This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)
Red Bull Storm Chase came to its dramatic conclusion yesterday – with Australian windsurfer Jaeger Stone clinching the title.
Philip Köster took second place, with fellow German rider Leon Jamaer in third position.Taking place over three days, the contest saw eight of the world’s best windsurfers tackle stormy seas, gale-force winds and freezing temperatures off the coast of Magheraroarty Beach, County Donegal.
Riders competed in three rounds of heats, where they were judged on jumps, wave riding and execution of tricks.Conditions were ferocious – gusts of 130 kph, mast-high waves, snow and hail added an extra challenge for the riders.The cold was even more brutal for Jaeger, who is more used to balmy temperatures of his native Western Oz than the baltic conditions the North Atlantic threw up.
Speaking to Red Bull Ireland after his win, he said: “Winning Red Bull Storm Chase is a dream come true. I didn’t know what to expect because the conditions are so different to anything I’ve ever windsurfed in before. This was the first time I’ve been in the snow. To see it and experience it was cool, but to windsurf in it was next level.
“These were the most insane conditions I’ve ever experienced. I was worried I couldn’t do anything in the cold. Gloves make it hard to hold onto the boom, which is bad when you’re trying to land huge jumps. Your hands are in the most intense pain and then go numb. I was nervous and scared at times, but I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone.“It’s amazing to experience a new country. This part of the world is so beautiful and I have so much respect for the people who live here. I tried my first Guinness and enjoyed that, so I might have another to celebrate.”