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Watch the video and see who wins in the Ducati, Powerboat, Audi R8 & Helicopter Race at Viersel In Belgium – home of the Diamond Race. Ski Racing’s Micha Robyn was on the bike and Jules Leysen in the Cat.
Luc & Pepe of Powerboatracing.be have shared a few sensational shots from Geel in Belgium last weekend. Click any photo to enlarge.
Needless to say, a good day for the Stout family in Belgium today with wins in F1 Men’s and Women’s – all behind Robbie Wright’s beautifully turned out “No Mercy”. Courtesy of Martine Ciroux below are the official results and Wim Lamot kindly contributed the superb close-up shots.
Powerboatracing.be of Belgium has published some terrific photos of the 2010 Diamond Race. You can see all of them at www.powerboatracing.be
Britain’s “Image Extreme” captured dozens of great shots at the Diamond race last weekend. A few are below and you can see more here.
On Sunday 27th of June, Belgium hosted the 25th Diamond Water Ski Race. Belgian boat manufacturer Bernico International would like to congratulate all class winners and their teams with their victories.
Bernico International owner Nico Bertels said; “we are pleased to let you know that 7 out of 10 class wins were achieved with Bernico Boats”.
Bernico International
Victor Dumonlaan 6
Willebroek
Phone: +32 (0)3.455.87.28
Fax: +32 (0)3.455.00.88
E-mail: info@bernico.be
The 25th Diamond Water Ski Race was set to be a tremendous event with almost 100 teams making up the biggest Diamond Race in history.
Perfect weather and organisation, the largest entry ever and tremendous atmosphere filled the little town of Viersel on the side of the Albert Canal at the weekend. And Darren Kirkland won his 7th Diamond Race with Chris Stout 2nd and Nico Bertels 3rd.
Wim Lamot captured some of the teams on Saturday as they got a feel for the narrow canal waters in preparation for today.
If you can’t be at the Diamond Race this weekend, you can stay up to date with what’s going on with the live Diamond Race Twitter feed which I’ll update as often as I can in between race commentary.
To follow the feed, follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/robbiellewellyn. The same updates will also automatically appear on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/robllewellyn and on the front page of www.skirace.net where it says DIAMOND RACE TWEETS. Make sure you refresh the page to get the latest data feed.
The following two skiers are looking for boats for the Diamond Race this month in Belgium.
The Geel International Open Race will take place in Belgium on 3/4 July – the weekend following the Diamond Race.
Get full details at www.geelsekanaalfeesten.com
The Viersel Diamond Race (full details) is coming closer and Vera Van den Bossche has this notice about accommodation:
The Viersel Diamond Race (full details) is coming closer and Vera Van den Bossche has this notice about an F2 available:
Vera Van Den Bossche has issued the official 16 page participant information pack for the 2010 Viersel Diamond Race.
Download the 2010 Diamond Race Participants’ Information Pack
Watch the 2008 Diamond Race video at the bottom of this page
Peter Moorkens of Powerboatracing.be has sent in these highlights from the race yesterday in Rupelmonde, Belgium. This was the first time a ski race has been held at this location on the River Scheldt.
12 British skiers and 10 volunteer helpers spent 3 nights at the Fevaca Hotel home to Bernico Boats for the 2nd Karl Brooks Ski Training Camp, writes Karen Brooks.
Courtesy of Luc & Pepe of www.powerboatracing.be check out this selection of shots from Belgium’s first race of the new season.
Vera Van Den Bossche has published the 2010 KBWSF Belgian Water Ski Racing Calendar.
Luc Vermeiren shares some shots of the Limburg Cup 2009 – Hasselt in Belgium.
Bernico Boats won 3 out of 6 world titles at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium in July.
Luc Vermeiren shares this selection of shots taken at the recent Viersel Club Championships in Belgium.
Dylan de Weert sent in a report of Belgium’s F1 Grobbendonk race last week when World Champion driver and boat builder Nico Bertels dusted the cobwebs off his ski and took to the water behind a boat.
