Italian windsurfer Matteo Iachino was crowned Slalom X world champion after finishing second in the final held at Sotavento beach in Fuerteventura. Pierre Mortefon won both eliminations on Sunday but could not prevent Iachino from claiming his fourth title.
Italian windsurfer Matteo Iachino was crowned Slalom X world champion this Sunday after a thrilling final day at the 38th Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Wingfoil World Cup, held at Sotavento beach. The title was decided in the eleventh and final elimination, after Frenchman Pierre Mortefon, the reigning champion, forced the outcome with two consecutive victories.
Iachino arrived at the final day as the leader, but with a combination of results that still allowed Mortefon to defend his crown. The Frenchman needed to win both eliminations of the day and hope that the Italian finished outside the top six in the decisive heat. The tension lasted until the final line at Playa de la Barca.
The tenth elimination completely changed the expected outcome. Iachino, who had maintained great consistency throughout the week, finished fifth in his semifinal and was eliminated from the main final. He competed in the B final and finished second behind Cedric Bordes (FRA). From that moment on, his chances depended on Mortefon's result: any position for the Frenchman other than victory would mathematically hand the championship to Iachino.
Mortefon responded by taking the lead in the final from the first leg. The reigning champion controlled the heat and achieved the win he needed to send the World Championship resolution to the eleventh elimination. The result reduced the title fight to a final combination: Mortefon had to win again and hope that Iachino finished seventh or eighth.
In the eleventh elimination, which included a jump within the course and was held with more wind than during the morning session, Iachino advanced past his quarter-final and won the first semifinal, securing his place among the eight competitors in the main final. Mortefon finished second in the other semifinal, behind Maciek Rutkowski (POL), keeping his options alive.
In the decisive final, Iachino made a good start and rounded the first buoy in the lead. Mortefon moved up to second place, and both cleared the jump before engaging in a direct duel in the final legs. The two alternated at the front before the finish. Mortefon ultimately secured victory, but Iachino's second place was more than enough to ensure the championship.
With this result, Iachino claims his fourth world title in Slalom X, establishing himself as one of the great names in the discipline. The competition, which has taken place over several days at the Majorera beach, featured the participation of the world's best specialists.
Maciek Rutkowski (POL) completed the men's podium by securing third place in the overall standings after reaching the final of the championship. The Pole had returned to the podium positions with his victory in the ninth elimination on Saturday. This Sunday, he advanced to the main final of the last two heats and finished sixth in the final heat. Nico Prien (GER), one of his main rivals for third place, was eliminated from the last main final and won the B final, a result insufficient to displace Rutkowski.
The awards ceremony began at 18:00 at La Carpa, where trophies were awarded to the champions of Fuerteventura and to the new world champions of Slalom X. The event was attended by the councillor of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura María del Carmen Alonso Saavedra; the mayor of Pájara, Alejandro Jorge; the sports councillor, José Benito Alonso; the tourism councillor, Tina Da Silva; and the opposition councillors of the Popular Party Miriam De León and Faustino Cabrera. The celebration concluded with the traditional champagne ceremony and performances by the Bloco Da Ilha batucada and the Datana academy.
The 38th Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Wingfoil World Cup will continue this Monday with the start of the final week of competition, dedicated to Wingfoil. The distribution of bibs is scheduled for 9:00, the skippers’ meeting will be held at 10:30, and the first possible start is set for 11:00. Windsurfing and foil fans will be able to follow the heats from the sands of Sotavento, which is consolidating as one of the most emblematic venues on the world circuit.
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