After a day off, the Chile World Cup in Topocalma continues with the qualifying heats of the Challenger Round. In almost perfect conditions, 32 riders fought a fierce battle for just four coveted starting places in the main field. In the end, two locals and two German-Canarios came out on top: Benjamin Fabres and Diego Fabres from Chile and Alessio Stillrich and Moritz Mauch secured their tickets for the main field of the best 32 riders.
The final two heats of the Challenger round offered world-class windsurfing. Every wave, every jump and every tactical decision could make the difference between triumph and defeat. The four qualifiers showed great commitment in the waves of Topocalma. For other top riders, however, the dream of making it through to the Champions Round was dashed by the narrowest of margins - in some cases, nuances decided whether they progressed or were eliminated.
European aces at the forefront
Two riders with German roots, Alessio Stillrich and Moritz Mauch, qualified for the main round. Stillrich showed all his skills in the powerful waves after his injury break and proved once again why many observers consider him to be one of the best windsurfers in the world. Surfing specialist Moritz Mauch also impressed across the board and deservedly secured one of the coveted starting places in the main field.
Two Chilean riders, Benjamin and Diego Fabres, qualified for the main field. The two local heroes utilised their perfect local knowledge and showed themselves to be in top form. Their aggressive riding style and precise timing in the waves delighted spectators and judges alike. The Fabres brothers caused a storm of cheers on the beach of Topocalma with their passage. Among those eliminated were Anton Richter, Tobias Bjørnåå, Felipe Wedeles and Tim van Dam.
Outlook for the Champions Round
With the conclusion of the Challenger Round, the field of participants for the Champions Round is now complete. The four qualifiers will face the top 28 players in the world rankings. For the four players who have advanced from the Challenger Round, the aim now is to take the momentum with them and hold their own against the absolute world elite. The prospects for top conditions are good over the next few days, when top riders such as Marcilio Browne, Marc Paré, Marino Gil, Liam Dunkerbeck, Thomas Traversa, Bernd Roediger, Antoine Martin and others will also get into the action. The ladies will also be taking to the water - with Lina Erpenstein, who will be celebrating her Triumph from last year would like to repeat.
All heats and info at internationalwindsurfingtour.com/chile-2025/
