GWA Wingfoil World Cup France in Leucate Is On!

GWA Wingfoil World Tour has officially begun with registration day here (Monday) in Leucate and we are excited to see so many new faces joining the the tour – with a new record of 85 riders!

We are now at the end of day one – Tuesday 26th – which didn’t deliver contestable wind, but read on for a situation update from registration day on Monday:

Training Days 

The Tramontana winds kicked in bright and early on registration day so the riders had a chance to familiarize themselves with the notoriously challenging conditions here in Leucate (and each other after the off season!).

Furthermore, two explosive training sessions at the weekend saw many upcoming youngsters causing a stir amongst the leading riders from the last two seasons. Experienced rider Balz Muller from Switzerland was definitely feeling the pressure. 

“We had two amazing days of wind over the weekend and it feels like a long time since we were riding together. The young riders have improved so quickly and I’m just not sure if we are still on top.”

The previous winner of the GWA Event in Tarifa, Riccardo Zorzi (ITA) seemed to be handling the weekend’s conditions with expertise, throwing down some big moves in the tricky Tramontana conditions.

“I am slightly nervous because the level has gone up massively since the last event, the guys are really pushing what is possible on a wing.  But, I am staying positive as I have been training hard in the off season in Mexico with the Slingshot team.”

Riders have traveled from far and wide for the GWA WingFoil World Cup in Leucate, for example, New Zealand newcomer, Jeremiah McDonald, (then no relation) the Mcdonalds trio (father, mother and son!) from Hood River and Hawaii’s phenomenal watermen, Zane Schweitzer (HAW).

Never before has the GWA seen a whole family trio entered into the competition but the Mcdonalds family are ready to take the competition by storm. Chris Mcdonald, one of the youngest riders at 16 years old is definitely one to keep your eye on. 

Womens Ladder 

In the womens’ division we have a range of both experienced and new competitors to the tour. There are 10 registered female riders and it is all to play for.

Accomplished rider Flora Artzener from France has been making the most out of the windy conditions over the last few days, preparing for the event. 

“I competed last year in Leucate in the GWA Wing Foil World Tour and the conditions were amazing. I am really happy to be back here again, reunited with all the riders and we have already had some great conditions to train in.”

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the official first day of potential action, with the event running through the Sunday 1st May

For now it’s a case of watching the forecast with wind coming later in the week, but as we know after 25 years of Mondial du Vent history, this place can deliver at any time, so make sure to follow the liveticker on the event page and stay up to date on all our social media pages – Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for all our daily videos.