Before the freestylers take over in Fuerte this Wednesday, there were some exciting races in the slalom. While in the Ladies the decision was already madeThe men's programme started with two classic slalom eliminations. Once again, the trade winds were firing across the sea at a constant 30 knots, while light swells combined with the wind waves created a veritable shark tank in which the riders had to find their way around. Jordy Vonk's crash the day before showed just how demanding slalom racing can be in these conditions - Vonk was unable to compete on the final day after a trip to hospital, but supported presenter Ben Proffitt on the mic instead.
Pierre Mortefon continued in the fast lane, starting the day as he had ended the previous day - with a victory. He also confirmed his outstanding form in the second elimination of the day, his tenth overall, when he won the A final ahead of Bruno Martini.
Defi-Vibes
Two more full-fleet races were then to provide plenty of excitement and variety, meaning that everyone set off on the course together. There were no obstacles and the race organisers increased the length of the courses to at least spread the field out a little before the first gybe. Defi wind vibes were in the air at the start, as the entire field of riders crossed the start line at over 60 kilometres per hour. Nico Prien got off to the best start and was able to slightly extend his lead on the first long leg. Time and again, the riders had to take their foot off the accelerator to avoid being caught out by one of the swells. Prien had the chance to win his first elimination on Fuerte until the last gybe. He then unfortunately hit the back of a swell wave before the shift, Pierre Mortefon slipped past downwind and did not let this advantage slip away until the end of the race. Prien nevertheless impressively cemented his place in the top 10 with second place.
Perhaps even more could have been possible, because in the second Full Fleet Race, which was to be the last race of the PWA World Cup Fuerte, Prien was in the absolute top group on the first run before a crash at the first neck buoy washed her back - 13th place in this race prevented an even better place in the final standings.
Results Slalom PWA World Cup Fuerteventura
Men:
- Pierre Mortefon (FRA | FMX Racing)
- Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne Sails / Z Fins)
- Jordy Vonk (NED | Duotone Windsurfing)
- Maciek Rutkowski (POL | JP / NeilPryde)
- Taty Frans (NB | Point-7 / Z Fins)
- Bruno Martini (ITA | I-99 / S2Maui / Z Fins)
- Amado Vrieswijk (NB | Future Fly / Point-7 / Z Fins)
- Nico Prien (GER | JP / NeilPryde)
- Jimmy Thieme (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails)
- Ingmar Daldorf (NED | Tabou / GA Sails)
Ladies:
- Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
- Justine Lemeteyer (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails)
- Femke van der Veen (NED | Starboard / Severne Sails)
- Jenna Gibson (GBR | Duotone Windsurfing)
- Bobbi-Lynn De Jong (NB | Starboard / NeilPryde)
The wind forecast also promises good conditions today, Wednesday. We will of course keep you up to date with the latest developments in the freestyle discipline.
