At 10:30 this morning (March 23), the 2024 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship officially kicked off at Thi Nai lagoon, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh.
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| The 2024 World Watersports Championship organizers have decided to increase the length of the race from 1,500km to 1,800km. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
This is the first time Vietnam has organized a professional international race and Quy Nhon City is also honored to be the host for five consecutive years (2024-2028) of this Tournament.
The 2024 World Watersports Championship has 55 racers from 26 countries registered to compete in 4 categories. Of which, there are 20 Runabout GP1 racers, 21 Ski Division GP1 racers, 11 Ski Ladies GP1 racers and 3 Freestyle athletes. Aquabike Promotion is the race organizer.
After considering the weather, the Organizing Committee decided to increase the length of the race from 1,500km to 1,800km.
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| Aquabike Promotion has decided to organize a special Parallel Slalom competition, a special format that only takes place in a few Grand Prix. (Photo: Organizing Committee) |
The World Jet Ski Championship will have 3 competition formats. First , Runabout GP1. This is one of the most popular and attractive jet ski racing categories in the world of jet ski sports . This category is for professional racers or those with many years of experience in this category.
Riders use two-seat jet skis, which can be driven standing or sitting, and can reach speeds of up to 170km/h. Athletes participate in the race, which lasts about 1,500m and passes 29 buoys.
The second is Ski Division GP1 and Ski Ladies GP1. This is a class for men and women, using single-seat jet skis, with a maximum speed of up to 130km/h. Each race is on average 1,300m long, with riders having to pass 27 buoys.
Third is Freestyle, a form of watersport performance in which riders perform complex moves and techniques on water using a jet ski.
Unlike traditional races, in Freestyle, riders are free to express their creativity and technique through jumps, spins, turns, water crossings and other risky moves. Riders are scored based on their execution of the moves, complexity, power and creativity.
In particular, Aquabike Promotion decided to organize a special Parallel Slalom competition, a special format that only takes place in a few Grand Prix.
The attraction of this format is the competition of the best racers in three categories in the qualifying round (Pole Position) including: Top 8 Runabout GP1, top 8 Ski Division GP1 and top 4 (or top 6) Ski Ladies GP1.
Accordingly, each category will be divided into pairs to be eliminated directly into the Semi-finals and Finals. The tracks are arranged in parallel, each pair starts at the same time and passes the same buoys.
The fastest racer who reaches the finish line first wins. This format requires the racers to have the skills, speed and courage to create a world-class chase right on the waves.
On March 23, the first motorcycle race will take place from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., with the categories Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1, Runabout GP1. From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the same day, the Parallel Slalom and Freestyle racing formats will take place.
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| Racers assemble equipment before "going into battle". (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
The weather seems to be in favor of the 2024 World Watersports Championship. After two days of heavy rain (March 20-21), the sun has come out on March 22-23.
Mr. Raimondo di San Germano, CEO of Aquabike Promotion, was pleased to say that this is one of the stages with a beautiful race track, clear blue sea water, and excellent water surface and depth standards for the racers to show their talents.
However, French racer Mickael Poret expressed his determination: "Even if the weather in the coming days is rainy and windy, we still have to fight. Because this is the type of weather that aquabike racers love."
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