Caribbean’s French representative, Theo Demanez. Even in the sporadic light wind situations, these athletes showcased unwavering consistency in their performances.
The climax of the day was the face-off between Airton Cozzolino and Kiko Roig. Roig’s exceptional skill in strapless freestyle and his confidence during the capricious wind conditions were on full display.
Airton’s strategic misjudgment became evident only post the final buzzer. Misinterpreting the heat’s length, he reserved his high-scoring handlepass move for what he believed was a 10-minute heat, only to be shocked when it ended at the 7-minute mark. This costly error relegated him to the runner-up spot.
Kiko Roig, maintaining his cool under pressure, emerged victorious, marking his first-ever event win. The discipline and strategy he brought into the heat were undeniable factors in his triumph.
Men’s Results
- Kiko Roig 🇪🇸
- Airton Cozzolino 🇮🇹
- Keanu Marten 🇩🇪
- Theo Demanez 🇫🇷