Belgium’s Wim Lamot and his wife Sandra welcomed another addition to their family on 3rd September when their son Simon was born weighing in at 3.53 KG and 50cm tall.
Kim de Witte van den Bossche gave birth to a baby boy named Ben at 10:03am on 22nd August 2009. He weighed in at 3,870 kg and 52,5 cm.
The following schedule of events is an extract from Worlds Bulletin 3.
Guy594 captured a lot of shots at the Geel race in Belgium yesterday.
The pre-worlds international race at Geel took place in Belgium today with teams from Great Britain, Australia, Holland, Austria , USA and of course Belgium taking part.
Luc & Pepe have uploaded their photos from Hasselt BeNeLux Cup 2009 and they are truly sensational.
After Saturday’s practice day in Ghent where round 1 of the Worlds will be held, teams moved to Genk where round 2 will be held, for a practice yesterday.
Australia’s Chris Stout and driver Robbie Wright (GB) came face to face with the grey walls and the boilling water of Ghent yesterday. The vertical walls and tight turns below are what will face every team competing at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium later this month.
Steve Flament has posted his photos from the recent race at Kruibeke in Belgium here: http://fotos.supersnelleboten.be/#26.0
The Canadian Water Ski Racing Team is looking for an F2 boat and driver for the Worlds. If you can help, please contact Vera Van den Bossche as soon as possible:
Tel: +32 (0)3 252 83 79
Mobile: + 32 (0) 479 697362
E-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be
Darren Kirkland returned to top form yesterday in a nail biting race on the canal at Hasselt in Belgium. As he and Australia’s Chris Stout raced side by side in gruelling canal water, he pulled ahead and notched up a convincing victory, just weeks before the world championships.
Stout took 2nd and Belgium’s Dimitri Bertels took 3rd. Former observer for Darren, Matthew Northover said; “it was an incredible race between Chris and Darren. Darren was on top form and skiing like he used to”.
Darren told me; “it’s a result for the over 40’s“.
The IWSF Racing Council hosts a “Competitors’ Meeting” at each World Championship event. This gives teams a rare chance to discuss their sport with the committee that is charged to take the sport forward throughout the world. To date, there seems to have been no public communication on the time, date and venue of this meeting in Belgium.
The IWSF Racing Council is expected to confirm the time, date & venue of the 2009 Competitors’ Meeting. The sooner this is communicated, the less competitors will be inconvenienced at the Worlds. N.B. The Racing Council’s own meeting has already been confirmed.
Wim Lamot has posted directions from various hotels to the race venues at the 2009 Worlds. You can find them all here: http://www.waterskiracing.be/directions
Vera Van den Bossche and the Belgian organising committee for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published the 3rd official event bulltin. You can download and print the full 12 page PDF document below.
Stevie has produced a new video from the F1&2 racing at Kruibeke, Belgium on the weekend. Aussie Chris Stout won the race comfortably, skiing with Robbie Wright and Rob Manchett.
Guy594 Photography was at Kruibeke in Belgium yesterday to capture the day’s racing. He shares a selection of shots with us below and you can see 100s of others at: http://guy594.myphotoalbum.com
Guy594 Photography of Belgium caught Gregory Dumetier getting some airtime on a Belgian canal.
Gregory Dumetier
You can see more Guy594 ski racing shots at www.guy594photography.com
Update: 19:45 CET – 9 June
Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche writes …It is with sadness that we have to confirm the passing away of Richard.
“Ladies, Gentlemen, Dear Sport Friends
It is with sadness that we have to inform that Richard died this morning.
Please find herewith the funeral arrangements:
Saturday June 13, 2009 at 10.00 h
Church: “Notre Dames de Messires”
Rue de Bertaimont
At 7000 Mons (Bergen)
Belgian Skiers are requested to bring their ski to pay tribute at the Church to Richard and his beloved family.
We are counting on your presence.
Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche – Team Captain Belgium
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Join the dedicated group on Facebook: Pakuszewski Richard R.I.P.
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22:00 CET 8 June
Peter Moorkens has confirmed the very sad news that Richard Pakuszewski has lost his courageous fight to survive the injuries from the accident he suffered recently.
