Pierre Mortefon & Delphine Cousin Questel win the first PWA Slalom event of the 2019 season in Marignane, France. The event proved to be a true test of patience and mental resolve for the world’s best sailors as they were forced to wait much of the week for the wind to finally play ball. On the final day the wind finally funnelled through to allow one elimination in the men’s and women’s fleets to be completed.
Women
In the women’s fleet it was reigning world champion – Delphine Cousin Questel who made no mistakes in the opening event. The 27-year-old won every heat during the one elimination completed in Marignane. Cousin Questel has now won the last 5 world tour events and looks as though she will be tough to beat after making such a confident and impressive start.
Fellow local girl – Marion Mortefon was Cousin Questel’s closest challenger and last year’s world No.3. She begins the season with an excellent 2nd place – equalling her best result since 2015 in Alacati. There was a new face completing the podium in the opening event of the season with Oda Johanne Brødholt earning her first top 3 result in the Slalom. But the Norwegian, who earned a podium place in Bonaire the week before in Freestyle won’t be racing in either Japan or South Korea.
Men
Pierre Mortefon made the perfect start to the season by claiming the top spot on the podium in Marignane. The 29 year-old won the last event in 2018, too and will travel to Asia with a lot of confidence.
Antoine Albeau led the winners final, but with the wind increasing, he couldn’t hang onto the lead on his 8.6m. However, second place represents an excellent start and you can expect to see the 46 year-old Albeau heavily involved in this season title race again.
Sebastian Kördel broke into the overall top ten for the first time in his career in 2017, but then endured a torrid time in 2018 with just one top 10 finish leaving him in a lowly 23rd by the end of the year. However, the German seems to be back in the top with this 3rd place in France.
Video Men’s Final
Result – PWA Slalom World Cup Marignane 2019
MEN
1. Pierre Mortefon
2. Antoine Albeau
3. Sebastian Kördel 4. Jordy Vonk
5. Finian Maynard
6. Julien Quentel
7. Bruno Martini
8. Malte Reuscher
9. Mateus Isaac
10. Marco Lang
etc.
WOMEN
1. Delphine Cousin Questel
2. Marion Mortefon
3. Oda Johanne Brodholt
4. Maelle Guilbaud
5. Lena Erdil
6. Esther de Geus
7. Lilou Granier
8. Nimet Tulumen
9. Ozeane Lescadieu
10. Fulya Ünlü
etc.
