Nivea World Cup Sylt Preview
After a short break, the PWA fleet is preparing for one of the traditionally biggest events on the calendar; Sylt, Germany. Whether the riders have been resting or training the last few weeks, they are going to need it, as Sylt has proved over the years it can deliver anything from 5 to 50 knots in the course of a single event. This year the contest kicks off on the 23rd of September running all the way until the 3rd of October. As has been the case every year, huge crowds are expected to attend the event to see the elite in action and join the party bandwagon, because besides being an excellent windsurfing venue, Sylt’s nightlife status is equally legendary.
The island of Sylt provides the arena for the men’s and women’s wave final of the 2005 tour and the second stop on the recently launched Slalom 42 tour.
On a journey that began months ago at Hookipa Beach Park in Maui, the circuit’s final destination will witness competitors face the final showdown in the North Sea for the overall title. But when it’s pumping – and it often is – Sylt can be more radical and fearsome than many locations on the planet. In particular Sylt’s shorebreak is dreaded by all. It has even been know to have prevented riders from making it out to their heats, so get ready for a rough and spectacular ride.
 sylt04_fun race |
In the men’s competition the man to beat is Kauli Seadi (BRA-253, Quatro/ Naish). After winning Pozo and coming in second in Guincho and Maui, the Brazilian holds the top slot ahead of Kevin Pritchard (US-3, Starboard/ Maui Sails) and Nik Baker (K-66, Mistral/ North). The women’s wave fleet is commanded by Daida Moreno (E-64, Mistral/ North), followed by her sister Iballa Moreno (E-63, Mistral/ North) and Karin Jaggi (Z-14, F2). As the conditions in Sylt can range from onshore to offshore, starboard to port tack, Sylt is by no means a walk in the park and it’s therefore impossible to predict who will take the victory. It really is still all to play for.
In the Slalom 42 division Michah Buzianis (USA-34, F2/ North) is on pole position on the starting grid after winning in Fuerteventura earlier this summer before Bjorn Dunkerbeck (E-11, North) and Irish-Caribbean speedgun, Finian Maynard (IVB-11, F2/ Naish).
The entry lists will undoubtedly include all the top riders, ensuring that the Nivea World Cup Sylt promises to be eleven days of full-pull wave and racing action. Stay tuned to www.pwaworldtour.com and the event’s own website www.worldcupsylt.de for all the latest from Germany as the PWA unleashes spectacular action on the 23rd of September.
MEN’S WAVE RANKING AFTER GRAN CANARIA GRAND SLAM
WOMEN’S WAVE RANKING AFTER GRAN CANARIA GRAND SLAM
MEN’’ RACE RANKING AFTER THE FUERTEVENTURA WORLD CUP
