Skiing for Merc Force in the Superclass event, Knights completed the 112 kilometre course in a winning time of 38 minutes and 46 seconds – the second fastest time recorded in the history of the event.

The team led from start to finish hitting a top speed of 196km/h.

After finishing second three years in a row and knee surgery only 12 months ago Knights was pumped with his and the teams huge achievement. 

“Winning the race that gave me the love for this sport, makes it all the sweeter,” Kris Knights said.

The Merc Force team was made up of driver/owner Don Gulley, observer Kevin Boylan, skiers Knights and Jake Tegart and mechanic Trent Souwer. Gulley was overcome with emotion after striving to win the race for 25 years, starting in the six litre class and gradually progressing to Superclass.

The race begins at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River at Brooklyn and finishes at Windsor, with boats leaving in grids of four to five.

The next event for Knights will be the selection races for the Australian team to head to Seattle USA next July.

Kris Knights went to East Parkes Primary School, Parkes High School, did his trade as a baker at Smeatons Bakery, and also worked at Bakers Delight before it closed.

Kris started ski racing in 2001 and was helped along the road to success by Brian and Kerrie Nutley, Richard Draper  and Troy Dickson.

He moved to Sydney in 2010 to gain more time on the water, and to chase his dream.

Kris and his new wife moved to Cowra three years ago.

He has a number of relatives in Parkes, including his sister Kathryn, parents Ray and Raelene and grandmother Margaret McMillan (Mater). 

The Bridge to Bridge is Kris’ first river classic win, after 11 second places in major races.

“The Bridge to Bridge has been going since 1961, it’s one of the most iconic ski races in the world,” Ray Knights said.

“Yes [he’s feeling on top of the world], I don’t think he’s come down yet.”