SnowKite World Cup: the new format created by IKA | Photo: Metzler/IKA

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) announced the launch of the inaugural SnowKite World Cup.

The new snow kiteboarding series will feature three events held in Reschensee and Roccaraso, in Italy, and Erciyes, in Turkey. The IKA is working with WISSA (World Ice and Snow Sailing Association) to get the circuit up and running.

The 2018 SnowKite World Cup will include three disciplines: Course Racing, Long Distance/Cross-Country, and Formula GPS.

The Course Racing will be comprised of standard windward/leeward races similar to sailing.

The Long Distance/Cross-Country is a snowkiting marathon taking place in the ups and downs of the mountains.

The Formula GPS is a freeride race in which competitors collect points depending on the use of the racing area, covered distance, altitude and other variables.

IKA also plans to run Freestyle exhibition events whenever weather conditions permit. The 2018 SnowKite World Cup kicks off on January 26, in Italy.

2018 SnowKite WorldCup | Schedule

Reschensee, Lago Di Resia, Italy | Course Racing, Long Distance | 26-28 January
Alto Sangro, Abruzzo, Italy | Cross Country, Formula GPS | 14-18 February
Erciyes/Kayseri, Turkey | Course Racing, Long Distance, Formula GPS | 22-25 March

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