Alexandre Neto has claimed the first edition of the Red Bull Rally dos Ventos, a new kiteboarding challenge held in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, in Brazil.
Lencois Maranhenses is a wet desert. Confused? Forty-five kiteboarders had to face dunes up to 45 meters, and ride them down until they reach the multiple lagoons that invade the region.
The 16-kilometer race forced riders to glide over sand and water. The athletes from Ceara dominated the first ever Red Bull Rally dos Ventos.
"I had been leading for much of the race but, near the end, I committed a mistake and saw Bebe passing me," explained Alexandre Neto.
"When we arrived at the last dune, I was more to the right and saw that he chose riding through the top of the dune. I decided to sail to the side and fortunately found water, where I could speed up and win the race."
In the Women's division, Bruna Kajiya and Susi Mai were the top names, but it was Kristin Oja who got faster. "I kicked off terribly, and initially, I saw many kites in front of me. In a rally race, everyone chooses their own path. I didn't know if I was on the right track, and was quite surprised when I arrived and understood that I was the first among women," expressed Oja.
Red Bull Rally dos Ventos | Final Results
Men
1. Alexandre Neto - 37:3
2. Carlos Mário (Bebe) - 37:45
3. Bruno Lobo - 39:12
4. Wanderson Souza - 40:47
5. Roberto Veiga - 50:05
Women
1. Kristin Oja
2. Bruna Kajiya
3. Susi Mai