Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup » WORLD CUP MEDIA

WORLD CUP STARS TAKE ON CHALLENGE OF WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CALGARY

des — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:22:38 +0000

ANOTHER BIG CHALLENGE FOR OUR WORLD CUP ATHLETES Right now here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the flights are delivering some very talented athletes to the Calgary area. Yes, it is time once again to take on the challenge of our biennial World Waterski Championships. While we have just completed 26 World Cup Stops, our World Championships only come around every two years. Having just completed our Dubna Russia World Cup Stop, there is now time for our World Cup Stars to take on the Calgary Worlds before we get back on the road again with our next World Cup Stop in Liuzhou China.

Ageliki Andriopoulou GRE

Who will take the titles of World Champion in Calgary ? Our World Cup Stars are certainly very high on the “probables” list. Keep a special eye out for the battle between Jumpers June Fladborg DEN and Ageliki Andriopoulou GRE – with Marie Vympranietsova close on thier heels to take advantage of any slip-up.

June Fladborg DEN

Jaret Llewellyn CAN, Freddy Krueger USA and Ryan Dodd CAN will also deliver a fascinating battle on the Men’s Jump Ramp. Sparks will fly ! Tricks will also bring our World Cup Stars to the podium. Clementine Lucine FRA and Mandy Nightingale USA will certainly be on that medals hunt. For the Men, Nicolas LeForestier FRA is due a major performance but Aliazsei Zharnasek BLR and Herman Beliakou BLR will be waiting for that door to open and this will make it a fascinating event.

Thomas Degasperi ITA

In Slalom, nobody knows how our World Cup Stars will fare in both the Men and Women’s events. Regina Jaquess USA, Nicole Arthur GBR and Karina Nowlan AUS will provide a great battle for the title. In the Men’s event, watch out for Will Asher GBR, Thomas Degasperi GBR and some surprises on the horizon.

Nicole Arthur GBR

Overall will be a time for all of Canada to keep their fingers crossed for Jaret Llewellyn. He has been featured here for the past days on Newspapers, Radio and TV and expectations are high. Jimmy Siemers USA, Javier Julio ARG and Ryan Dodd CAN will mount a huge challenge for him – and this will make it a “must see” event. In the Ladies event, Regina Jaquess USA has just had her new World Overall Record approved but Clementine Lucine FRA is such a huge challenge that this will be yet another unmissable event. So, as we can see, World Cup Stars will be at the very top of the Worlds Championships challenge. We will bring you regular updates here in the coming week – SO PLEASE STAY TUNED !

ATHLETES NOW ARRIVING IN DUBNA FOR THE 27th WORLD CUP STOP

des — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:53:36 +0000

FIRST WATERSKI WORLD CUP ATHLETES ARRIVE IN DUBNA RUSSIA Moscow’s two international Airports were busier than usual today with the arrival of the Waterski World Cup athletes from twelve countries making their way to the city of Dubna for the first World Cup Stop of the 2009 season. The impressive huge roadside posters advertising the event, plus the excellent weather forecast, should ensure that the 30,000 seats waiting at the Volga River stadium will be full on this Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures of 29C and sunshine are expected with a light breeze.

Dubna Poster Campaign for the World Cup

Dubna is now recognized as a major international economic zone and science city centre for IT, Nuclear Physics Technologies and Nanotechnology. Its new Palace of Sport and Conference Centre offer some of the best facilities available anywhere in the world today. This has all created a perfect environment for the World Cup athletes to perform at the highest level for the very knowledgeable Dubna audience.

Moscow to Dubna Motorway Posters

In discussions today with Kuno Ritschard, President of the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF), Dubna City Mayor, Valery Prokh, confirmed that he will submit a formal bid to host the 2011 Waterski World Championships at the Dubna World Cup site. This bid will be presented to the IWSF Congress in Calgary, Canada, in August.

