For the World’s best Wakeboarders, Moscow will be the centre of the Universe next weekend !  A unique double-header programme will take place there from September 2nd – 4th.

 

With less than one week to go, 195 Riders from 20 Countries have entered. This represents a 35% increase over the entries for the 2003 Championships in Australia. In addition, seven countries are represented in the Judges panel of the Wakeboard World Council (WWC). The Chief Judge will be Janifer Ellis (USA). The WWC is part of the International Waterski Federation (IWSF).

 

The spectacular venue will be the 2 km long Krylatskoe Olympic Rowing Arena constructed for the 1980 Games in central Moscow. Its revolutionary design became the standard for all modern rowing sites ever since – and that makes it perfect for Wakeboard. The seating capacity of the Grand Stands is 20,000.

 

The first event will begin at 11.00am on Saturday next – the Wakeboard World Championships. The top 12 Open Men and the top 6 Open Women in the World Championships will then be eligible to compete again on Sunday, the following day, in the Wakeboard World Cup Stop at the same venue. This will also commence at 11.00am. Wild Card places will be available for Riders from Russia, the host country.

 

For the first time, 5 Riders from Iraq have applied for entry. Iraq recently joined the 92 National Federations already affiliated to the IWSF. Some of the World’s best Riders in the line-up include the reigning World Champion, Philip Soven (USA), Jeff Weatherall (NZL), Rusty Malinoski ((CAN), Matt Lammers and Morgan Krause (RSA), Cyril Carnaro (SUI) and from Australia, Daniel Watkins, Josh Sanders and Brett Eisenhaur.  Also competing will be Louise Moore (GBR), Cathy Williams (USA) and Caroline Johansson (SWE). The Open World Champions, Phillip Soven (USA) and Robbie Rendo (ARG) will have a tough battle to defend their titles. Having an unprecedented two major events in one weekend is also bound to favor the fittest athletes on the water.

 

MasterCraft will supply the powerful X Star 8.1 Litre competition boats for both events. The other sponsors will include the Moscow Government, Moscow Sports Ministry and the Russian Sports Ministry.
 
In attendance will be WWC Chairman, Colin Hart (GBR) and IWSF President, Kuno Ritschard (SUI). On arrival today, Hart commented “Moscow will bring its own unique flavor to both of these major World events at this spectacular venue. In particular, the involvement of Riders from Russia, China and Iraq, will greatly boost our global impact. The very encouraging increase in the overall number of entries also further emphasizes the prestige of the important Wakeboard titles involved“

 

The results of both the Wakeboard World Championships and the Wakeboard World Cup Stop in Moscow will be available on http://www.iwsf.com/

 

CONTACT : Des Burke-Kennedy, Media Chairman, International Waterski Federation

For Sponsorship opportunities, contact marketing@iwsf.com

 

International Waterski Federation

worldwakeboardcouncil.com

Official Towboat Sponsor for 2005 World Cup