But he was also catapulted out of the race with an incredibly stupid move. Asmussen used a board that was not authorised and was disqualified as a result. The next two years were successful, with top places in regattas and always in the top five at the end of the year. Experts were already labelling Asmussen the legitimate successor to Bernd Flessner, as Gunnar showed his skills in all disciplines, racing, slalom and wave. Whilst Flessi still dominates the DWC, Asmussen plummeted - alcohol, an accident and the wrong friends. In 2003, he surfed his last windsurfing cup at the DWC opener in Dranske. With old equipment, he finished third behind Laufer and Wilkens, one place ahead of Flessner. His last appearance. Now a new Asmussen is attempting a comeback. You suddenly disappeared from the scene in 2003. There were rumours about alcohol and drugs. What was really going on with you?
No, I don't think I had any problems with alcohol or drugs. However, I never missed a party at that time and therefore wasn't able to fully utilise my potential. Many events came together at that time and I completely lost track of things. After a serious car accident and some personal problems, I had to draw a line in the sand in order to get my life back on track. Friends, opponents and sponsors, all over? Or have they kept in touch?
No, I withdrew completely. In order to come to terms with the past, I also felt compelled to cut off contact with all those who have or had anything to do with the sport. Asmussen, then propagated as the new Flessner, was that it?
No, I think I have much better opportunities today than I did back then. Were you not quite able to cope with the hype surrounding you?
I don't think the hype or the attention contributed much to my "disappearance". In the last interview, you clearly focussed on your professional career. Does that appeal to you again, the World Cup?
Yes, of course I would like to be there on Sylt in 2008 if this year's results are right. After that, I'll think about my other goals. How have you got your act together now? People were already watching you train hard last year?
I didn't get on the board once for two years and kept myself fit with other sporting activities. However, as soon as I felt better, I was immediately drawn back to the water and my ambition to hit the water again was seized. Then I got a Formulaboard from Flessi and I've been back at it ever since. Mistral and NeilPryde were your sponsors back then. Who supports you now?
It was very important for me to be able to use extremely competitive equipment. I will be competing with boards from F2 and sails from North Sails. Otmar Schleenvoigt from Hurrican Fins will also be supplying me with the right fins. I have also teamed up with Florian Bandel, Denis Standhardt and Philip Horn to form the "Windfinder Surf Team powered by Calm". Was it difficult to get hold of material? I think many insiders know my potential, so it wasn't too difficult to get new equipment. André Paskowski helped me find sponsors! The DWC is now the only way to get back in. No more Formula 25, no more One Hour. Isn't that a bit too high?
(Laughs) No!You have to train like a madman, be on the water in all weathers. What does your programme look like?
Of course, I try to be on the water as often as possible, but unfortunately the low temperatures don't always allow it. For this reason, I have focussed on physical fitness. I cycle 100 kilometres, run 30 kilometres and do strength training three times a week. Do you train alone or do you have partners on the water?
I will try to prepare myself as well as possible with Philip Horn. What are your goals for the 2008 season? My aim is to concentrate 100 per cent on every regatta, every race and to make the most of my opportunities. This will soon take me to the top. The slalom discipline is booming, there are a number of fast riders. What about your speed?
I think that the slalom discipline suits me extremely well, I see my best chances here. With my body measurements, I have good prerequisites. Bernd Flessner and Helge Wilkens still dominate racing. You were close five or six years ago, but raceboards looked a bit narrower back then. Have you already familiarised yourself with the wide Formulaboard?
In my last regatta year, the boards were already at a maximum width of 100.5 cm and I was able to achieve the best placings of my career. So the new boards suit me better. Wave/freestyle in particular has evolved, extreme moves are the order of the day. What's the situation there?
For me, freestyle is just a change from windsurfing. It's not a discipline that I will continue to focus on. Your strongest manoeuvre at the moment? I've already stood on various grubbys (laughs). I think I'm still a strong rider in hard wave conditions. Will you be at the DWC season opener at Stein- huder Meer?
Yes, I will be there. Why don't you try the run-in in Racing? I think the first race will go like this: 1st Vincent Langer, 2nd Helge Wilkens, 3rd Gunnar Asmussen, 4th Bernd Flessner :-) I think everything is open and everyone has a good chance. You trained as a sailmaker, do you also do this job?
Yes, I have been working with my boss and friend Axel Lenz at Sailmaker 2000 in Denmark for five years. Here we completely fulfil the water sports sector. PROFILEDate of birth: 23.12.1978Size/weight: 186 cm/ 92 kilogrammesPlace of residence: Copper mill near FlensburgSurfing since: 1990Sponsors: F2, North Sails, Windfinder, CalmGreatest successes: 3rd place DWC annual ranking 1999 and 2000; 5th place DWC annual ranking 2001; 3rd place Euro-Cup Sylt 2002
Interview: Alois Mühlegger, Photos: Marit Andresen, Ole Daetz, Nadine Ehlers
