Rob Douglas has taken out the 2018 Kite Speed World Championship, at Masirah Island, in Oman.
The event sanctioned by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) returned to the Arabian Peninsula and got underway in unrivaled wind conditions.
The American kiteboarder secured the world title for the third time, in a competition that gathered 13 male athletes and two female kite riders in the flat waters of the Sultanate of Oman.
The organization managed to run five rounds of races. Douglas was the only kiteboarder to hit a top speed of 50 knots, and also secured the fastest port tack ever recorded in competition.
"I would like to dedicate this special victory to four wonderful friends who fought the great fight and passed away this year - my grandmother Millie Guzalak, my good friends Gerd Zuther, Michael Petrikov and Rick Haller. Love you forever," expressed Rob Douglas.
Rob, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, was coached to victory by three-time kitesurfing world champion Nico Parlier.
"It started with a plan: get a great coach, get a fast kite, train, travel to Oman and win the 2018 IKA Kite Speed World Championship. Mission complete!"
Mandi Browning ended up being the fastest female kiteboarder with a top speed of 35.028 knots.
2018 Kite Speed World Championship | Top 5
Men
1. Robert Douglas (USA) 50.252 knots
2. Alex Caizergues (FRA) 49.111 knots
3. David Williams (GBR) 45.761 knots
4. Robert Harding (USA) 46.484 knots
5. Enrico Giordano (ITA) 42.642 knots
Women
1. Mandi Browning (USA) 35.028 knots
2. Anna Weld (GBR) 25.737 knots
