Alex Caizergues: sailing at 57.97 knots | Photo: Beneteau/Salt and Speed

Alexandre Caizergues has broken his own world speed kiteboarding record.

The French kitesurfer sailed at 57.97 knots (107.36 km/h) over 500 meters during the 2017 Salt and Speed, a speed sailing event held in Salin-de-Giraud, France.

Caizergues, who had set a new world record in 2013 with 56.62 knots (104.86 km/h), improved his own mark by 1.35 knots (2.5 km/h).

The rider from Provence is also the fastest boardsailor in the world and increased the margin for Antoine Albeau's speed windsurfing record of 53.27 knots (98.65 km/h).

"Unlike in 2013, when I had only one big run, this time I was three times above the 57 knots on 500 meters! I'm very, very happy. This new record is the result of a lot of work and training with my technical partners," explained Caizergues.

"We had a golden team in the organization of this crazy event. I would like to thank all the staff of Salt and Speed. The 60-knot bar isn't far away."

Beating Vestas Sairocket 2

Alex Caizergues believes he is capable of breaking the overall speed sailing record in the hands of Paul Larsen and his Vestas Sailrocket 2 since 2012, and set at 65.45 knots (121.21 km/h) off Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Caizergues improved the new speed kiteboarding world record in extreme conditions. The winds in the French canal were blowing in the 50 knots plus range.

The new mark is awaiting final validation by the World Sailing Speed ​​Record Council (WSSRC).

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