PWA Surf World Cup Podersdorf

Event Summary: Gollito takes early season lead ahead of Vrieswijk and Bosson with victory in Austria

The opening event of the year on the 2016 PWA World Tour saw great conditions for the final event in Podersdorf, Austria, as winds gusting up to 40 knots battered Neusiedler See on the first day — creating an explosive start to the year — before the double elimination was completed on day two in 15-20 knots of breeze, but the victor remained the same with Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North / MFC) successfully defending his single elimination crown to take an early season lead.

The remainder of the event saw the icy cold winds replaced by wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures into the mid-twenties, which saw people flocking in their thousands to view the tow-in, which was won by Tonky Frans (Patrol / Sailloft Hamburg / AL360) ahead of Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails) and Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing), while soaking up some rays, and enjoying a few drinks, before partying long into the night.

Some people may have been starting to doubt Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo’s level after experiencing his worst year in competition since he started competing — 8th place overall — but the Venezuelan answered any critics in perfect fashion by winning the opening event of the year in style as he unleashed the latest power move combinations with his instantly recognisable style. Gollito already has 6 world titles to his name and after his latest performance you wouldn’t want to bet against him making that 7 this year.

Gollito reacts after defending his single elimination crown: “Thank you God for everything,

Today I won the double elimination against my friend Amado Vrieswijk, I feel amazing the level I showed here was amazing, it's something that makes me eager to keep giving it everything in the water and take this flag well lejo, Last year was my worst year in competition and many thought that my level had dropped but it's always good to experience these things because they make you stronger. Thank you God — I’m always grateful of life.”

Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) produced a stunning comeback through the double elimination as the Bonairean won nine heats on the bounce to battle back all the way into second place — having finished joint 9th in the single. Vrieswijk was tipped by many to be one of the top contenders for the title this year and he proved why in the double with numerous double culos and kabikuchis to leave a wake of destruction in his path. The 20 year old successfully defeated Gollito to force a super final and he very nearly stole the event crown, but eventually missed out after a narrow defeat — less than 3 points. However, Vrieswijk is now prominently placed for a title bid and he’ll be a major threat in next event in Fuerteventura. 

This event will live long in the memory of Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / North / Maui Ultra Fins) after the Frenchman sailed superbly to earn a maiden podium in Austria. During the single elimination Bosson firstly took down reigning world champion — Dieter Van der Eyken (Starboard / Severne) — before also defeating Philip Soltysiak (Starboard / Sailworks) and Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails) to ensure a fantastic start to the season after qualifying for the final. Bosson couldn’t stop Vrieswijk so progressing in the double, but will be delighted with his efforts after securing 3rd place, 

Taty Frans (Starboard / GA Sails / Mystic) and Amado Vrieswijk have spent much of the winter training together and their countless hours on the water were certainly rewarded with Frans also enjoying a fine start to the season. The Bonairean beat Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails) and Balz Müller (Patrik / Severne) before also coming out on top in the battle for third and fourth in the single elimination against Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails).

Meanwhile, Ruenes, makes another solid start to the season with an excellent fifth place finish and the Frenchman produced some of the standout moments of the event with several trademark no-handed burners, while also landing the only air spock of the contest. 

Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde) is someone who started to catch the eye last year — especially after his performance in Fuerteventura — and the Belgian was able to make a strong start to the season as he records his best result so far — 6th place in Podersdorf. Caers led for the majority of Heat 22a in the single, against Gollito Estredo, only to see his rival snatch victory from his claws in the final minute, but after pushing the most successful windsurfer in freestyle history all the way, Caers, clearly has all the potential to go all the way.

Balz Müller is another sailor who starts off 2016 with his best ever result as he finishes 7th in Podersdorf. The Swissman is well known for his radical, and sometimes slightly crazy, approach, but his variation makes him one of the most interesting sailors to watch and Müller used his variation to full affect to cause one of the upsets of the contest as he defeated good friend Steven Van Broeckhoven (JP / NeilPryde) in the single elimination. Kiri Thode (Starboard / GA Sails) also finishes in joint 7th.

Youp Schmit sailed through the pain barrier after suffering a suspected torn calf to bravely defend his top 10 position after the double elimination. The Bonairean finishes the opening event of the year in joint 9th alongside Steven Van Broeckhoven, Dieter Van der Eyken and Philip Soltysiak — who records another top 10 result.

The level of freestyle in Austria was higher than ever and the tour continues to become even more competitive with almost no room for error. The likes of Tonky Frans, Davy Scheffers and Nicolas Akgazciyan (99NoveNove / Challenger Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins) all miss out on the top 10, but you can expect to see them bounce back in Fuerteventura.

Where’s Next on the PWA World Tour?

In 9 days time Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) and Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Mystic / Maui Ultra Fins) will begin their title defences as the PWA Slalom World Tour kicks off in Ulsan, South Korea. Make sure you tune into www.pwaworldtour.com between the 19th-24th May to see who comes out on top.

Overall Result PWA Surf World Cup Podersdorf — Men’s Freestyle

1st Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North / MFC)

2nd Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne)

3rd Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / North / Maui Ultra Fins)

4th Taty Frans (Starboard / GA Sails / Mystic)

5th Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails)

6th Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde)

7th Balz Müller (Patrik / Severne)

7th Kiri Thode (Starboard / GA Sails)

9th Youp Schmit (99NoveNove / Avanti)

9th Dieter Van der Eyken (Starboard / Severne)

9th Philip Soltysiak (Starboard / Sailworks)

9th Steven Van Broeckhoven (JP / NeilPryde)

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