The 2004 Nestea PWA Almanarre Hyeres World Cup Preview

The world’s elite racers are currently bound for the south of France to compete in Almanarre, traditionally one of the most prestigious race venues on the PWA world tour. With registration set to take place on the 17th of October and action running between the 18th and the 23rd, the final stop on this years Nestea PWA world windsurf tour is all set for a dramatic conclusion to this years series.
 
Located on the peninsula of Giens, Almanarre is truly a Mecca of French windsurfing offering a full spectrum of locations ranging from blasting conditions all the way through to wave action in certain areas. Conditions in the south of France are difficult to predict at this time of year although north westerly Mistral winds which often blow in excess of 20 knots are the favored direction. Average water temperature is expected to be around 21 (c) while the temperature on land could be anything from 17-25 (c).
 
With the race for the PWA men’s racing champion locked in a dead heat between French all rounder, Antoine Albeau (Neil Pryde, AHD) and Aussie race guru Steve Allen (Neil Pryde, Fanatic) who both are counting a 1st and a 3rd from events in Gran Canaria and Sylt, the tension is mounting as this years race season draws towards an exciting climax. Ross Williams (Gaastra, Starboard), Kevin Pritchard (Gaastra, Starboard), Micah Buzianis (F2, North) and Arnon Dagan (Fanatic) are all still in contention and as we all know in PWA racing, anything could happen when the heat is on in the pressure of battle.
 
In the women’s racing Allison Shreeve (Neil Pryde, F2) is currently leading the rankings ahead of Britain’s Lucy Horwood (North, Fanatic) and Karin Jaggi (F2, Arrows) of Switzerland. Shreeve won her first ever PWA event in Gran Canaria earlier this year and will be hoping to consolidate her position out on the racecourse in France. Current PWA racing world champion, Dorota Staszewska (Gaastra, Starboard) of Poland will no doubt be out to make amends after a disappointing fourth place finish in the Canaries.  
 
This is the final event on the 2004 PWA world tour so be sure to stay tuned for all latest….