Today is the Registration Day of the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Portimão. Until now 30 competitors from 14 different countries out of three continents are registered. Many of the Worlds best windsurfers are expected to participate in the kick-off event of the most important Racing and Slalom series. With the two disciplines Racing and Slalom and a total prize money of EUR 20.000,00 the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Portimão will be the first benchmark for the competitors, the windsurfing brands and the new equipment.
The TOP-5 of the final Euro-Cup event last year will compete in Portimão.
First of all Michal Polanowski (POL-16, Starboard, Severne Sails) from Poland. Last year the young hotshot was able to win the EC Oeiras in front of Ross Wiliams (GBR-83, Starboard, Gaastra) from Great Britain and Andrea Cucchi (ITA-1, Starboard, Neil Pryde). The Portuguese national FW Champion Miguel Martinho (POR-5, Starboard, Neil Pryde) presented himself in perfect shape and defended the fourth place against Wilhelm Schurmann (BRA-999, Starboard, Neil Pryde) from Brasil.
In Portimão they will be challenged by strong opponents: Not less than three World Champions have announced their arrival: First of all the 2003 Formula Windsurfing World Champion Steve Allen (AUS-0, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) from Australia who is also one of the favourites to win the EC 2005. Another hard nut to crack is the Polish FW dominator and FW World Champion of 2000 Wojtek Brzozowski (POL-10, Starboard, Neil Pryde) who seems to be in great shape since the first preparation regattas in Australia. Finally the Italian FW Youth World Champion of 2003 Alberto Menegatti (ITA-456, F2, Gaastra) is ready to fight for a place on the podium.
But there are even more hot riders registered, who have chances to win the first Euro-Cup event in Portimao: Arnon Dagan (ISR-1, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) is one of the top riders of the Fanatic team and has already proven that he is able to beat everybody. Ben van der Steen (NED-57, Exocet, Neil Pryde) is the top rider of the Exocet team and has his strengths when the conditions get rough. Jesper Vesterström (DEN-111, Starboard, Severne Sails) is not only a pro windsurfer but also a male model from Denmark. He is always hungry to prove that he is not only one of the best looking but also one of the fastest guys on the water.
At 18:00 the official opening ceremony took place in the Marina of Portimão at the Restaurant of the Tivoli Hotel. Numerous representatives took the opportunity to meet the windsurfing stars. “Portimao is one of the best venues for Racing and Slalom events! The Windsurfing Euro-Cup brings all the windsurfing stars to Portugal.” confirmed Matthias Regber, Director of the Windsurfing Office. “For the next 5 days Portimão will belong to the Windsurfers! We are looking forward to a great event.” said Manuel da Luz, Major of Portimão.
It will be exciting to follow the first “big competition” of the year. The event will be covered on www.euro-cup.org , www.overpower.net and www.formulawindsurfing.org . On the official website www.euro-cup.org the event is covered with a live ticker. So check out the internet!
