The Freestyle Pro Tour returned to Podersdorf and delivered a packed programme at Lake Neusiedl from the first to the fifth day. For five days, world champions, local legends and debutants met at one of the most traditional spots in the freestyle scene. The biggest innovation was the introduction of the Open Fleet, which offered riders of all levels the opportunity to compete in a professional environment. Four qualifying spots for the Pro Fleet were available, creating a direct path for local riders and newcomers to compete against the world's best. Whilst the Men's Pro Fleet did not achieve a final result due to the wind conditions, the other fleets delivered full results. The week began with the arrival of the riders in Podersdorf, who were eager to get back into competitive action for the first time since boot Düsseldorf. Familiar faces met up again on the beach and new participants got their first taste of the freestyle pro tour atmosphere.
Open Fleet celebrates successful premiere
The second day remained largely windless, but the riders used the time for tow-in training sessions. Many tried out the discipline for the first time. On the third day, the wind came up and the competition finally started with the debut of the Open Fleet. German Ben Behrendt proved to be one of the standout performers, eliminating FPT returnee Andreas Rossler before local favourite Max Brinnich stopped him. On the other side of the elimination, Austrian legend Max Matissek rolled back the years and fought his way through to the final. In a closely contested showdown between two returning stars, Matissek prevailed over Brinnich by just over a point. In addition to Matissek and Brinnich, Michi Czech and Johannes Kratky secured the four available qualification places for the Pro Fleet. The local Podersdorf rippers thus completed a perfect sweep.
Lisa Kloster dominates the women's competition
The women's fleet also reached its conclusion. Lisa Kloster delivered a dominant performance throughout the competition, winning every heat by more than seven points en route to victory. Ziva Batis secured second place after defeating Melina Schutt in one of the closest heats of the event. Bijou Shahmirian also shone in her heats and prevailed in several close duels. She once again showed that she is developing into a top competitor in the women's fleet. The men's pro fleet also started on the third day, but the conditions did not allow for a full realisation.
Tow-in session at sunset
As the wind didn't co-operate on the fourth day, the action shifted back to the tow-in. As the evening sun set over Lake Neusiedl, the riders started a spectacular expression session in beautiful sundowner conditions. Kiril Kirilov continued his progression and landed clean culos after several days of training. Cosmo Pezetti impressed with a series of stylish one-handed burners. The biggest surprise of the session was Arne Jörn. The German rookie had only tried Tow-In once before arriving in Podersdorf and made amazing progress during the week. Starting earlier in the day with single moves, he quickly built confidence and by the end of the session was comfortably landing combinations, including air funnel burners and triple funnels, that would have scored high in a traditional competition setting. As always, Tow-in eventually became the stage for the discipline's biggest names. Lennart Neubauer and Yentel Caers once again pushed the boundaries of what was seemingly possible, feeding off each other's energy and continually increasing the difficulty of their runs.
At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.
Neubauer lands first Double Air Funnel Burner
The session culminated in Neubauer landing the very first double air funnel burner in the tow-in. The crowd erupted in cheers when he landed the move. More than anything, the session emphasised the atmosphere that had defined the entire week. Riders were constantly encouraging each other as the progression progressed at an incredible pace. The final day of the event brought one last opportunity for the men's pro fleet to get a result. An early skippers meeting at seven in the morning was followed by immediate competition as the riders tried to make the most of the marginal conditions. With a steady breeze of around ten to twelve knots and gusts occasionally reaching 15 knots, competitors had to resort to their biggest equipment and were constantly battling to even finish their heats.
Difficult conditions on the final day
The difficult conditions produced plenty of drama. The heat between Arne Jörn and Manolis Chrysopoulos had to be restarted an incredible eight times as the wind faded in and out repeatedly. Despite the challenges, Takumi Moriya delivered one of the performances of the event, compiling a heat score of almost 30 points against Max Matissek - an incredible achievement in the circumstances. A new podium was reached with the launch and success of the men's open fleet. On the women's side, Lisa Kloster secured victory after a dominant run through the single elimination, while the pro men's fleet successfully completed their opening round before the wind ultimately prevented a final podium for the single elimination. Whilst the conditions denied the world's best the opportunity to battle for the top step of the podium, the event still delivered plenty of action on and off the water. From first timers experiencing their first heats to world champions pushing the boundaries of tow-in freestyle, the event brought every corner of the freestyle community together in one place and created a special atmosphere throughout the week.
Results:
Men's Open Fleet:
- 1 Max Matissek
- 2 Max Brinnich
- 3. Michael Czech
Men Pro Fleet:
- No result due to lack of wind
Ladies:
- 1. Lisa Kloster
- 2nd Ziva Batis
- 3 Bijou Shahmirian
All information under www.freestyleprotour.com
