WE HAVE JUST HAD A VERY SPECIAL WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE !

Tonight, following a Practice session on the River Liu, our World Cup Athletes and Team were invited to the Official Opening Ceremony. This was no ordinary Opening Ceremony. This was one to remember – probably forever !

Our World Cup Riders and Jumpers arrived at the riverside restaurant at 7.00pm and then began the short walk down the hill to the special World Cup viewing area. This walk alone was extraordinary as an estimated 500,000 people made their way to our World Cup site. You had to be here to really appreciate the experience. Once seated, the show began. Kuno Ritschard IWWF President made a short speech with Liuzhou’s Mayor Zheng Jun Kang and other important dignitories. Then the very scenic River Liu suddenly became a stage for a stunning water show. From beneath the water, a Euro 10 million fountain structure rose from the river bed. It is in fact the largest in the World today. Against the background of classical music, the beams of water danced in tune. Then the Lasers on the far back were unleashed and what resulted was an extraordinary show which dazzled the senses.

As we watched the closing moments of the water show, six large barges then unleashed a 30 minute Fireworks Display which was truly breath-taking. Few will ever have seen a coordinated show on this scale ever. If you look closely, you may be able to see our Liuzhou World Cup Jump Ramp. Our World Cup athletes all made their way home with a smile.

Tomorrow, Friday, is Semi-Finals day – and now its our turn to impress. We are feeling the pressure. We owe our generous Liuzhou City hosts a great World Cup experience and this is now our challenge. The river water is river water and not what is usual on a protected man-made lake. How we cope with ther challenge will be our test. Watch here for the outcome – and wish us luck !