UKWA riders off to Peru for Y&M Formula Worlds
17 December 2008
Richard Jones (GBR32), Ian Jones (no other than the Chairman himself - GBR183) and yours truly Xavier Ferlet (GBR451) are off to Peru on Xmas day for the Youth & Masters Formula Worlds.
A quick glance at the entry list reveals it's no short of talent so there should be plenty of hot racing action out there.
Entry list can be found on International Windsurfing.
In the Youths, Pablo Barrichina (ESP16) and Maciek Rutkowski (POL23) will be eager to show that the speed they demonstrated at this year's international events (Poland & Portugal) was no fluke. There are also a few celebrities: Connor Baxter (US333 - Formula Experience), Zane Shweizer (USA52) - who is related to the inventor of the original Windsurfer I think.
We shouldn't forget the French! Pierre Mortefon (FRA14) is also on the list along with quite a few compatriots. I've seen Pierre at the international events and he is well trained by coach Stephane Kraus.
In the Masters, Remi Vila (FRA7) is an international hotshot. Remi has been recovering from illness but he looked like he was well on the mend despite an accident in September in Portugal. I'm sure he'll be eager to show he hasn't forgotten how to show the back of his board to everyone!
Interestingly, Remi will be representing Starboard, so any sponsored rider attempting to pass him should only do so very politely...
Still in the Masters, Anders Loken (NOR12) is also on list. My experience from Estonia last year is that Norwegians can be devastatingly fast so he should be treated with respect too!
Yours Truly is currently in Cadiz for Formula training with friend Fernando (ESP71). This is really good preparation for the Worlds. Hopefully, that will pay off to give the other lads some stiff competition!
Last but not least, there are also quite a few Ladies on the entry list so we'll keep an eye on each other to make sure we're 100% focused on the competition. That's what team work is all about.
We'll keep you posted with preparation for the event and hot racing action: Go GBR riders - Go!