The 2008 PWA Costa Teguise World Cup – Day Six

Jose Estredo and Sarah-Quita Offringa are crowned the event winners after six days of insane freestyle competition in howling Canarian trade winds.

Entering the final day of competition, Marcilio Browne (Mistral, Gaastra) and Jose Estredo (Fanatic, North Sails) had both battled to win one double elimination each, meaning the final day would prove critical in deciding who would take home the event, and 2008 season lead.

In the women’s fleet, Sarah-Quita Offringa’s (Starboard, NeilPryde) dominance had already guaranteed her the event win, leaving the remaining positions to be challenged for in the final day’s third double elimination.

Down to the wire

Shock came when the seemingly relentless Lanzarote trade winds failed to blow on the morning of the final day. The riders had no option but to endure the agonising wait for wind.

With precious few hours remaining for the double elimination to run its course, the competition area lapsed into a nervous calm while the race committee decided on the fait of the event.

Late into the final nerve racking afternoon, Head Judge Duncan Coombs made his decision, and announced the event officially over. After five days of howling wind, Estredo was dubbed the men’s winner, and Offringa took top honours in the women’s fleet.

The 2008 PWA Costa Teguise World Cup – Event Results

Men’s Fleet

1st Jose Estredo (Fanatic, North Sails, MFC)
2nd Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra)
3rd Ricardo Campello (JP, NeilPryde, MFC)

Women’s Fleet

1st  Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, NeilPryde)
2nd Laure Treboux (Fanatic, North Sails)
3rd Daida Moreno (North Sails)

Men’s Overall Rankings (after two events)

1st Jose Estredo (Fanatic, North Sails, MFC)
2nd Marcilio Browne (Mistral, Gaastra)
3rd Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra)

This is the first freestyle event in the women’s fleet, so also stands as the overall rankings so far. The next event of the season sees Grand Slam action in Pozo, Gran Canaria.

PWA / Andrew Buchanan