The 2005 Leucate Mondial du Vent PWA Super X World Cup – Day 6
World Champion, Matt Pritchard sets the pace for 2005, taking the honors in the first PWA Super X World Cup of the year at the Mondial du Vent in Leucate.
It was the day of days as far as the weather gurus were concerned. After 4 days of changeable but light winds, this was the day that held the promise of solid conditions. Tensions were high as sailors arrived at the beach to be greeted by clear skies and an already building offshore breeze – exactly the foundation required for the wind to build as forecast.
Going into the final day in France, current Super X World Champion, Matt Pritchard (Tabou, Gaastra) was leading ahead of French hopeful Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic) and UK hotshot Robby Swift (JP, Neil Pryde). With only a few places between the top 5 sailors, it was still all to play for.
By 11.30, the wind had increased considerably and a course was set ready for a 12 o’clock start. As the eager fleet congregated around the starting area, the gusts gave way to lulls and as if to torment the sailors, the wind began to shift massively making competition impossible for the meantime.
After a short break for lunch however, the wind filled in again and the start was set once more. Within ten minutes of the scheduled start time the wind began to fluctuate, before shutting down completely and swinging through 45 degrees. It was clear that the 2005 contest was over and competition was officially cancelled at 3.45.
With 2 firsts and a second place here in Leucate, Pritchard has thrown down a clear challenge to any would be champion with ideas to topple the 31 year old PWA veteran from his rightful place at the top of the Super X tree and competition is bound to be fierce at the up coming event in Costa Brava ahead of the final in the Canary Islands later in the year.
The PWA Tour now packs it’s bags and moves on to the King of the Caribbean Freestyle World Cup in Bonaire. This idyllic freestyle location will see the worlds best go head to head to open the bidding for the 2005 Freestyle Crown. The action kicks off Island style on the 15th May
Be sure to check in regularly with www.pwaworldtour.com for all the latest news on all the upcoming PWA events.