LANGENFELD OPEN presented by LIQUID FORCE
The third edition of the LANGENFELD OPEN presented by Liquid Force is in the books and proofed once again to be a cornerstone of competitive wakeboarding. Riders from 15 countries battled it out on the setup of UNIT hacks combined with wave breakers. Unstoppable was Claudia Pagnini (ITA) and Trent Stuckey (USA), taking the win with jaw dropping riding.
With the LANGENFELD OPEN presented by Liquid Force, Wasserski Langenfeld as the world’s biggest wakeboard site is once again stepping up the game of wakepark competitions. With 62 riders from all over the world and 10.000$ of prizemoney for grabs, the show was on in front of a crowd of 3800 spectators.
Already the qualification rounds showcased, that there are some up and coming riders, that are eager to challenge the established world ranked riders this season. The LAO course and judging criteria demanded the highest level in every aspect of riding. From technical rail hits, big kicker tricks to air tricks in the flat section.
In the womens division 16 year old Rivers Hedrick – USA made her mark, by advancing into the k.o. round with ease and even eliminating Katinka Buiting in the round of 8 to find herself in the super final against Anna Nikstad – USA, Claudia Pagnini – ITA and Salome Le Ly – FRA.
Throughout the contest the camaraderie, joy and support for one another was always perceptible and showed the essence of wakeboarding together. Nevertheless, the women rode fearless, and creative to put on an ecstatic show for the crowd.
For the top of the podium, there was no way around Claudia Pagnini who owned the course of the Langenfeld Open presented by Liquid Force for the entire day. In second place it was Salome Le Ly and Anna Nikstad completed the podium.
The men’s qualification already demanded full commitment and risk of the athletes to have a shot at the k.o. round of the top 16. In the head to head match ups the show was on and the knowledgeable crowd witness some never before seen riding. Creative minds like Konni Lehndorff – GER, and Trent Stuckey – USA showed, that their trick arsenal is just bottomless. Also the young guns Loic Deschaux – FRA and Nils Ritzmann – GER put up an incredible show in their battle for the super final.
In the end it was Loic and Trent who made it to the super final. They got joined by Busty Dunn – AUS and Joe Battleday UK.
In the superfinal, Trent Stuckey managed to step up his game and took the win in front of Loic Deschaux and Joe Battleday in third.
The prize giving ceremony in front of a huge crowd was the perfect ending to an awesome day of the Langenfeld Open presented by Liquid Force.