Mondial du Vent 2010 wraps up in Leucate, France
Today was much like the past few days. The wind decided that it was going to be stubborn yet again. Eager riders, crew and spectators waited patiently for the wind to pick up but in the end it never did. Unfortunately the forecast had predicted much the same weather conditions as the whole week.
Race director, Erik Troostheide took advantage of the no wind and organized a stand up paddleboard competition. Competitors made their way to the beach at 14:00. The horn sounded and the racers were off. Numerous amounts of people who had come to the beach anticipating some freestyle action were not disappointed because they had the opportunity to take some photos with their favorite pro riders as well as have some autographs signed.
Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED) was on top of his game today paddling his way across the finish line first in the SUP competition followed by one of the PKRA judges, Antoine Jaubert who nestled his way close behind Langeree. Tijn Van Esch (Advance, NED) finished in the third position.
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Julie Simsar (Jaubert) (Liquid Force, FRA) was not a stranger to the Leucate this week making an appearance at the Mondial du Vent and finishing in first place at the Utilitaires SUP Competition. French freestyle competitor Celine Rodenas (Best, FRA) finished not too far behind in second position and English competitor Holly Kennedy (North, UK) followed in third place.
An award ceremony was held late this afternoon at the event site where numerous amounts of spectators stood to watch as Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUD) stood proudly on top of the podium grinning from ear to ear as he received recognition as the men’s Mondial du Vent 2010 single elimination Champion, as well as his first PKRA title. Yates has proved that he is going to be a tough competitor throughout the 2010 PKRA tour season. In a recent conversation with one of the official PKRA judges, he states that Yates competes with world-class style, amazing execution and difficulty. Dutch competitor Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) ranked second in this competition followed by Spanish rider Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) who took third.
In the women’s single elimination division it was a successful day for Spanish rider Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) who stood at the top of the podium as the women’s Mondial du Vent single elimination champion. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) followed closely behind in second position and Polish rider Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) took third place.
The Mondial du Vent was a great event with lots of excitement and entertainment. A large sum of fans, spectators, and tourist came from all around the world to be part of all the fun here in Leucate, La Franqui. Congratulations to the Mondial du Vent Champions.
We look forward to the next tour stop in North America.
The Mondial du Vent was supported in part by Volkswagen Utilitaires, Orangina, O’Neill, Orange, RMC, Leucate, PKRA, Veolia, Mini Libre, Fance Televisions and la Region Lanquedoc Roussillon.