Lake Toba, Indonesia – August 2025. A landmark weekend of Aquabike racing unfolded on the spectacular waters of Lake Toba, where history was made in both the UIM-ABP Endurance and Circuit World Championships. Over three action-packed days, fans witnessed the rise of a new teenage world champion and a series of dramatic Grand Prix victories across Ski, Runabout, and Freestyle disciplines.
Ratag Becomes Youngest Ever UIM-ABP World Endurance Champion
Indonesia celebrated a moment of sporting history as 16-year-old Boanerges Ratag stunned the Aquabike world to secure the 2025 UIM-ABP Class Pro Endurance World Championship on home waters.
The Jakarta student entered the decisive Moto with a comfortable 16-point lead but showed no sign of nerves, powering to another brilliant victory by over nine seconds. That result confirmed him as the youngest ever UIM-ABP World Champion, a feat that etched his name into Indonesian sporting folklore.
“I didn’t have to win that race, but I wanted to make it special. I pushed hard, got number one, and I feel amazing. Thanks to everyone who helped me achieve this,” said an emotional Ratag at the finish.
American riders Jay Finlinson and Anthony Radetic completed the World Championship podium, with Spain’s Adrian Herias Fernandez and Britain’s Scott Phillips securing strong results in the closing Moto. New Zealand’s Kylie Ellmers, battling mechanical problems, was cruelly denied a top-three finish by just two points.
The final Moto itself was a rollercoaster, with Fernandez leading early before Ratag surged ahead on lap 19 to seal his second win of the weekend – and the prestigious world crown.
Circuit Grand Prix Delivers Thrills on Indonesia’s Independence Day
As the Endurance title celebrations subsided, attention turned to the UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit World Championship, where the Grand Prix of Indonesia offered high drama, spectacular racing, and emotional victories – all on a day that coincided with Indonesia’s 80th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Ski Ladies GP1: Ypraus Holds Nerve for Glory
In Ski Ladies, heartbreak struck Norway’s Benedicte Drange, who had dominated earlier races but crashed out after contact in Moto 3. That opened the door for reigning World Champion Jasmiin Ypraus, who rode with intelligence to secure second place in the race and, crucially, the Grand Prix victory by a single point over France’s Estelle Poret.
“I did the math while racing, so I knew P2 was enough – I didn’t want to push it too much,” Ypraus explained. Italy’s Naomi Benini impressed with her first Grand Prix podium in third.
Ski GP1: Oliver Koch Hansen Claims Breakthrough Win
Denmark’s Oliver Koch Hansen delivered one of the performances of the weekend in Ski GP1. After an early battle with France’s Jeremy Poret, Hansen seized the lead and never looked back, storming to victory in the final Moto and securing the Grand Prix title by 10 points.
“This feels amazing. We’ve worked full time for years to make this possible,” said the 24-year-old Dane. Poret and young French rider Yoni Hamelin joined him on the podium.
Runabout GP1: Medori Back on Top
French veteran François Medori underlined his class with a flawless weekend in Runabout GP1. After a decisive pass on compatriot Jeremy Perez and Sweden’s Samuel Johansson, Medori powered to victory in both Motos, sealing another Grand Prix triumph.
“I’m really happy – last year I always split the wins, but this time I took both,” Medori smiled. Johansson and Perez completed the podium, while Hungary’s György Kasza and French rookie Pierre-François Savelli rounded out the top five.
Freestyle: Mariani Steals the Show
The weekend ended in spectacular style as the Freestyle riders wowed the Lake Toba crowd with aerial stunts and daring tricks. Italy’s Roberto Mariani confirmed his status as one of the sport’s top showmen, scoring 196 points to take the Grand Prix win, ahead of compatriot Massimo Accumulo and reigning World Champion Rashid Al Mulla of the UAE.
A Grand Stage for Aquabike
With thousands of fans lining the shores and Indonesia’s Independence celebrations adding to the atmosphere, Lake Toba once again proved a spectacular venue for world-class Aquabike racing.
From the extraordinary rise of Boanerges Ratag to the triumphs of Ypraus, Hansen, Medori, and Mariani, the Grand Prix of Indonesia delivered unforgettable drama and crowned champions who embody the sport’s spirit of skill, courage, and passion.