Franck Desboyeau FRA, Jimmey Siemers USA, Marion Aynaud FRA, Maria Camilla Linares COL, Nicolas LeForestier FRA, Sergio Font MEX

The first World Cup athletes to arrive in Dubna were Franck Desboyaux FRA, Jimmy Siemers USA, Marion Aynaud FRA, Maria Camilla Linares COL, Nicolas LeForestier FRA and Sergio Font MEX. The official MasterCraft boats are in transit from Moscow and will be prepared and launched later this evening here in Dubna by their support team. The site has been homologated by IWSF official Nigel Talamo GBR to World Record standard.

Dubna seating awaits 30,000 World Cup fans !

Training for Shortboard followed by Jump will start at 10.30hrs on Friday and finish at 11.30 on Saturday morning. The first World Cup Semi-Final will start on Saturday at Noon. The Shortboard and Jump Finals will commence at the same time on Sunday. All are looking forward to the spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies for which Dubna is now renowned. This will include a special water show, fireworks display and some surprises for the large audience. Full reports, photos and results will be posted on the Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup site at www.waterskiandwakeboardworldcup.com TIMETABLE Friday 10.30 – 15.00 Practice Saturday 09.00 – 11.30 Practice 12.00 – 14.00 Semi-Final Shortboard 14.00 – 14.30 World Cup Opening Ceremony 14.30 – 17.00 Semi-Finals Jump Sunday 12.00 – 16.30 Finals Shortboard and Jump 16.30 – World Cup Closing Ceremony 22.00 – World Cup Show at the Waterski Stadium

NATALIA FORCED TO CANCEL DUBNA RUSSIA ENTRY

des — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:24:33 +0000

Just minutes ago, we have been informed that the 2008 World Cup Jump winner in Dubna Russia, Natalia Berdnikova BLR has sustained a late injury and will not be able to take part next weekend in the first World Cup Stop of 2009. We wish Natalia a speedy recovery and hope that she will be fit and well enough to join us in Liuzhou China and Putrajaya Malaysia later this World Cup season.

Natalia Berdnikova BLR cancels through injury

The World Cup Rules allow for a replacement. However, getting both a Visa and a seat on the Plane to Moscow at such short notice may make that a non-starter at this stage. The possibilities right now are Brigitte Lethem FRA, Anais Amade FRA or Maj Jepsen DEN. No doubt the lines to Bob Corson of our World Cup Organising Team will be hot in the coming hours. For those of us in transit to Moscow right now, we will just have to wait and see what happens. Watch this space for more updates over the coming days.

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS – AGELIKI ANDRIOPOULOU GRE

des — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:58:12 +0000

Our 2008 World Cup Jump Champion, Ageliki Andriopoulou GRE, removed any doubt whatsoever at the last Stop of the season in Putrajaya in Malaysia that she is the one to beat on the Jump Ramp. Even in the tricky choppy gusty conditions in Putrajaya, she still outperformed all in the field in spite of an arm injury to take the World Cup 2008 season Jump title. That is the stuff of World Cup Champions. Add to this her World Jump Champion titles of 2005 and 2007, US Open and Moomba Jump titles, plus podium places in Tricks, and what you see is a very talented athlete.

Ageliki Celebrates Jump Victory at 2008 Dubna Russia World Cup Stop

Ageliki is what we call a natural athlete. This gives her the great advantage that she does not always have to train as hard as some others – and this is reflected in her off-season routine. She spends a lot of time on the water with Marie Vympranietsova GRE and this helps both to put pressure on each other to perform at the highest level. She returned to Athens in Greece at the end of the 2008 season – just in time to welcome the arrival of her first niece, Christina. Following these celebrations, Ageliki headed for Italy for some snow skiing to welcome in the New Year. Then it was back to the working world to help her mother in her retail business in Athens – no problem for a Business Graduate !

