Italian Matteo Iachino won the first men's elimination, while British Jenna Gibson claimed victory in both women's heats at the start of the Slalom X of the Windsurfing World Championship in Fuerteventura.
Sotavento beach, in the municipality of Pájara, hosted the first day of the Slalom X of the 38th Windsurfing World Championship this Wednesday. The discipline, which replaces Freestyle on the calendar, brought together 27 men and 13 women in strong wind conditions and a choppy sea that influenced the course of the heats.
The day began at 9:00 AM with the distribution of race numbers, followed by the skippers' meeting at 11:00. After assessing the state of the sea, the organisation gave the green light for the first men's start at 12:28, slightly delayed from the scheduled time.
In the men's category, Matteo Iachino (Italy) secured the first elimination after a final that had to be repeated due to a general recall. German Nico Prien led much of the decisive heat, but a tricky manoeuvre at the last buoy allowed the Italian to take the lead in the final stretch. Frenchman Pierre Mortefon completed the podium, followed by Elton 'Taty' Frans (N.B.) and Dutchman Jordy Vonk.
Iachino had shown consistency since the qualifying rounds, winning his quarter-final heat and the semi-final. The second semi-final went to Prien, who was the favourite after his strong performance in the previous heats.
In the women's category, Jenna Gibson (Great Britain) dominated both of the first heats, contested in Full Fleet format. In the first heat, the Brit made a comeback from a disadvantaged position to overtake Dutchwoman Femke van der Veen, who had taken the lead after a fall from Frenchwoman Mae Davico.
The second women's heat also had to be restarted after Spanish competitor Blanca Alabau was disqualified for a premature start. In the rerun, Gibson once again demonstrated her speed, surpassing Davico and Frenchwoman Justine Lemeteyer, who finished second and third respectively.
The afternoon schedule includes another Full Fleet heat for the women and a second men's elimination with the same system of qualifying heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and winners' finals. The competition will continue until the weekend, when the Slalom X world champions will be crowned.
For Canary Island fans, the event in Sotavento represents a unique opportunity to see the world's best windsurfers in action in a top-level setting. The beaches of Fuerteventura have established themselves as a regular host of the World Championship, attracting dozens of athletes and visitors each year.
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