PWA World Cup Costa Brava: Antoine Albeau Takes Easy Win

The 2011 PWA World Cup in Costa Brava provided the sailors with exceptional slalom conditions. Antoine Albeau coasted into a seemingly effortless win, regaining his confidence for the first time this year.

The third round of the 2011 PWA World Tour Slalom was held in the stunning Bay of Roses, located in the Costa Brava region of Catalunya, Spain. The elite windsurfers could not have asked for more; hammering winds meant massive action and 8 eliminations.

Competition opened up straight away as the local Tramontana wind began to roar right after registration. The race crew set up an impressive four-gybe downwind course, to push the competitors to their max. Seven races were completed in the first three days and a further elimination was spread out over the remainder of the event.

Battling through the high winds, Antoine Albeau managed to secure himself a massive lead, taking the top position in the first four rounds. The conditions calmed as the week progressed just enough to allow Bjorn Dunkerbeck to nab a pair of firsts of his own.

To ensure his event victory in Costa Brava, Antoine Albeau put in a stunning performance, absolutely dominating the 7th race.

The conditions backed off for elimination 8, spread over three days. It wasn’t until the closing hour of the competition that Catalunya provided winds strong enough to compete. With little to lose Albeau appeared to be taking things easy.

“I am feeling good," said Antoine Albeau. "This is the first event I have won this year. I did really well at the beginning, winning four races in a row, followed by a 2nd and 3rd. Now I am feeling confident for the rest of the season”

Björn Dunkerbeck came in second, enough to boost his ranking at this event and help him hold onto the 2011 series title. Special mention has to go to Alberto Menegatti for winning his first PWA race.