The FPT x Windy Days Podersdorf starts today at Lake Neusiedl. 33 athletes have registered for the event, which is being held in a two-part fleet format for the first time. The introduction of the new Open Fleet resulted in a wave of late registrations and brought together one of the most diverse starting lists in recent years. Even before the official start of the competition, Lake Neusiedl showed its best side: several days with constant 3.6 to 4.0 conditions enabled the entire fleet to have intensive training sessions. The skippers' meeting is scheduled for 17:15, with the first possible start at 17:30.
Established champions meet up-and-coming talent
At the front of the field, Lennart Neubauer, Yentel Caers, Takumi Moriya and Lisa Kloster are fighting for podium places. Hot on their heels is a generation of young athletes who regularly assert themselves in podium battles. Leander Halm, Pier Bongianni and Ziva Batis are among this group of up-and-coming talents. The mix of world champions, event winners and newcomers corresponds to the usual elite level of the Freestyle Pro Tour. But Podersdorf offers more than just the battle for the top spots. The event brings together the entire freestyle community. Bijou Shahmirian and Andreas Rössler return after a break from competition. Former stars such as Max Brinnich and Max Matissek as well as FPT boss Adam Sims himself will be competing again.
New Open Fleet creates access for all performance levels
The Freestyle Pro Tour is introducing a two-part competition format for the first time in Podersdorf. The Pro Fleet consists of the top athletes and follows the traditional FPT format with six counting manoeuvres. At least two moves per side are mandatory, diversity penalties apply and repeated manoeuvres do not count. The technical score accounts for 40 per cent and the judges' score for 60 per cent. The athletes must perform their best six tricks in a total of 16 attempts. The new Open Fleet is aimed at newcomers, amateur competitors, master blasters, up-and-coming riders, returning professionals and anyone who wants to gain competition experience. The format has been simplified: four manoeuvres count, only at least one move per side is required. There are no diversity penalties for 20 attempts, with the judges scoring 100 per cent. Repeated manoeuvres do not count here either. The fleet will be allocated on site based on rankings and final entries on registration day.
Qualification path from Open Fleet to Pro Fleet
At least four athletes from the Open Fleet will qualify for the Pro Fleet, with a maximum of eight. The exact qualification path will be determined on site as the format is further refined. The Freestyle Pro Tour will gather feedback from riders, judges and organisers in Podersdorf before deciding on future implementation. The Open Fleet will only run if there are enough registrations. The women's fleet remains unchanged and will start in the usual format. However, the FPT is looking at similar participation routes and development-orientated approaches for female drivers. More information will follow as discussions progress. The new system is intended to create clearer and more rewarding progression opportunities for new and developing competitors.
Local rippers and ambitious rookies complete the field
High-calibre rookies Arne Jörn and Kiril Kirilov are expected to provide some immediate surprises. A strong group of local riders with stylish moves completes the starting field, including Nic Panne and Johannes Kratky. Numerous other newcomers are eagerly awaiting their first competition. What began as a local community initiative to get riders out on the water together has grown at a remarkable pace. Just one year later, world champions and established Freestyle Pro Tour stars are competing in the same event alongside local rippers, returning legends, ambitious rookies and first-timers. They all share the same passion for freestyle. The event at Lake Neusiedl, one of the most legendary spots in the history of European freestyle, promises to be something special. From FPT debuts to battles between the world's best athletes, the event is shaping up to be a celebration of the freestyle family, bringing all riders together.
Starting field
Gentlemen:
- Adam Sims
- Andreas Rössler
- Arne Jörn
- Ben Behrendt
- Bodhi Kempen
- Christian Lasser
- Cosmo Pezzetti
- Daniel Sahanek
- Felix Erhart
- Hank Hendrikx
- Jacopo Testa
- Johannes Kratky
- Kiril Kirilov
- Leander Halm
- Lennart Neubauer
- Manolis Chrysopoulos
- Matthias Kraschitzer
- Max Brinnich
- Max Matissek
- Michael Czech
- Nic Panne
- Pier Sergio Bongianni
- Rafal Curylo
- Szymon Blaszczuk
- Takumi Moriya
- Yentel Caers
Ladies:
- Bijou Shahmirian
- Hanna Pogatschnigg
- Holly Halm
- Lisa Kloster
- Melina Vingaard Schütt
- Sophie Linsmayer
- Živa Batis
Further information at www.freestyleprotour.com