Ageliki landing that winning World Cup jump in Putrajaya Malaysia

In February Ageliki then headed for some intensive training on the water at the beautiful Miranda Waterski School just outside Santiago in Chile in South America. This was all to prepare for the Moomba Masters in Melbourne Australia this coming weekend. Will Ageliki Andriopoulou dominate the World Cup jump Ramp once again this season ? The Moomba results will certainly give all a good measure of what lies ahead this year from this very talented champion.

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS – ALIAKSEI ZHARNASEK

des — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:40:53 +0000

Aliaksei Zharnasek (BLR) can trick 11,900 points ! That is just 500 short of a World Record. He has been as high as Rank 2 in the IWSF Elite tables in Tricks. With past US Open and Moomba titles already under his belt, following a disappointing 2008 season, he will now aim at taking the World Cup Shortboard / Tricks title in 2009. Here is an insight to his preparations.

Aliaksei Zharnosek performs in the Beijing World Cup Stop

As with many top athletes, Aliaksei Zharnasek (BLR) takes his Gym work very seriously. This is a major part of his cross-training programme which also includes running, mountain biking, agility and balance workouts. Over the past few months, he has also taken to the snow ski slopes in the spectacular Taos area of New Mexico, USA. This high altitude work greatly speeds up his fitness development for the World Cup season ahead. In the past month he moved from New Mexico to real Mexico for some further training on the water at the private members resort of Club Aquaski – www.acuaski.com – home of such Tricks legends as the Fonts, Nelsons, Chapoy and Torres families. From there it was straight back to Orlando in Florida – and now Aliaksei is in the air on his way to Melbourne, Australia for the Moomba Masters, his first big test of 2009

Back in 2004 training with Jack Travers

In the 2008 World Cup season, it was Jimmy Siemers (USA) who dominated in Tricks / Shortboard. Challenger Nicolas LeForestier (FRA) was recovering from injury and Aliaksei Zharnasek showed all the signs that his World Cup moment is very close indeed. Back in 2004, he was a frequent visitor to the famous Jack Travers in Okahumpka, Florida and so he has all the skill required to reach the very top. Watch this space for Alaiksei’s progress in our World Cup Stops – and this could well be his year on World Cup water.

WORLD CUP PREPARATION – AARON LARKIN NZL

des — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:55 +0000

AARON PREPARES FOR 2009 WORLD CUP PODIUM SPOTLIGHT

Aaron Larkin takes the Doha World Cup Slalom title

World Cup Star and Slalom specialist, Aaron Larkin (NZL), had a fantastic season in 2008. Kicking off in a Finals duel with World Record holder Chris Parrish (USA) at the Moomba Masters in Melbourne last March, he very nearly took that title. His Moomba silver medal was his second on the Yarra River in the past two years. By the end of the 2008 World Cup season, he was right on top again when he took the Doha Qatar World Cup Slalom title on that occasion. This was a perfect ending to a great year on the water at the highest level.

WORLD CUP VICTORY FOR AARON

Since the year-end, Aaron has been back in his NZL homeland giving Waterski Clinics in the North Island. He then took six weeks off for some well deserved rest and also spent time with girlfriend, Anais Amade (FRA), sightseeing in the beautiful Hamilton area. In the past month, both Aaron and Anais have concentrated on their gruelling daily Gym routines to prepare for next weekend’s Moomba Masters once again – and of course for the 2009 World Cup season ahead. It was exactly this time last year when Aaron Larkin hit the Moomba headlines and that gave him a perfect start for the World Cup season. Can he do it again ? He will certainly be worth watching very closely in this 2009 World Cup season and don’t be surprised if you see this tall, strong and talented Slalom specialist taking another World Cup Slalom Stop title once again in 2009.

