The competitions at the Multivan Summer Opening Sylt were originally scheduled to start on Ascension Thursday. However, due to a favourable wind forecast, the option to issue a wave alert for Wednesday was exercised. Only six starters made their way to Sylt, and with six wind forces diagonally onshore from the right, a complete double elimination could be organised in the short time available.
In front of numerous spectators, Henri Kolberg took home victory in the first wave riding event of the 2023 season. He won the single elimination in a thrilling fight with Nick Spangenberg. As the conditions remained good, the double elimination could also be started. Matthias Genkel in particular put in a strong performance here. He was in fifth place after the first round. In the duel with Hannes Gobisch, he was able to prevail and not only defend this place, but also qualify for the duel for fourth place.
Here, Genkel faced Leo Richter, the older of the two Richter brothers. In a close fight, Genkel was also able to win here and thus had the chance to climb to third place. The next opponent in Genkel's race to catch up was once again one of the Richter brothers, this time Anton Richter. The youngster proved to be too strong in the conditions off Sylt. Genkel was defeated and had to make do with fourth place.
For Anton Richter, however, the triumph not only meant the defence of third place, but also the option to fight for second place. Nick Spangenberg, one of the two finalists from the first round, was waiting for him here. In a close fight, the Kiel youngster Richter prevailed and was able to overtake Spangenberg for second place.
In the doubles final, Henri Kolberg, the leader after the first round, and Anton Richter, the challenger from the second round, faced each other. Kolberg was able to fend off Richter's attack. He defended first place against the youngster and secured victory in the first wave riding event of the Multivan Windsurf Cup 2023.
The three top finishers were not only delighted with their success, but also with a total of €1,000 in prize money. This sum is paid out to the top riders as part of the LVM Versicherung grand prize. Henri Kolberg received 500 euros, Anton Richter 300 euros and Nick Spangenberg 200 euros.
Slalom now takes centre stage for the next few days of the Summer Opening. The forecast for Thursday looks more like a day of relaxation for the organising crew and riders. From Friday onwards, you can look forward to exciting races in front of the Brandenburg beach.
Waveriding Summer Opening Sylt 2023
- Henri Kolberg
- Anton Richter
- Nick Spangenberg
- Matthias Genkel
- Leo Richter
- Hannes Gobisch
