The Spicare Omaezaki Japan World Cup is the first 5-star event of the 2024 World Wave Tour and is one of the six high-ranking events on the tour calendar. As in the previous year, the PWA and IWT are working together, with the IWT leading the way in Japan. Almost all of the world's top men's riders are taking part, while only two of the top women's riders, Sarah Hauser and Maria Andres, have travelled to Japan.
Omaezaki is attractive because of its high winds and waves. Both riding specialists and jumping experts can get their money's worth. "There are good opportunities to try out lots of different moves. There can be strong winds and the wave still has room for two or three moves," says world champion Marcilio Browne about the spot. Bernd Roediger adds: "It's the only one of the 5-star events that is completely balanced. The win could go to anyone, and that's another good reason why it's such a great place to start the tour!".
Traditionally, many Japanese participants such as Takuma Sugi, Takara Ishii and Hiyata Ishii will also be competing in their home race. They will be up against Marcilio Browne, Philip Köster, Antoine Martin, Marc Pare, Morgan Noireaux, Bernd Roediger and Robby Swift, among others. Nick Spangenberg is also registered for the event from Germany, although he only made the journey late.
The heats at the World Cup in Japan
Philip Köster faces Robby Swift, Titouan and Julien Flechet in his first heat. Nick Spangenberg will face Bernd Roediger, Takuma Sugi and Russ Faurot. The IWT mode differs slightly from the usual PWA procedures: after the first round, there is a "Redemption Round" in which the losers of the first heat get a second chance. After that, only the best two riders progress, there is no double elimination.
The wind forecast looks very good for today (Monday) and the last day of the event next Sunday, but the wind could be a bit scarce in between. Last year, the elimination could not be completed in full, meaning that there were eight first-place finishers in the end.
According to the press release, the complete live broadcast will be shown on the YouTube channel of the IWT and the Event page streamed.
