STIMOROL ENGADINWIND / IFCA FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – DAY 1

New record time at this year’s Engadine surf marathon – Andrea Cucchi ITA wins the 28th Engadine surf marathon with a new record of 52.48 minutes.

Already during the small hours there were optimal preconditions for a successful competing day in Silvaplana. At 9 a.m. the longed maloja wind arose. Thus the surf cracks made themselves ready for the 28th holding of the Engadine surf marathon. 23 different nations were represented including the Dominican Republic, the USA as well as Singapore. Due to the stronger getting maloja wind, the signal for the legendary surf marathon could be given already at 11.30 a.m. From the beginning Micah Buzianis USA, Williams Ross GBR as well as the Italian Andrea Cucchi were handled as clear favourites. Also the Swiss hope Daniel Äberli could right away reach a very good position. Unfortunately already in the first round his mast broke and he had to give up the race. Also last year’s winner and fastest windsurfer worldwide, Finian Maynard from the British Virgin Islands had to end his race prematurely. After an exciting race with wind speeds up to 17 knots Andrea Cucchi ITA emerged victoriously after an exciting duel against the Slalom World Champion Micah Buzianis USA. Wojitek Brozozowski POL asserted himself on the third place. The women’s category won the Australian Allison Shreeve. On the second and third place are Carmen Imhof SUI and Sara Imhof SUI. The new race course of today’s regatta proved to be extremely successful. With a new record time of 52.48 minutes and thus an average speed of more than 48 km/h was Andrea Cucchi celebrated as merited winner. (see Marathon Results 2005)

Shortly after the start of the marathon the first heat of the qualifier-event Red Bull fly to the King of the Air was showing breathtaking jumps such as powered Kite Loops and Air Handle Passes. Among the 28 top athletes were serious aspirants for the victory such as Daniel Rey SUI, Mike Blomvall SWE and Christian Bösch SUI. The jury and the spectators were to know the true promise of a unique spectacle close to the banks of the lake. Since the weather conditions suddenly worsened, after the ninth heat the race management had to postpone the contest to tomorrow, Monday. Thus tomorrow it will be very exciting, when the athletes will show all their abilities in order to get the coveted trophy, the flight ticket to the big finals in Maui.

Thanks to the optimal conditions on the lake of Silvaplana with wind speeds up to 20 knots in the meantime, the Formula J Junior race could be started right after the marathon. Eight young talents, under 18 years of age, did their best in an exciting race. After the two rounds of the race, the 17 year old Florian Bandel GER won the regatta. He was followed by Sebastian Kördel GER (14 years old). As third was placed the 15 year old Giovanni Macheo ITA. The women’s category won Sarah Näf SUI (15 years old). After one starting attempt the Euro Cup had also to be postponed to tomorrow. Thus tomorrow on the occasion of the Euro Cup the athletes will guarantee an interesting race. (see Results Formula J)

The second part of the event is going on on Wednesday with the highlights of the event, the IFCA Freestyle World Championships and the European Freestyle Pro Tour (EFPT). After about 20 years for the first time Windsurfing Championships are taking place in Switzerland again. The world’s best Freestyle Windsurfers are to battle for the coveted trophy of the World Champion. Besides one of the important stages of the European Championship title is taking place in the Engadine. On the occasion of the EFPT amazing freestyle moves and turns will be celebrated on the highest level by athletes such as Kevin Mevissen NED (European Champion 2003), Matheo Guazzoni ITA (European Champion 2004) or the leader of the current tour Andre Paskowski GER. From the Swiss sight it is very pleasant that the entire freestyle windsurf elite will be to see in the Engadine. Shooting star Pesche Vogt, Swiss Champion Daniel Äberli and the new World Champion Karin Jaggi will participate in an international and highly professional starting field. She has already arrived in Silvaplana. Will she reach her goal and win her 15th title as World Champion and within this her first title in her own country.

Also starting from Wednesday, again, the program is going to be completed by several acts in the event village as well as the already legendary parties. The world’s best acropilots of the slow flyers show again their outstanding abilities. Besides the opening-party in the Beach Club in Sils on Wednesday, August 17th, the party highlight will follow. On Saturday night, August 20th, takes place the Stimorol Engadinwind party on the Corvatsch, which has already gained cult status. DJ’s and special acts will transform the party night into an unforgettable happening where the crowd will be rocking with the world’s best windsurfers until the break of dawn.