FORMULA WINDSURFING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005 AT FORUM BEACH HOTEL – IALISOS BEACH / Rhodes
  
After five spectacular days of racing the Formula Windsurfing European
Championships in Ialisos/Rhodes (Greece) ended today. The excellent
conditions enabled the race committee to run not less then 15 races for both
Gold and Silver Fleet of the men and 14 races for the women’s fleet. The
wind bandwidth ranged from 10 to almost 30 knots so high wind experts got
their chances as well as the racers who prefer light winds. In the end the
French Antoine Albeau (FRA-192, AHD, Neil Pryde) took the triumph and is now
the Formula Windsurfing European Champion 2005. In the women’s fleet Allison
Shreeve (AUS-911, F2, Neil Pryde) is on the top of the ranking list at the
end of the event but as she is not a European citizen the title goes to Lucy
Horwood (GBR-95, North Sails) from Great Britain who follows on the second
place.

Wojtek Brzozowski (POL-10, Starboard, Neil Pryde), the European Champion of
2004, took the lead in the regatta after the second day and managed to
defend it until the 13th of 15 races. He had a continuous duel with Albeau.
In the end the French seemed to be a little bit more resistant to the
pressure. While Wojtek discarded the last two results the French kept up the
performance and scored a second and a third.

Also an excellent day had the reigning Formula Windsurfing World Champion
Micah Buzianis (USA-34, F2, Neil Pryde). He was the best rider today and
scored two victories and a second place. With this performance he was able
to overtake the British hotshot Ross Williams (GBR-83, Starboard, Gaastra)
and ensured the third position in the event. For three days the two have
been fighting head to head for the third position in the regatta.

In the women’s fleet Allison Shreeve managed to defend her lead and won with
12,6 points. But she doesn’t get the European title as she is not a European
citizen. Lucy Horwood is in the second position with 24,4 points and
additionally the new Formula Windsurfing European Champion 2005. in the
third position followed Verena Fauster (ITA-31, F2, Gaastra, 28,4 points)
from Italy in front of Sarah Hebert (FRA-61, Starboard, Naish Sails, 31,4
points).

At the end the French Antoine Albeau achieved a clear victory with 17,2
points and won the official class title “Formula Windsurfing European
Champion 2005″. On the second place followed Wojtek Brzozowski from Poland
with 22,9 points. Position tree goes to Micah Buzianis from the United
States (24,8 points). Ross Williams is fourth with 34,4 points. The top five
is completed by Steve Allen (AUS-0, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) with 37,7 points.

In the Master division Marco Begalli (ITA-415, Fanatic, Neil Pryde, 184,0
points) was able to win in front of Adri Keet (NED-34, F2, North Sails) and
Martin Ervin (EST-202). In the Youth division the French Julien Quentel
(FRA-421, BIC, Neil Pryde) dominated with 120 points in front of Robert
Baldyga (POL-18, Starboard, Severne) and Leszek Rutkowski (POL-220,
Starboard, Severne) both from Poland.

For next year Ialisos has applied to host the Formula Windsurfing World
Championships 2006 in September. The success of the European Championships
is a big step forward for this goal. The competitors will now move on to the
IFCA European Slalom Championships in Alacati (Turkey) which will take place
from May 23rd to 26th.

The Formula Windsurfing European Championships are covered on
www.euro-cup.org, www.rwa.grand www.formulawindsurfing.org. Besides the
reports and the results you will also find a live ticker on www.euro-cup.org
and a live cam on www.rwa.gr. So check out the internet!

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Hosted by: Municipality of Ialisos, Island of Rhodes
Organized by: Rhodes Windsurfing Academy (RWA)
Supported by: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Aegean, Southern Aegean
Region, Prefecture of Dodecanese (D.O.T.), T.E.D.K. – PRO.TOUR
Main Sponsors: CONN-X, Hyundai, Oxbow, Bollé, Water Park
Sponsors: Rodos Palace Hotel, Motorola, GA Ferries, Shandy Rock, Rodos Tour,
Colorado Entertainment Center, Naftilos, E.N.AK, Extreme Sports Shops

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Comments:

Antoine Albeau (FRA-192, AHD, Neil Pryde): “It was a big fight with Wojtek.
Today the wind was lighter and I screwed up the first race. But through the
whole regatta I sailed very consistent. So I was able to discard this result
and caught Wojtek. Rhodes is a good place. I hope to return next year.”

Wojtek Brzozowski (POL-10, Starboard, Neil Pryde): “I worked really hard and
won seven races. I am happy with my performance. The second place is very
good in this strong fleet. On the last days I had a few unfortunate moments.
But it’s all good.”

Allison Shreeve (AUS-911, F2, Neil Pryde): “I am so happy. I had a great
start into the regatta. But in the stronger winds the other girls gave me a
hard time. In the lighter wind today I returned to my old strength and was
able to ensure the victory.”

Lucy Horwood (GBR-95, North Sails): “I hoped to catch Allison. But in the
light winds Allison presented the better performance. But I am happy to be
European Champion now!”

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