The fact that the Defi Wind is an unrivalled experience is known to all those who talk about it afterwards with shining eyes. Even though there are well over 1000 starters, most of them are primarily racing against themselves and for their personal bucket list. Only the results at the very front count, and a Defi victory on the CV is a great honour even for seasoned World Cup pros. The ingredients are almost as legendary as they are unique: a spectacular mass start behind the starting boat that crosses the starting line ahead of the field, then ten kilometres to the first gybe, then back in oncoming traffic and a second lap on the same course.
This year, the Tramontana was blowing at around 25 knots on the first two days, then a little weaker on Saturday, before dying down completely on the final day. As usual, the field set off together on the course, but was categorised into three groups: Foils, Finns and Open Class, which is free to choose. With more than 1000 starters, the Finns were clearly in the majority, with almost 300 starters registered in the mixed class and 69 participants in the foil only. However, there was no way around the foils at the very front, with the best pure Finn rider in the men's class being Lohan Jules in 20th place overall. But even seasoned PWA pros such as Jordy Vonk sometimes preferred to start with a Finn rather than a foil.
Johan Søe finishes second as a rookie
In 2023, Nicolas Goyard can already celebrate his second Defi victory in a row, but just behind him is the 19-year-old super talent Johan Søe from Denmark. Whether in the World Cup or other races, the young Dane has long since arrived at the top of the world and it is probably only a matter of time before he clinches his first victory. At the Defi, he managed a first place in the third race, otherwise he had to give way to veteran Nicolas Goyard. However, other top riders such as Pierre Mortefon, Enrico Marotti, Bruno Martini, Amado Vrieswijk and Antoine Albeau mostly only saw the back of Johan Søe in Gruissan.
Johan Søe was overwhelmed after the event: "I didn't expect to ride so fast. It was very special to win a race ahead of Nico Goyard, who was actually unbeatable." The Dane describes his first Defi: "Defi was a really nice experience full of adrenaline, especially when you see the whole field coming towards you after the jibe. I don't trust anyone who comes towards me. Sometimes I rode very wide gybes, you have to concentrate a lot during the whole race with so many people around you."
It would have been even more fun to see how much faster we could be than the Finns at a solid 35-40 knots." (Nicolas Goyard)
Winner Nicolas Goyard also pays tribute to his rival Johan Søe: "Defi was clearly one of my goals for the season. Johan is coming. He will be a serious opponent!" In terms of speed, the foil specialist still sees room for improvement: "I wish we had stronger wind! It would have been even more fun to see how much faster we can be than the Finns in a solid 35-40 knots."
Wennekes and Lemeteyer in a close duel
In the women's event, Sara Wennekes from the Netherlands - who had just finished eighth in the iQFoil at the European Championships - and Lake Garda winner Justine Lemeteyer fought a close race in all four heats. "I did my best, Justine (Lemeteyer) and I were pretty close in every race, we could see each other. We were chasing each other," said Sara Wennekes, describing the duel. In the end, Wennekes came out on top and was able to celebrate her first victory at the Defi: "I managed to complete a race in the top 50 overall (including men). It's super cool! I'm happy to have beaten some of the big boys!"
The best German was Nico Prien in 21st place - there will probably soon be a video of him on the Defi. Mario Kümpel also took part in Gruissan and ended up in 242nd place.
Results Defi Wind 2023
Overall men
- Nicolas Goyard
- Johan Søe (U20)
- Thomas Goyard
- Pierre Mortefon
- William Huppert
- Enrico Marotti
- Bruno Martini
- Amado Vrieswijk
- Antoine Albeau
- Nicolas Warembourg
Overall ladies
- Sara Wennekes
- Justine Lemeteyer
- Delphine Cousin Questel
- Blanca Alabau
- Marion Couturier
- Marion Mortefon
- Alice Read
- Jenna Gibson
- Ambre Papazian
- Femke Van Der Veen
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Tobias Frauen
Editor