Catalunya World Cup, PWA Costa Brava 2011 – Event Preview: Kicking off the first of the European slalom fixtures, the men’s racing fraternity take to the waters of Spain’s stunning Bay of Roses, where the 58 strong fleet will bid to stake their claim on the crucial world cup ranking points and €40,000 up for grabs.
Marking the third stop for the men’s slalom tour, the Catalunya Costa Brava World Cup takes place at the picture perfect town of Sant Pere Pescador, 150km to the north east of Barcelona on Spain’s alluring Mediterranean coastline.
Synonymous with thermal winds and idyllic white sand beaches, it comes as no surprise that the event continues to lure record numbers of competitors to spar at the Bay of Roses’ famed slalom arena.
Historically, the event has witnessed everything from super-steady thermal breezes, producing multiple back-to-back eliminations, to sporadic bouts of white-knuckle slalom carnage in the roaring Tramontana wind, which howls down from the Pyrenees mountain range intermittently throughout the summer months.
What’s The Deal?
A six day slalom spectacular, featuring the cream of the PWA’s men’s racing division unleashed on Catalunya’s breathtaking Golf De Roses for their third world cup showdown of the year. Up for grabs is a slice of the events €40,000 prize purse, and the enviable accolade of being crowned the king of the Costa Brava.
Dates To Remember
31st May: Competition’s opening day. Racing scheduled to commence from 14.00 (UTC +2).
5th June: Final day of competition.
Who’s Hot?
With two events in the bag, Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear) currently sits at the top of the men’s ranks after back-to-back wins in both Vietnam and Korea. An additional win at 2010’s final slalom fixture in Sylt points to a stellar run of form from windsurfing’s most iconic athlete.
In the wings and angling for his sixth slalom world title, Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) will be aiming to put an end to Dunkerbeck’s impeccable score sheet. Victory from Dunkerbeck in last year’s Costa Brava World Cup, and a winning streak that’s showing no sign of abating, have Albeau uncharacteristically entering this event as the underdog.
On form and charging like never before, Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun / Dakine) poses a major threat to the vice like grip the Dunkerbeck-Albeau axis have over the top ranks. Following a move from Cape Verde to Boston and a positive shift in his personal life, Angulo’s got fire in his belly and the skills to deliver if he can dial into the consistency he enjoyed in Korea.
A surprise candidate emerging from outside the top ten is France’s Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / North). Fourth place in Korea, including an out and out elimination victory has cast no doubt over the ability of this up and coming slalom talent. At just 21 years old he may not have the experience of his peers, but with nothing to lose and proven race winning performance, he’s certainly not to be ruled out then the green flag goes up.
Also in the mix is the usual assortment of slalom’s a-listers: Steve Allen (Starboard / Severne), Ben Van Der Steen (Starboard / Loft / Mystic), Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard / North) and Finian Maynard (RRD), who relentlessly continue their assault on the hallowed podium steps.
As the count down approaches zero hour, all that’s left to do is sit back, relax and watch in awe as slalom’s illuminati light up the Spanish coastline in the seminal 2011 Catalunya Costa Brava PWA World Cup.
Scope The Action
For information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, navigate to www.pwaworldtour.com
Here you can use our:
• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins
• Check live elimination ladders
• View results
• Read daily news summaries
• Browse awesome action photo galleries
Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via [email protected]
