RIDERS AND JUMPERS ARRIVING AT FIRST CLASS LINYI BLUE HORIZON HOTEL CLOSE TO THE WORLD CUP YIHI RIVER SITE

The first impression arriving late last night here in Linyi City in south east China for our last 2011 World Cup Stop was one of cleanliness, friendliness and excellent organisation. Our World Cup Volunteers took care of everything at the Airport. Our official Hotel – the Blue Horizon – is first class and over the door is a large LED  WORLD CUP WELCOME sign ! That makes all feel at home.

This morning, with sunny 20C weather, many of the Riders had already transferred from the outstanding Kuching Sarawak World Cup Stop last weekend. Those who arrived here safely so far include Wakeboard Riders Dan Nott GBR, Marcel0 Giardi BRZ, Padiwat Jaemjan THA, Michael Timmers NED, Lucas Langlois FRA and Nikita Martyanoc RUS. ‘No sign of any Jumpers yet.

The site is quite amazing. The Jump Ramp is already positioned and there is a steady head breeze to help settle the nerves ! The nicely graded banks should remove any backwash issues. Right now, the final touches are being put to an entire facility constructed just for our 2011 World Cup Stop. This includes a spectacular Grand Stand, Tented Village for our Riders and Jumpers, Judges facilities, a Boardwalk and extensive landscaping and flower planting. The flags of the visiting World Cup 23 Countries are flying beside China’s flag at the entrance. Once the construction team close off tonight, Practice tomorrow should be a lot of fun for all.

The advertising Billboards in the Linyi City area are also enormous and by all accounts, huge numbers of spectators are expected over the weekend. If getting off to a good start is the secret to a another great World Cup Stop, we are already on our way today !