Saturday, 12 September: France’s Mickael Poret will now focus his attentions in his bid for a third world title after narrowly closing out the Ski GP1 European Championship in Valras.

Poret headed into the final round of four with a nine point cushion over Spanish rival Nacho Armillas, both taking maximum points and event win apiece in previous rounds.

But the anticipated showdown didn’t match up to its billing, Poret having his worst event of the series picking up just 17 points to take ninth overall. Fortunately for him, Armillas failed to post points in heat 1 and despite taking the win in heat 2 came up just short with Poret sneaking home to clinch the title by a point.

For Armillas celebrations would follow after wrapping up the GP2 tiTle, taking overall wins in Spain and Portugal and finishing third in France.

The two will now carry their rivalry over into the UIM-ABP world tour and are currently tied in second place on 65 points. Both have a heat win, Armillas a GP title winning in Qatar

If Poret is to pick up a third world title, Armillas a first, both will have to get passed defending world champion Jeremy Poret and, at the same time, keep a close eye on Austrian Kevin Reiterer sitting in fourth spot.

Round 3 of the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship, the Grand Prix of China, takes place in Liuzhou on 3-4 October.