"1992 to 2022, and then the time was right" is how Antoine Albeau introduces his Instagram post in which he announced his retirement from the PWA Tour this afternoon. The upcoming event in Japan (11 - 16 November) will be the last World Cup in the 50-year-old Frenchman's career.
"I'm leaving with the satisfaction of having achieved everything and having always given 100%," FRA 192 continues. "My career as a windsurfer has given me everything I have." Nevertheless, Antoine Albeau wants to continue competing in speed events and push ahead with his Zephyr project, in which he wants to set new speed records.
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Almost 15 years at the top in slalom
AA" has won a total of 25 world championship titles over the course of his career. It all started in 2001 with the world championship in the then still young discipline of freestyle, and from 2004 he won the slalom title a total of ten times. Albeau also became world champion in the Super-X discipline in 2006, as well as winning various IFCA titles. He has also held the world record in speed windsurfing over 500 metres since 2008.
Albeau dominated the slalom for almost 15 years, at times appearing almost unbeatable. His duel with Björn Dunkerbeck characterised the discipline for years, and the two are good friends off the water. In recent years, other riders such as Matteo Iachino, Pierre Mortefon, Jordy Vonk and co. have risen to the top of the world rankings, while foiling has also shaken up the field. At the World Cup on Sylt, Albeau was also struggling with back problems.
In his home on the Ile de Ré on the French Atlantic coast, Albeau runs a water sports centre together with his family - a full-time job alongside his professional career. He enjoys legendary status in France and has even dined with President Macron. He also started a family a few years ago, for whom he would like to have more time.
