Aktuelle Pressemitteilung von Red Bull und aktuelle Photos in der Gallery - ausserdem Infos von Henning Nockel auf seiner Seite : hier der Link

Die aktuelle Pressemitteilung:  Maui, HI – (September 24, 2004) - As day two of the Red Bull King of the Air closed today, all in attendance were privileged to witness some of the most spectacular action and competition the sport has seen to date.  Duel after duel paired up-and-coming rookies with established pros in dramatic kiting battles in excellent wind and wave conditions at Ho'okipa Beach Park. The original field of 32 men and 8 women was whittled down to mere single
digits as the road to the King and Queen titles draws closer.  Those left
standing truly established themselves as the sport's best with their
performances today. In the men's competition, only four riders are left.  Last year's Red Bull
King of the Air champion, Charles Deleau (FRA), sits

 in the final heat of the "one-loss" bracket as he awaits to see who his opponent will be.  In
tomorrow's first heat of the day, 15 year-old phenom, Aaron Hadlow (UK)
will challenge Antonie Jaubert (FRA).  Hadlow has had an impressive year by
winning almost every event he has entered and will no doubt pose a serious
challenge to Jaubert.

But most surprising is who waiting in the "no-loss" bracket.  17 year-old
Tahitian, Tutertai Montaron of Bora Bora, has secured his place in the
men's final "no-loss" and will, at a minimum, place second overall in the
event.  An unknown face in the kiteboarding world before his debut at this
year's event, Montaron has been training extensively with his father,
brothers and cousin who also competed in the event.  As Montaron charged
his way to the finals, his Tahitian contingency passionately cheered him on
and shouted encouragement.

The women's competition was equally impressive.  In a major upset, 2002
"Queen" of the Air champion and 2003 second place finisher, Sheldon
Plentovich (HI), was eliminated by Sandrine Maunier (FRA), who ultimately
fell to Kristian Boese (GER) in a later heat.  Yuri Drexler (HI) pulled off
impressive handle-pass tricks to eliminate 2003 King of the Air third place
finisher, Rebecca Wolthers (OR).  In tomorrow's "one-loss" women's final,
Julie Simsar (SC) will attempt to take out Drexler.

But, awaiting the winner will be reigning "Queen" of the Air champion, Susi
Mai (DR), who swiftly moved to her place in the "no-loss" final after
several early wins during the day.

The finals of the men and women's competition will begin tomorrow at 12
p.m. when the 2004 King and Queen will be crowned.  The Big Air competition
will directly follow.  Last year, hang time expert Marcus "Flash" Austin
was airborne for a total of 7.29 seconds.  Who far will the field sail this
year?