Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix Portimao 2007: Steve Allen stumbles but wins back control

+++ Portimao / Kiel, May 2nd 2007.

Portimao continues to provide perfect conditions for the competitors at the
Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix at Alvor beach. With 14 to 22 knots the wind
was even a little bit stronger then on the opening day. Together with waves
up to 2 metres and a strong shorebreak this really pushed the racers to the
limit.

First it seamed as if Steve Allen (AUS-0, Tabou, Gaastra) would be able to
continue with his unchallenged domination. But in the second race of the day
he capsized once and opened the chance for his biggest opponent Gonzalo
Costa Hoevel (ARG-3, F2, Neil Pryde) to score his first victory in this
regatta. But in the final race Steve Allen took over the control again and
re-established the usual order with himself on the top.

After the second day Steve Allen is leading the result list with the optimum
of 5,00 points. Gonzalo Costa Hoevel remains second with 9,00 points. The
Brasil newcomer Fabio Melo (BRA-74, Starboard, Gaastra) was able to surprise
the experts with his performance yesterday. But today he showed some
weaknesses. Nonetheless he is still in the third position. But with 15,00
points and weak discards he can now feel the breath of his opponents in his
neck.

Five other racers have realistic chances for a podium finish after the
second day and seven races done: The Italian Youngster Alberto Menegatti
(ITA-456, F2, North Sails) is in the best position with 18,00 points and a
good discard. Wilhelm Schurmann (BRA-999, Starboard, Neil Pryde) is the
second strong Brasilian in the fleet with currently 22,00 points. Hubert
Mokrzycki (POL-25, Starboard, Gaastra) from Poland showed some good results
today and could have done even better. With 25,00 points he stays ahead of
his landmate Michal Polanowski (POL-16, Starboard, Gaastra). The local
Miguel Martinho (POR-5, Starboard, Neil Pryde) seams to return to his usual
performance after a disappointing opening day. With 37 points he will have
to fight hard to catch the guys ahead of him.

The conditions in Portimao seem to be too good this year! The organization
is facing an unusual luxury problem as they have to distribute the allowed
15 races over the five competition days. The forecast for the next days is
excellent. Therefore for tomorrow the Skippers Meeting is again set for
12:00 with the first possible start at 13:00. The spectators at Alvor beach
can again expect a great Formula Windsurfing show. The Formula Windsurfing
Grand Prix Portimao will last until Saturday, May 5th.

The official website of the series with more information is www.euro-cup.org
<http://www.euro-cup.org/> . The events are also covered on
www.formulawindsurfing.org<http://www.formulawindsurfing.org/>  and
www.internationalwindsurfing.com<http://www.internationalwindsurfing.com/>
. Besides the reports and the results you will also find a live ticker on
www.euro-cup.org<http://www.euro-cup.org/>