The Citroën Windsurf World Cup Sylt will be without one of its legends. Sarah-Quita Offringa, the reigning wave world champion, has withdrawn at short notice. The Aruban sustained a foot injury last weekend, which means she is unable to compete. “I injured my foot last weekend and still can’t put any weight on it,” she told the PWA. The severity of the injury has not yet been definitively determined. A CT scan initially revealed no cause for concern, but further tests are due to take place. Next week, a weight-bearing X-ray is due to provide clarity on the condition of the Lisfranc area.
An uncertain return
It remains to be seen whether Offringa will be able to compete in the events on Maui and in Chile. “Based on the doctor’s assessment and the pain I’ve been feeling, I hope it’s a mild version of this injury and that I’ll be able to sail again before Maui and Chile,” says Offringa. The Lisfranc region refers to the metatarsal bones and their connection to the tarsal bones – an area that is particularly stressed in windsurfers. Injuries in this area can be protracted and often require a lengthy recovery period.
With Sarah-Quita Offringa absent, Lina Erpenstein, Maria Behrens, Sol Degrieck and the other Waverider women will battle it out amongst themselves for victory on Sylt. Whilst Lina Erpenstein heads into the event as the World Championship leader, with Maria Behrens just behind her, Sol Degrieck – last year’s surprise winner – is in top form following her victory in Wissant.
