La Torche PWA Grand Slam

Day 4: Title race run-in with the Moreno twins

Day 4 of the La Torche PWA Grand Slam saw another early start, but unfortunately, the competitors were greeted with offshore winds and almost zero swell first thing. The waves did improve during the late afternoon, but the wind remained bolt offshore before dropping meaning it was not possible to start the contest today.

While waiting for the wind and waves we caught up with the Moreno twins — Iballa (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and Daida (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) who currently occupy the top two places in the women's wave world rankings. As things stand, Iballa is on course to win her third consecutive world crown, but that could all change if suitable conditions present Daida with a chance to win the event. At this point the title race would be decided in Maui.

Title Race Scenarios

Victory in La Torche would guarantee Iballa a third consecutive world title, however there are still several world title race scenarios:

— In the event that Daida wins and Iballa finishes second here, then Iballa would require a top two finish in Maui with Daida third or worse in order to defend her world title. 

— In the event that Daida was to win and Iballa finish third, then victory in Maui would still guarantee Iballa the title. In this case, Iballa and Daida would finish level on 8,334 points, but Iballa would win having beaten Daida more times this season.

The Moreno twins on the title race run-in and being at the top for the past two decades:

PWA: You’ve both dominated the waves for the last two decades… what keeps you motivated to keep competing? 

Iballa: “Being in the water is my passion. Until that passion goes away I will have the motivation to be in the water every day. I love going sailing when there is wind and trying to improve every day. Competitions are only a small (but very important) part of all the preparation. As long as we have the help from the industry and sponsors we will continue training, travelling and making videos as long as we can to promote the sport and enjoy the best life we could ask for.” 

Daida: “I can only say that I keep motivated because I love windsurfing and I love to always try and become a better wave sailor, especially freesailing. Competition can be really unfair sometimes, but that's also part of the game. I don't love competing, I love windsurfing.”

PWA: Do you still get nervous about the title race as it’s something you have both experienced so much?

Iballa: “It's always exciting when it comes to the title race but to be honest I'm just happy to say that it looks like we will be crowned world champions for the 26th time since 1999. No matter who will be the WC, we will go home with first and second place. For me, this is truly amazing.”

Daida: “I actually don't get obsessed about it at all. As I said previously, I would like to win once again after my illness, so I can turn a page in my life and prove to myself that I can be at the very top again. Second place is also good due to circumstances. I am sure my time will arrive one day if I continue focusing and training. It was really hard to come back after chemotherapy and just now I start feeling 100%.”

Daida also added the following when speaking about the title race and waiting for conditions: “The waiting game can be really frustrating, especially looking at the forecast as it is not really looking promising. To be on tied points with my sister is always a good thing though, Iballa has been working hard and standup paddle has had helped her in windsurfing too. I started better last year with two, first places, but this year I was really unlucky in Tenerife losing in the last minute. Sylt was a bit bad as I had better scoring heats in the quarters and semis, but in the final against Iballa I couldn't put together my wave riding. 

Somehow, since I was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago, I have only won the world championship in waves once in 2013, losing the rest of the time (2012, 2014, 2015 and it seems like 2016 too) but I have still been able to keep second place. As previously mentioned I would like to win again one day, just to prove myself that I have managed to overcome all the bad things that I have been going through in recent years. 

I will continue focusing on my training, working as a physio while I continue my formation, staying fit, eating well and having my medical checks on time. I will try to give my all again in 2017. For now though the waiting game continues here in France.”

Iballa and Daida: “Also thanks to our sponsors: ANFI.COM Starboard, Severne Sails, Volkswagen Comerciales and Maui Ultra Fins."

PWA: Thanks, Iballa and Daida and all the best for the remainder of the event. You can stay up to date with all of the Moreno twins latest adventures via their Social Media Networks:

— Facebook: @morenotwins
— Twitter: @morenotwins
— Instagram: @morenotwins

The forecast for tomorrow is for light south-southeast winds and a 2.3m swell at 16 seconds, which could again lead to float and ride conditions with a much better wind angle. The skippers’ meeting has been called for 8:45am with the action commencing from 9:15am (GMT+1).

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