The California Windsurf Cup in Pelzerhaken began yesterday, with the first round of the foiling discipline being held in light winds on the very first day of the competition. The top favourite Vincent Langer came out on top. With a perfect start, he was first around the first buoy and then controlled the race from the front. His start-to-finish victory not only earned him the day's win, but also a prize money cheque for 500 euros at the award ceremony for winning the first race.
Lars Poggemann, who normally competes on the PWA World Tour of professional surfers, finished in second place. With his placing and prize money of 300 euros, Poggemann was able to celebrate a successful start in Pelzerhaken. Third place on the podium went to Tjalve Böttger, who celebrated an impressive comeback after a break of several weeks due to injury.
Will the fin drivers get their chance today?
According to the organisers, the field of participants was fully booked in both the Foiling and Fin Slalom disciplines. The venue also offers perfect conditions for spectators: The pier acts as a natural grandstand and allows visitors to follow the competitions at close range. The great interest shown by participants confirms the ideal conditions for water sports in the Baltic seaside resort.
Although only one race could be completed on the first day due to the gusty winds, the weather forecast promises much stronger winds for today, Saturday. This could not only make more foiling races possible, but also enable races in the fin classification!
