2002 Leucate PWA Freestyle Qualifier Preview

Some of the best in the world will be here

For the fifth year Leucate, is hosting the Le Mondial du Vent [16 to the 21 April 2002], first of 2002's PWA Freestyle Qualifier events. This first freestyle world cup event will start in La Franqui, a world famous site for freestylers in Leucate. It is a "Grande Première" for French media and TV to welcome sailors from eight different nations.

A tremendous crowd is expected to watch the professional sailors on the beach. 200,000 people came to visit Leucate for last years Mondial du vent, during Easter. They were here to be entertained by the spectacular aerial maneuvers performed by world-class sailors participating in the event.

Some of the best in the world will be here; Antoine Albeau (F-192, Neil Pryde/AHD), the 2001 free style world champion, Julien Taboulet (F-100, JP/Neil Pryde) ranked 5th 2001, the flying Norwegian Vidar Jensen (N-44, North Sails) ranked 4th 2001.

Martin Van Genhooven (KC-25, North Sails/AHD), Eric Girard (KC-63, Starboard), Sylvain Puig (F-74, North Sails), Bruno André, Mathieu Bonno, Bieuzy Mauffret and two young newcomers 16 year-olds will compete on the famous beach of La Franqui for the 2002 event.

Five International and two French judges will decide who will be the best Freestyle sailor of the week.