Euro-Cup Portimão – Windsurfing Paradise in Portugal



Today is the Registration Day of the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Portimão. Until
now 30 competitors from 14 different countries out of three continents are
registered. Many of the Worlds best windsurfers are expected to participate
in the kick-off event of the most important Racing and Slalom series. With
the two disciplines Racing and Slalom and a total prize money of EUR
20.000,00 the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Portimão will be the first benchmark for
the competitors, the windsurfing brands and the new equipment.

The TOP-5 of the final Euro-Cup event last year will compete in Portimão.
First of all Michal Polanowski (POL-16, Starboard, Severne Sails) from
Poland. Last year the young hotshot was able to win the EC Oeiras in front
of Ross Wiliams (GBR-83, Starboard, Gaastra) from Great Britain and Andrea
Cucchi (ITA-1, Starboard, Neil Pryde). The Portuguese national FW Champion
Miguel Martinho (POR-5, Starboard, Neil Pryde) presented himself in perfect
shape and defended the fourth place against Wilhelm Schurmann (BRA-999,
Starboard, Neil Pryde) from Brasil.

In Portimão they will be challenged by strong opponents: Not less than three
World Champions have announced their arrival: First of all the 2003 Formula
Windsurfing World Champion Steve Allen (AUS-0, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) from
Australia who is also one of the favourites to win the EC 2005. Another hard
nut to crack is the Polish FW dominator and FW World Champion of 2000 Wojtek
Brzozowski (POL-10, Starboard, Neil Pryde) who seems to be in great shape
since the first preparation regattas in Australia. Finally the Italian FW
Youth World Champion of 2003 Alberto Menegatti (ITA-456, F2, Gaastra) is
ready to fight for a place on the podium.

But there are even more hot riders registered, who have chances to win the
first Euro-Cup event in Portimao: Arnon Dagan (ISR-1, Fanatic, Neil Pryde)
is one of the top riders of the Fanatic team and has already proven that he
is able to beat everybody. Ben van der Steen (NED-57, Exocet, Neil Pryde) is
the top rider of the Exocet team and has his strengths when the conditions
get rough. Jesper Vesterström (DEN-111, Starboard, Severne Sails) is not
only a pro windsurfer but also a male model from Denmark. He is always
hungry to prove that he is not only one of the best looking but also one of
the fastest guys on the water.

At 18:00 the official opening ceremony took place in the Marina of Portimão
at the Restaurant of the Tivoli Hotel. Numerous representatives took the
opportunity to meet the windsurfing stars. “Portimao is one of the best
venues for Racing and Slalom events! The Windsurfing Euro-Cup brings all the
windsurfing stars to Portugal.” confirmed Matthias Regber, Director of the
Windsurfing Office. “For the next 5 days Portimão will belong to the
Windsurfers! We are looking forward to a great event.” said Manuel da Luz,
Major of Portimão.

It will be exciting to follow the first “big competition” of the year. The
event will be covered on www.euro-cup.org, www.overpower.netand
www.formulawindsurfing.org. On the official website www.euro-cup.orgthe
event is covered with a live ticker. So check out the internet!