The 3 e he Funboard World Cup stage was held on the Costa Brava (Girona, Spain) from 23 to 28 May 2017, after a first stage in South Korea, where the qualifiers could not be held to the end due to lack of wind, and a test in Japan, which saw the victory of Frenchman Julien Quentel. This is the 19th e time the Spanish Mediterranean coast hosted a World Cup slalom event. The spot is world famous by all the racers thanks to the combination of the strong Pyrenean tramontane and a constant thermal wind during the summer season.
The conditions were there, allowing the riders to compete in seven complete elimination tables. A treat for the athletes, who had only been able to take part in one elimination on the last Japanese stage.
With no less than 3 victories out of the 7 rounds contested, the Rhaetian Antoine Albeau won in Costa Bravo and thus takes the title of World Champion of funboard. At 45 years old, nothing can stop the 23 times world champion who continues to accumulate victories!
The multi World Champion is doing well in this event, with three wins and three podiums over the last six years. With this victory, Antoine Albeau takes first place in the provisional world ranking. "I'm really happy to win the event! We had an incredible weekend with wind and great conditions. We made seven complete elimination tables, it's been a really long time since this has happened on an international circuit event. Finally, it was the first stage where we could really gauge ourselves on the different heats, I can see that I'm well in the game, so I'm very happy", rejoices Antoine Albeau.
Pierre Mortefon finished second in the stage classification. Vice World Champion last year and defending champion in Costa Brava, Pierre Mortefon had his work cut out for him, but he didn't fall short of the mark. He is now tied for second in the provisional overall classification. "I'm glad, but I'm tired enough! The last two days have been particularly intense. But it's really great to be able to play so many rounds. I'm pretty happy with the way I've sailed, I've made a few mistakes, but with the game of discards I'm doing well. I'm very happy to have won an elimination, I had great speed. It's a good result, I'm now looking forward to the next stage in Fuerteventura in July. The level is really high this year and we will have to pay attention to all the competitors." he explains.
Julien Quentel, who won the event in Japan, takes 20th place. Finally, Cyril Moussilmani from Marseille failed to make it to the finals and took a 23rd place e place.
Didier Flamme, Manager of the French Sailing Team, is delighted with the performance of the French team: "It was a stage with a lot of twists and turns that put the riders' nerves to the test: a start in light wind where you had to not miss anything and stay concentrated, then a windy end to the stage with two long and particularly demanding days of sailing. The French were in the running, whether it was the French Team or the French Youth Team. Each slalom was particularly difficult and I would like to congratulate all the French and of course, especially Antoine and Pierre for their great results!"