MasterCraft 300 LAUNCHED IN MIAMI

des — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:29:13 +0000

MasterCraft Introduces the 300 At Miami International Boat Show

WORLD CUP BOAT SPONSOR HITS THE HEADLINES – OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

Miami, FL — Raising the bar to unparalleled heights, MasterCraft – the world leader in luxury performance inboards – officially unveiled the MasterCraft 300 at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show. Several onlookers, including media and industry professionals, were on hand to grab a first look at the industry’s first and only twin-tip day yacht. “It is definitely thrilling to finally show the MasterCraft 300 to the public,” says John Dorton, president and CEO of MasterCraft. “We believe this to be an important boat for us as we continue to move our brand to a wider market. The 300, with its incredibly roomy, plush interior and its enormously comfortable cockpit, will not only institute the idea of a day-yacht but it will garner the attention of a buyer that before has not considered the inherent benefits of owning a MasterCraft.”

MasterCraft-300 - Lining Up To Come On Board

The twin-tip MC 300 measures in at 33’9” from bow to stern (including the platform) and 11 feet from side to side. This 14,000 pound beauty is powered by twin engines capable of delivering up to 800 horsepower to the props. A 200 gallon fuel tank and a 30 gallon freshwater tank ensure a day out on the water can stretch into the night and beyond. While the sheer size of the MasterCraft 300 is commanding, it is the refined, yacht like luxury that will ultimately cause deep and aspiring admiration. Up top, the bow area is simply spectacular. “Deck hands” are welcomed to take the cleverly designed access steps through the unique windshield or walk around the windshield on integrated sidedecks with a custom handrail. This ensures that whether they are there to help dock the MC 300, use the windlass to anchor the boat in its own personal resort spot or to relax on the bow lounger with tilt mechanism, they can do so safely and comfortably. Back down in the command center, the cockpit boasts of features only found in much larger boats. At the ergonomically designed helm, the driver is greeted by a technological utopia that includes a beautiful Raymarine C80 or optional E80 display – this lets the driver monitor all the boats systems, including maps, radar and a 3-D reading of the ocean floor. Luxurious touches, like the lined personal electronics drawer, the hardwood trim and programmable switches make piloting the MasterCraft 300 a dream. Add the optional Joystick Maneuvering System to the automatic trim tab system and no one will have a problem taking the MC 300 for a spin. The lounge area surrounding the helm continues the tradition of lavishness found on the MC 300. For starters, each side has a wetbar comprised of custom, high-gloss hardwood cabinets. The port wetbar is topped with a Karadon countertop, stainless steel sink and a 25 quart removable cooler. On the other side, the starboard wetbar also has a Karadon countertop with the option to add an electric grill, stainless steel refrigerator or icemaker and waterproof flat screen TV that lifts up from its hiding spot beneath the countertop. As guests move further back they will discover transom seating, wrapped in their choice of top-grade well-appointed vinyl or exterior grade Ultra-Leather, that can be adjusted to three different positions for the ultimate in customizable comfort. Revolutionary features abound directly above the cockpit as well. In addition to the standard sport arch, the MasterCraft 300 also offers a unique glass hardtop. The hardtop, magnificently framed in top-grade aluminum, has tinted glass to reduce the amount of UV light allowed into the cockpit yet does not limit the view of the sky and the feeling of being out in the open. The hardtop frame incorporates numerous task lights and a unique misting system designed to spray occupants with a fine, cooling mist.

MasterCraft-300 - Rave Reviews

Of course, the cabin is equally as breathtaking. After taking a few steps down, guests enter an interior Eden that is standard with customized hardwood cabinets, hardwood flooring and ultra-leather fabrics that can be ordered to taste. Immediately to the left is the standard stand up shower and head with full size entrance door. Next to this is the galley with Karadon quartz countertops, microwave, refrigerator/freezer and beautiful sink. Straight ahead towards the bow is an ornate sleeping area that is laden with yacht grade fabrics and appointments and is as large as what is found on a 34 or 36 foot cruiser. In front of the bed is the settee with fold out table where people can eat, or relax and watch the standard 26” HD LCD TV. And if that were not enough, the MC 300 comes standard with Contour Zone, a programmable 12V control system that allows anyone onboard to manage all the boat’s electrical systems including lights, A/C, alarms and more from one device.

