Nico Parlier has conquered the 2016 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton.
The recently-crowned Hydrofoil Pro Tour world champion also broke the event's record by completing the 19-kilometer race in 19 minutes and three seconds, i.e., more than three minutes less than the previous record set by Olly Bridge.
Parlier and the remaining 134 athletes were blessed by steady 22-to-24 knots of wind and made the kite cross from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach made it seem like a walk in the park.
"Right before the start, Olly broke his foil on a jump, so he raced on the twin tip. I thought I then had a chance. It was a very good race; we had a really good wind and flat water," explained Nico Parlier.
"I was afraid there would be a lot of seaweed in the water, but it was ok. I'll be back next year to do it again."
This year, the kiteboarding marathon also broke the record for the largest number of riders. More than one-third - 50 athletes - were first-timers using all types of boards - foil boards, surfboards, race boards, and twin tips.
Steph Bridge was the fastest female kiteboarder for the third consecutive year. She only needed 24 minutes and 50 seconds to complete the race.
"There was so much competition this year – it was a really hard race. I felt how hard it was this year. I managed to stay in front of Elena for the whole race. It's been a big achievement to win again," concluded Bridge.
2016 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton | Top 3
Men
1. Nico Parlier (FRA), 19:03
2. Florian Gruber (GER)
3. Florian Trittel (SPA)
Women
1. Stephanie Bridge (UK), 24:50
2. Elena Kalinena (RUS)
3. Theresa McKirdy (AUS)
Twin Tip
1. Aaron Hadlow (UK), 23:00
2. Sam Light (UK)
3. Jordan Girdis (AUS)