More than 250 kitesurfers race off France coast for Defi Kite title

Nicolas Parlier of France beat compatriot Alex Mazella in a thrilling finish to win the prestigious Defi Kite title in Gruissan, France. More than 250 kiteboarders from all over the world took part in the marathon which consisted of five races between Gruissan and Port La Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast covering a total of 140 kilometres (87 miles). With the top kiteboarders averaging speeds of 30km/h (18 miles/h), it came down to the final race with both Parlier and Mazella having won two races each. Approaching the finish line, Mazella crashed as he attempted to overtake Parlier, giving Parlier his third Defi Kite title following wins in 2013 and 2015. Elsa Bories of France led throughout to take the women's title ahead of compatriot Ariane Imbert. More than 1,000 windsurfers, including legend Bjorn Dunkerbeck of Spain, will take part in the Defi Wind competition, which runs for four days beginning on Thursday (May 25).