The 2006 Surf World Cup Neusiedler See – Final Day
Saturday May 6, 2006
After 8 days of waiting at the spectacular event site here in Podersdorf’s Nordstrand the world’s best freestyle windsurfers, have completed only eight heats, leaving the title race wide open with 2 events to go. No formal result means 3 times World Freestyle Champion Ricardo Campello (JP/ Neil Pryde) has no individual contender intent on stealing his crown – just the entire fleet. However, despite stunning new talent in this discipline, the Venezuelan has dealt with such pressure and more previously.
And the first round action made it clear that winter training has paid off, as the standard of sailing has shot up during the off season. It’s clear there are no easy heats at this level, and the gloves were truly off in the brief no holds barred freestyle frenzy. Despite the winds overall no-show here on the Neusiedler See, nothing but groundbreaking trickery will be enough in the upcoming freestyle tour stops in Fuerteventura and Sylt, Germany. The early heat sheets showed an array of tricks normally reserved for the later stages of competition, proving that off-season preparation has been essential for anyone wanting to hold their own on this tour.
The spectacular lakeside scene here has given hospitality to the crowds and competitors alike, with the tented village keeping the action hungry spectators here until well into the night, with bands, DJ’s and rocking parties. The surf stars too have been treated to off-water tours and competition in the Pipe Slide pool, as well as jet skiing, bungee-jumping and go-karting. VIP treatment saw receptions with the mayor of Vienna in some of the capitals highest profile venues, and a surf party in the main Schwarzenburgerplatz square. And World Wavesailing Champion Kauli Seadi (Quattro/Naish) and Bonaire style master Taty Frans (Starboard/ MauiSails) shocked commuters by sailing in the squares ornamental fountains, with legends Bjorn Dunkerbeck (E-11, North Sails) and Brian Talma (Starboard) looking on. Check out the events gallery section for shots of the week’s activities.
The PWA World Tour’s next stop is in Guincho, Portugal, for a high octane Wavesailing event for both Men and Women between June the 3rd and 11th. Until then we thank our Austrian hosts and look forward to our stop back here in 2007.