Without a doubt, the MC 300 is a breakthrough in boating that will definitely raise eyebrows, but MasterCraft is not a company afraid of innovation and leadership. In fact, it brought in some of the most credible and highly regarded engineers to head up this and its future projects. Kurt Bergstrom, lead engineer on the MC 300, came from a long line of great yacht builders including Cobalt and Hatteras. Along with Bergstrom, the company hired Mike Myers who has a deep history building large boats and who hails from both Cobalt and Cruiser Yachts. And Scott Wood, MasterCraft’s VP of Engineering and New Product Development, has an extensive marine career which includes time at Hinckley Yachts. Suffice to say, MasterCraft’s world-class engineering department is abundantly qualified to move the company to this new market.

But for those still wondering why, Dorton adds this final point. “It has always been a part of our legendary DNA to dream of ways to revolutionize the industry. It wasn’t that long ago we saw opportunity in a little known sport called wakeboarding – our response was decisive and as a result we created a new niche with the first full line of wakeboard boats. Now, 10 years later, every manufacturer is in that game. It is much the same with the 300 – we see an opportunity in a segment of the industry desperate for new ideas and approaches and in due time, people will not be able to remember a time MasterCraft was not a player in the big boat market.” Specifications: Overall Length: 33’9” / 10.29 m Beam: 11’ / 3.35 m Dry Weight: 14,000 lbs / 6,350 kg Fuel Capacity: 200 gal / 757 L Water Capacity: 30 gal / 114 L www.mastercraft.com/300 For more information and images, please contact Will Furze – MasterCraft International Marketing Manager. will.furze@mastercraft.com

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS – JIMMY SIEMERS USA

des — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:59:29 +0000

WORLD CUP JUST AROUND THE CORNER

In 2008, Jimmy Siemers USA finished our World Cup year and 26th Stop as the Season Winner of our Shortboard / Tricks title. His triumphs in Putrajaya Malaysia and Doha Qatar made him unbeatable. He received his special Crystal Trophy in Doha, Qatar, at the famous Diplomatic Club from IWSF President Kuno Ritschard.

WORLD CUP CHAMPION 2008

Ten years ago, Jimmy Siemers was the Junior World Champion in Jump, Tricks and Overall. For a 16 year old, this was about as good as it gets. Now at 26 years of age, he can look back on an extraordinary career on the water which continues right up to today. Born in the cool climate of Marshalltown in Iowa and living in Round Rock, Texas, he has won almost every major Waterski title possible. Take Jump alone – World Jump Record Holder at 70.9m and 71.9m, U21 World Jump Champion, US Open Jump Champion, US Collegiate All-Stars Jump Champion, PanAm Jump Champion, and World University Jump Champion. In Overall, he has been just as outstanding setting a World Championships Mens Record and the major titles of World University Champion, US Open Overall Champion, US Collegiate National Overall Champion, PanAm Overall Champion and U21 Overall World Champion. In Shortboard / Tricks, he set a Waterski World Championships Record of 11,750 points, was US National Collegiate All-Stars Tricks Champion, Malibu Open tricks Champion, US Open Tricks Champion, World University Tricks Champion, PanAm Tricks Champion and World U21 Tricks Champion. This is not the complete list of his achievements !

Jimmy Siemers USA

Having finished 2008 as the World Cup Shortboard / Tricks Champion in Qatar, Jimmy has lost no time and has already worked hard to prepare for the global challenge ahead. He spent the early part of the off-season training hard for not one but two Ironman Triathlons ! ‘Not the usual concept of an off-season. He also spent some time with his close friend and fellow World Cup athlete Richard Abelson snow skiing at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Jimmy and Two IronMan Challenges

