The first World Cup of the year started today in Omaezaki, Japan. It is the first event of the joint "Dream Tour" organised by the PWA and IWT. Omaezaki, located on the south coast of Japan around 200 kilometres southwest of Tokyo, is known for its wild conditions. IWT events have already been held here several times in the past, where the pros were able to show off their skills in 40 knots and mast-high waves.
However, there wasn't much of that on day 1 of the World Cup Japan. There was only a moderate breeze on the beach and the waves were more of a Heiligenhafen size. However, as the wind picked up a little over the course of the day, the first women's heats were started. However, the field was extremely small with only seven starters and not really top class. Neither Sarah-Quita Offringa, Lina Erpenstein, Justyna Sniady nor the Moreno sisters are competing in Japan. For many, the risk of running empty seemed too great in view of the high travelling costs. In addition, the new regulations mean that only three results have to be included in the annual rankings. With a total of six tour stops, there is room for tactical considerations.
Tip: Read a recent interview with Lina Erpenstein and Philip Köster about the challenges of the new tour HERE .
In the end, local hero Motoko Sato came out on top, beating Spain's Maria Andres in the final. Jane Seman from Australia finished in third place ahead of Switzerland's Pauline Katz.
Top favourites at the World Cup Japan still in the lurking position
The first heats were also run in the men's event - almost all of the top favourites for the World Cup title are competing at the World Cup Japan. Only Thomas Traversa was missing from the start list, as a coronavirus illness cancelled his start.
The conditions at Omaezaki beach were also moderate in the afternoon, but there were still some decent, head-high sets coming through. Patience was therefore required when choosing waves. As expected, the locals Ishii and Sugi were able to set the tone in Round 1, as they know the spot like the back of their hand. But even the top favourites didn't put on a show at the beginning. By the start of Round 2 at the latest, the top riders also had to show off their repertoire, with wave 360s and takas quickly becoming the norm. However, there were also a few surprises: Japan's Ishii kicked Robby Swift out of the race, Marc Paré took down the wind-from-the-right specialist Graham Ezzy and progressed to the quarter-finals.
At the end of round 2, eight riders are still in the race. If the wind plays along, there will be some cracking races: Philip Köster is up against Aloha Classic winner Morgan Noireaux. Marc Paré will face Ricardo Campello. And Bernd Roediger's heat against Marcilio Browne is nothing less than an early final.
If you want to get an idea of the conditions and watch the heats with original commentary, you can find nine hours of action from day 1 in the following video clip:
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