Following the conclusion of the main competitions the previous day, the seventh day of competition in Pozo Izquierdo focused on the remaining categories. The women’s U18 and U21 categories, as well as the Masters and Grand Masters, completed their competitions in steadily improving conditions. The organisers took the opportunity to give all participants a fair chance to achieve their best results. Pozo Izquierdo showed itself at its best, providing the remaining competitors with excellent conditions for spectacular manoeuvres and close battles. The event, which had initially struggled with difficult conditions, thus came to a fitting conclusion.
Degrieck demonstrates the difference in class
Sol Degrieck from Team Severne went into the women’s U21 competitions with no pressure. The 16-year-old Belgian had already finished fourth in the women’s Pro Fleet the previous day and could draw on several seasons’ experience on the PWA World Tour. Over the course of three heats, Degrieck built up a clear lead over the competition. She put in her strongest performance in the decisive third heat, in which she scored ten points in the wave-riding category. What initially looked like a two-way battle with the Spaniard Lizzlotte Schilling from F2 turned out differently than expected. Emma Miron, also competing for F2, moved up to take second place on the podium. Her team-mate Helena completed the podium in third place.
Japanese winner in the U18 category
In the women’s U18 category, Natsuki Wakasa from Team Goya Windsurfing lived up to expectations. The Japanese athlete prevailed over her Spanish rival Aline Diefenbach to secure victory. Frida Miron from the F2 Team finished in third place. The conditions in Pozo Izquierdo allowed all the competitors to demonstrate their skills. The young athletes performed technically demanding jumps and engaged in close battles on the water. The U18 category once again confirmed that windsurfing is a sport in which even young talents can compete at the very highest level.
Gobisch defends his Masters title
In the Masters event, featuring 15 competitors, a thrilling final unfolded between Lars Gobisch from Kiel and Ben Proffitt from Simmer. Gobisch successfully defended his title from the previous year, even though Proffitt scored higher in the jump category. The German demonstrated his decisive superiority in wave riding, where he racked up significantly more points than his rival. Michael Friedl, also competing for Duotone, and John Skye from PATRIK battled it out for third and fourth place. In the end, Friedl came out on top and completed the podium. Skye had to settle for fourth place.
Friedl triumphs at the Grand Masters
In the Grand Masters category, which featured four competitors, Michael Friedl from Spain claimed the title. Alongside Friedl, the field of competitors included such renowned names as John Skye, Ben Proffitt and Michael Viscovich. Despite their age, the Grand Masters performed technically demanding manoeuvres and demonstrated their undiminished passion for the sport.
Today’s livestream to watch again
Results:
Women's Under-21s:
- 1. Sol Degrieck (Belgium)
- 2. Emma Miron (Germany)
- 3. Helena Dale (Germany)
U18 Women:
- 1. Natsuki Wakasa (Japan)
- 2. Aline Diefenbach (Spain)
- 3. Frida Miron (Germany)
Men's Masters:
- 1. Lars Gobisch (Germany)
- 2. Ben Proffitt (UK)
- 3. Michael Friedl (Spain)
- 4. John Skye (UK)
Men’s Grand Masters:
- 1. Michael Friedl (Spain)
- All heats and results can be found at worldwindsurftour.com
