Good news from the World Cup: After two recent event cancellations (Croatia and Tenerife), the event in Pozo was confirmed yesterday. From 1 to 9 July, there will be wave riding and slalom on Gran Canaria, both for the men and women. With five stars, the event is an important step for the World Championship rankings.
In previous years, slalom was an annual highlight in Pozo, with legendary races in winds of up to 30 to 50 knots, most of which were won by local hero Björn Dunkerbeck. He was also the one who brought the discipline back to Gran Canaria as event organiser: "I'm delighted that slalom is back in Pozo! It's been a long and difficult road to get here, but thanks to the great teamwork of the PWA and our local team, we've made it!"
It will be exciting to see whether some riders will take to the water with foils even in strong winds or whether the fin will be the method of choice. At the first World Cup of the season on Lake Garda, world champion Maciek Rutkowski won in light winds ahead of Pierre Mortefon. They were followed by three newcomers, Will McMillan, Johan Soe and Michele Becker. Justine Lemeteyer is also a relatively new name at the top of the women's rankings, even though the Frenchwoman was already world champion last year. What will the pecking order look like in the expected strong wind races before Pozo?
PWA Chairman Jimmy Diaz is excited to see slalom racing return to the rocky bay: "This is another massive step forward for our sport. Not only are we continuing the great tradition of waveriding that Pozo epitomises, but we can now bring back what many see as the ultimate slalom showdown and show the world just how fascinating racing can be!"
Old acquaintances or new names in waveriding?
Of course, the wave riders who have dominated the World Cup action off Pozo in recent years will also be at the start. Philip Köster is eager to attack again after his foot injury and cancellation at the Fiji event. However, with Ricardo Campello, Marcilio Browne, Victor Fernandez, Thomas Traversa and many other experienced Pozo riders, the competition is strong as usual. In addition, Marc Paré and locals Liam Dunkerbeck and Marino Gil Gherardi will be waiting for their chance.
In the women's race, it is the Moreno twins who have dominated for many years. Will they defend their supremacy in Pozo or will Sarah-Quita Offringa and Lina Erpenstein decide the victory between themselves? Or will the 13-year-old Belgian Sol Degrieck, who trains a lot in Pozo, cause the next surprise after her victory over Lina Erpenstein last year?
We will of course be following the World Cup in Gran Canaria up close for you here at surf-magazin.de!
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Tobias Frauen
Editor
