Today the Windsurfing Euro-Cup 2006 kicks off with the MONDIAL DU VENT in Leucate in the south of France. No less then 52 competitors from 14 different countries made their way to the first big event of the season. Among the competitors you can find the "who is who" of windsurfing.
First of all of course the national French hero and current Formula Windsurfing World Champion Antoine Albeau (FRA 192, Starboard, Neil Pryde). But his home Euro_Cup will not be a bed of roses for him. Rather then that he has to face a tough challenge from some of the best windsurfers of the World: Steve Allen (AUS 0, Tabou, Gaastra), the Formula Windsurfing World Champion from 2003 made his way to Leucate from Australia. Ben van der Steen (NED 57, Exocet, Naish Sails) from the Netherlands is the current IFCA Slalom European Champion. Seeded in top position is the Speed World Record holder Finian Maynard (KV 11, F2, Neil Pryde) from the Virgin Islands.
Great Britain is well represented with Ross Williams (GBR 83, Tabou, Gaastra) and Daniel Ellis (GBR 52, Fanatic, Naish Sails) as well as Italy with Alberto Menegatti (ITA 456, F2, North Sails) and the shaper and top racer of F2 Patrick Diethelm (ITA 120, F2, North Sails). And of course France presents a strong team lead by the current Formula Windsurfing Youth World Champion Julien Quentel (FRA 421, Starboard, Neil Pryde).
In the women's fleet we are looking forward to the multi World Champion and Speed World Record holder Karin Jaggi (SUI 14, F2, North Sails) from Switzerland. She will be challenged by Amy Carter (GBR 85, Tabou, Gaastra) from Great Britain, Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA 444, T1, Gun Sails) from France and Birgit Hoefer (GER 117, Tabou, Gaastra) from Germany.
On the first day the wind didn't allow any official slalom elimination as the minimum wind limit of 11 knots was not met. So instead of competing the racers had the chance to tune in their equipment and to enjoy the multiple activities at the MONDIAL DU VENT. The Euro-Cup MONDIAL DU VENT Leucate lasts until Thursday, April 27th so there is still plenty of time for spectacular slalom action on the Mediterranean Sea. which will take place in Leucate in the South of France from April 22nd to 27th.