Luc Vermeiren was in the hospital this evening together with the crew from the boat, where the sad news was confirmed.
Richard Pakuszewski
Born in Mons on 21st June 1968
Passed Away in Geel on 9th June 2009
Funeral 13th June 2009
Funeral:
Zaterdag 13 juni 2009 om 10.00 h
Kerk: “Notre Dame de Messires”
Rue de Bertaimont
7000 Mons (Bergen)
Last respects:
Richard groeten kan op :
Donderdag 11 en vrijdag 12 juni
Telkens van 14.00 tot 18.00 h
Adres: Funerarium Borgno
Rue des Arquebusiers 2
7000 Mons Bergen
Luc Vermeiren captured some sensational shots at the recent Olen BeNeLux Cup 2009. You can see them all at www.powerboatracing.be
If you’re unable to be at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium (19-26 July) you can keep track of events via Twitter.
Belgian Team Captain, Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche has announced the names of all members of the Belgian team for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
A serious accident occured in Belgium on the weekend when Richard Pakuszewski fell and is now is a poor condition. Whilst I have received a number of details, I shall only report below what Jules Leyson has sent me.
Two shots below of Buby Bertels in action and getting some air on a Belgian canal.
Here’s another video compilation to help promote the forthcoming 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium.
The first time Belgium hosted the World Water Ski Racing Championships was 14 years ago in 1995. As we get close to Belgium’s 2nd World Championships, let’s reflect back on the 1995 Worlds.
Well known for being some of the most treacherous pieces of ski racing water in the world, Viersel is the ultimate test of a skier (and crew) and fittingly hosts the final round of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
Rob Harks of VVW Kruibeke Belgium reports that Darren Kirkland won the mens F1 Race in Viersel, Belgium on the weekend behind Kelly Nulens F2 outfit.
Courtesy of Tom Vets who observes with the F1 Ghostbuster Women’s Team in Belgium, below are a few shots from the weekend’s race at Beringen, Belgium.
Steve Flament of Belgium capture Dylan de Weert getting some air at Beringen, Belgium yesterday.
The Belgian world championship organising committee has been asked if they can help with boats for the following Australian skiers:
Vera Van den Bossche writes …It is with great pleasure that I send you herewith our “Logistic Info Bulletin” containing all information on our beautiful country “Belgium” , where to go, what to do… etc.
Vera Van den Bossche has issued an amended version of the 2009 Belgian water ski racing calendar. Click on the calendar below to open a full size printable version.
Kim Lumley rescues driver after Dutch team “The Dream” barrel rolls in Belgium. Action captured by Luc & Pepe www.powerboatracing.be
The Belgian organising committee has received requested from New Zealand seeking an F1 boat for a Junior Girl and an F2 for an F2 Men’s skier.
Helmet cam of Nico Bertels taking the new GTS Bernico for a 150km spin down the canal. Also photos of the GTS
Vera Van Den Bossche writes; Welcome to the 2009 Worlds in Belgium!
Bulletin 2 – General Information: Camping Site
Fresh from Belgium, the organisers of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published bulletin 2 for the big event in July. Vera Van den Bossche and her team have done a superb job of putting together this 21 page information pack. It’s a 3mb PDF file so be patient if your net connection is running on low octane fuel.
I caught up with Wayne Mawer and Kim Lumley just before the 2008 Diamond Race to see what they had to say about canal racing and the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium.
Wim Lamot has issued the final 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships Promo movie.
One of Bernico’s customers has asked them to build a TS model with twin Merc 300 short shaft engines on a Bernico trailer.
Vera Van den Bossche of Belgium writes … Dear all, It is with great sadness that I have to inform you all that Hugo Van Loon at the age of 64, passed away this morning January 13th caused by a heart attack.
Hugo was a well known figure amongst us, not only as International Judge but also as former racer, Chairman of WSV Racing, Belgian Judge and Organiser of the Antwerp edition for the Worlds 2009.
