ISWC Speed Windsurfing European Championship Karpathos 2008 - 20. to 26.08.2008The fight for the European champion title is still open between Antoine Albeau (FRA, Starboard) and Bjorn Dunkerbeck (SUI, Proof, North Sails) after 5 days of sailing. Both sailors are tight in points, but Antoine leads with top speed of 43,68 knots and the minimum points of 2,1 after 4 races , which include one discards. In the womens fleet Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails) is already through winning all races so far. There are only two opponents, who are less experienced in this discipline and are far away from Valerie´s top speed of 36,91 knots. Patrick Diethelm (ITA-120), who became 2nd in the 2008 worldchampionships and current worldchampion Karin Jaggi (SUI-14) are not participating in this race.
With a bad forecast for tomorrow and a slight chance for wind on the final day of the competition, it all looks like the decision will be taken in the last race of the last day. Let´s see if Björn can beat Antoine as well in a speed windsurfing event or if Antoine will keep the leading position and will win the European title after being on top in the world championships early in August on Fuerteventura.
Results after 5 rounds:
Men (Top five out of 45 riders)
1. Antoine Albeau 4,1 points and event topspeed of 43,68
2. Björn Dunkerbeck 4,1 points
3. Cyril Moussilmani 12,0 points
4. Finian Maynard 15 points
5. Chris Lockwood 17 points
Ladies (Top 3 out of 3 riders)
1. Valerie Ghibaudo 2,8 points and event topspeed with 36,91
2. Anja Kruse 8 points
3. Elke Schill 11 points
source: speedworldcup.com Pic: Judith Ebeling