Whle biking is a major element, his swimming and running efforts are now being geared up. To further increase his strength levels, you will often find him at the AZ Sports Centre. Now, think back to his achievements outlined above – and I guess Jimmy’s triumphs do not just happen ! You often see him out on the water at 06.00hrs with Richard Abelson before many other ordinary mortals even brush their teeth ! We wish him every success in the 2009 World Cup series and for all the inside reports, make sure you bookmark : www.waterskiandwakeboardworldcup.com

WORLD CUP STARS SEEN IN BELGIUM GERMANY HOLLAND LUXEMBOURG AUSTRIA AND SWITZERLAND

des — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:20:56 +0000

Added : 2009-01-02 06:45:01

View All News

WORLD CUP STARS DELIVERED TO THE DOOR THROUGHOUT EUROPE

When each of our 26 World Cup Stops to date reached the final night of celebration, that was when the real Media work began. With TV distribution to over 500 million viewers and Print / Photo items going to 192 Countries, our World Cup Media machine moves in to overdrive as the closing ceremony music begins to play and the athletes and fans enjoy the banquet.

With such wide World Cup media distribution, much is only seen locally. That is how the system works best. However, it does mean that you might not get a chance to see the exposure in other territories unless you catch it on your travels by accident. Many do as our TV shows are repeated over and over again and the Magazines pass from hand to hand.

One of our greatest fans is a Magazine called Wasserski & Wakeboard. This high quality publication is for German speakers in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland. The talented Publisher behind this is the famous Franz Kirsch. His Waterski, Barefoot, EAME and Boesch Boat talents are known and respected throughout our sport. His magazine is available via wasserkirsch@t-online.de Franz has followed our World Cup closely and is one of the first to always receive our World Cup photos and text. So, what does he do with them ? Well, he works miracles and really does capture the fun and excitement of each World Cup Stop for the fans who could not be there. Here are some scans of his pages over the 2008 season – and as you can see, every World Cup Stop is special ! Congratulations to all our great World Cup rganisers in Egypt, Malaysia, Russia, Qatar and Singapore.

WORLD CUP STARS ELECTED SKIERS & RIDERS OF YEAR BY IWSF

des — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:15:20 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS – Now that we are just a few days from the end of another year, the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) today announced the top awards of the year. We are delighted to see that both the male and female SKIERS and RIDERS of 2008 also happen to be four of the most outstanding Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup athletes. We all greatly look forward to seeing them again in the action packed 2009 World Cup series and those full details will be released shortly. Congratulations to Jaret, Clementine, Phillip and Dallas. Here are the details as reported on www.iwsf.com :

: Jaret

JARET LLEWELLYN (CAN) Jaret retains his position as the number one ranked overall male skier in the World today. He is consistently in the top two in the men’s jump event at the World Cup and other Elite tournaments. He is a most popular competitor and has finished in a podium position in all the major jump events of 2008, with wins at Moomba, New Zealand and the Copa America. He also won Tricks in the Dubna World Cup and came second at the Moomba Masters.

: Clementine

CLEMENTINE LUCINE (FRA)

Clementine remains the best overall skier in the World today. Her best event is Tricks and she has a pending World Trick Record of 8840 points awaiting ratification by the World Tournament Council. She is the EAME Overall Champion 2008 and holds the EAME Trick and Overall records. She has been on the podium at each of the World Cup stops in 2008 in both Slalom and Tricks, with wins in Tricks in Dubna and Slalom in Putrajaya

: Phillip

PHILLIP SOVEN (USA)

From World Cup, Singapore – Philip Soven showed his class to successfully defend his title against the magnificent backdrop of the Marina Bay and Singapore cityscape today. Amazingly, it is the young American’s fifth straight Wakeboard World Cup Singapore title

: Dallas

DALLAS FRIDAY (USA)

From World Cup, Singapore – Crowd favourite Dallas Friday also proved beyond all doubts just why she is considered the best female rider in the business by completely demolishing the competition in the women’s field to win by a massive 20-point margin.

From the US Masters – Dallas Friday USA was on top of the Womens Wakeboard contest