The funeral will take place on Saturday January 17th at 09.30 a.m. in the Church of Sint Katarina at Stabroek (Belgium).
Belgium’s Steve Flament has recently launched waterski racing forum at www.supersnelleboten.be
If you want some serious water ski racing action, you’ll be pleased to know that Belgium’s dynamic duo Luc@s & Pepe have just published more outstanding shots of the water ski racing in Belgium. This time they’re of the final race of the Belgian 2008 water ski racing season.
Go to here to see more action: http://www.powerboatracing.be
Health warning – not suitable for the out of touch
Luc@s & Pepe have posted some great shots from the Belgian race at Cheratte here
Wim Lamot has reported that IWSF world council member Julius Leysen crashed earlier today with his powerboat (Cat) at the Bernico Poker Run in Belgium.
Watch some video of the European canal race at Geel last weekend. Chris Stout won Men’s F1 race (Darren Kirkland was 1st European skier) and Kim Lumley won Women’s F1 at the 3rd round of the 2008 European Water Ski Racing Cup in Geel, Belgium on 3 August.
See the incredible Diamond Race photos here:
On 9th & 10th August 2008, the 1st ‘Bernico Poker Run‘ will be run in Belgium. The idea for this exclusive event was conceived by two friends, Nico Bertels (Bernico International) and Ben Maes (Jet Logistics) – both boat and water sport fanatics.
After almost 3000 plays of the Racing video in less than 24 hrs, I’ve also now published a 10 minute ‘interviews & presentations’ video from the Diamond Race where 2005 World Champions Todd Haig and Kim Lumley secured well deserved wins. It was an incredible race with a record number of competitors taking part (around 90). My sincere thanks to Vera and Stefan for their help. Many thanks to Wim Lamot for the photos below.
We’ve just arrived in Belgium for a weekend of racing and festivities at Viersel. Of course it’s the Diamond Race where almost 90 teams will arrive today and tomorrow from all over the world. This is also Round 2 of the 2008 European Cup. You can watch a 10 minute video of the racing online at skirace.net on Monday or Tuesday. In the meantime, you can see another online video of a previous Diamond Race at the Diamond Race Web Site
Due to popular demand, a warm bakery will be available on-site for those using the camping area from 08:00am on Sunday 29 June at the Diamond Race.
Courtesy of Vera Van den Bossche, below is bulletin #1 for the 16th World Water Ski Racing Championships which will be held in Belgium from 18-26 July 2009. This includes the provisional programme of events.
Belgium’s Kelly Nulens was caught getting some air. I’m waiting for the name of the photographer who was there to capture the moment. Click the photo to enlarge it.
Wim Lamot has announced the launch of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships web site at: http://worlds.waterskiracing.be
Belgium’s Ivy Jennes was caught in the act of getting some air on a canal by Claude Herman.
Tim Lisens of Belgium performs his bunny hop on a canal in 2004. Kevin Malot captured the action.
Vera Van den Bossche has published the Belgian Water Ski Racing (KBWSF) calendar for 2008.
America’s Dusty Schulz spent a number of days with Mike Waterman, Vera van den Bossche and others in Belgium last week, inspecting the proposed sites for the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
At the IWSF World Congress held on Thursday 30 August 2007 in Linz, Austria, the IWSF had received a bid from Belgium for the 2009 World Racing Championships.
Today, Kuno Ritschard, President of the IWSF announced that the IWSF Congress has approved Belgium’s bid to host the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships unanymously, subject to the IWSF World Racing Council’s approval of the technical requirements.
The 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships moved one step closer to finalisation yesterday when IWSF President Kuno Ritschard confirmed that the IWSF Executive Board has made the decision to submit the Belgian bid to the IWSF World Congress.
On 19 July, Belgium submitted its bid to the IWSF to host the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships and the world of top class competitors and supporters is getting excited. This event would be 14 years after the only time Belgium has hosted the Worlds, when the superb Stefano Gregorio won Mens, the superstar Leanne Brown won Womens and a young Alex Ross and Tami Khan won the Juniors. It was a sensational week of racing.
