PWA World Cup 2011: Winners Reflect on Race in Korea

Bjorn Dunkerbeck sailed to an amazing victory on Korea’s notoriously challenging East Sea, while Valerie Arrighetti defies injury to triumph in the face of adversity.

Marking the fifth anniversary of the Ulsan PWA World Cup, 2011’s manifestation brimmed with awe-inspiring action, as Korea’s East Sea played host to seven days of vehement slalom encounters.

Climbing the ranks through five full eliminations, Bjorn Dunkerbeck negotiated a dramatic route to victory in the men’s fleet, stealing the event title from under the nose of Antoine Albeau by just a fraction of a point.

“It’s good to win here," said Bjorn Dunkerbeck. "The first year I came I was third, last year I was second, and this year I’m first. I’ve won three world cups in a row now, Sylt last year, Vietnam, and now Korea. It’s looking good for 2011.”

On the women’s side in Korea, Valerie Arrighetti commanded the racecourse to top the ranks after four eliminations, with an unequivocal two-point lead over her next closest adversary, Lise Vidal.

“The conditions have been really difficult here, it’s so gusty," said Valerie Arrighetti. "It’s a nice place to be, but the thermal wind hasn’t really blown consistently. I’ve won, but it’s been very difficult for me because of my shoulder injury. With everything that’s gone on with me over the past winter, this win really means a lot to me.”