During an unprecedented sporting event, organized with the support of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a challenging kite - boarding ride for Russian athletes, starting from Cuba toward Mexico through the Yucatan Strait, set a world record in this fairly new Olympic sport.
The participants covered the distance of the most difficult crossing of 231 km and 250 m in 11 hours and 19 minutes. The average speed during the crossing was 20.4 km/h. This sporting and cultural event became the symbol of close fraternal ties between Russian and Cuban people. The team included a famous Russian kiter, Mr. Konstantin Aksyonov (Karlito), traveller and the Director of the oldest tourist company “Sodis”, Mr. Vladimir Popov, and experienced kiters, Messrs Evgeny Yevtushenko and Anton Yakovlev.
The unique crossing, dedicated to the legendary French kite-boarder and surfer, Mr. Arnaud de Rosnay, was an outstanding event in the history of kiteboarding. Initially, the event was planned for February 10, but because of bad weather conditions and malfunctioning of the escort boat the start was postponed several times.
"The crossing turned out to be very difficult, at the limit of all kite-boarders’ endurance," said Mr.Vladimir Popov. “This route, through the Yucatan Strait, had never ever been crossed on a kite before. For us, the expedition was a real test, which we passed with flying colours. We used three cameras to record every move made, filming continuously, and recorded the entire trip on seven GPS trackers. Now, we have applied to the Russian Book of Records in order to record our achievement,” said the athlete.
The Russian side, in addition to the MCCI, provided assistance to the team with the help of "Sodis", an experienced kiter, Mr. Dmitry Naishuller and the CEO of the “CGC Investments,” Mr. Alexander Belchikov, who provided the athletes with comprehensive organizational and technical support. From the Cuban side, the adventure was actively supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cuba, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cuba, athletes from the “Cubadeportes” and the tourist company “Gaviota," which provided accommodations for the participants of the crossing at the sports and tourist base “Maria La Gorda”.
“The Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry has always supported all beneficial initiatives of its members aimed at expanding foreign economic relations. This also applies to projects in the field of sports, especially amateur efforts, wherein athletes, representing business communities of different countries, take part in competitions,” said the President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Vladimir Platonov. The sporting event, organized by "Sodis", I am sure, will not stay unnoticed at the international level and will help to increase the authority and business prestige of Russian businessmen.”
Recently, kiteboarding became an Olympic sport, which brings together athletes and like-minded people from all over the world even during the period of tourist restrictions and closed borders. The President of the Moscow Chamber noted the importance of such events for the strengthening of friendly and cordial ties between countries: "When people participate in such competitions, where they have to show their strength, skills, perseverance and do things that others have never accomplished, it always makes me feel delight and admiration, makes me believe in the inexhaustible potential of the human spirit.
That is why I met with the Minister of Sports in Cuba during a business trip and also contacted the Mexican authorities and told them about this interesting project and asked for their support in organizing the event. After all, without the help of the two governments, the transition could not have taken place, as this event involves crossing borders. We received positive responses, were assisted in the preparation of visas and other important documents. So, thanks to the efforts of several countries and non-profit organizations, this trip took place. Russian kite-boarders showed a lot of fortitude and strength of will and mind by crossing the most difficult route. And it was wonderful and great, we can and should be proud of it,” said Mr. Platonov.