FIRST WINDSURFERS ARRIVE IN PONTA PRETA FOR 2007 CHAMPIONSHIP

The 28 international competitors who will participate in the Ponta Preta leg of the 2007 World Windsurfing Championship, which will take place between February 22 and March 4, have begun to arrive on the island of Sal. On Wednesday, the United States’ Levi Siver and France’s Baptiste Gossein joined France’s Julien Taboulet, who was the first to arrive last week.

Levi Siver and Baptiste Gossein, who live in Hawaii, the world windsurfing capital, seemed enthusiastic about participating in the tournament in Ponta Preta. The two athletes believe that the famous Sal beach could eventually become a sanctuary for windsurfers coming to Cape Verde.

“This place gives you everything, it’s got the type of conditions I like, with big, quick and smooth waves ideal for great air maneuvers. It’s my favorite place,” says 26-year-old Siver, currently classified 16th worldwide.

Gossein, who is 40th on the worldwide ranking, shares his opinion. “I’m very happy to be back here, and I’ll tell you that even if this competition weren’t taking place, I definitely would have come back. You find the best waves in the world here, and it’s the ideal place to host a world championship round. For me it’s going to be one of the best tournaments ever!” he exclaimed.

Expectations are good for both, who are considered by American-born naturalized Cape Verdean Josh Angulo to be his two main adversaries. “I definitely want to have a good performance here, and who knows, make it to the finals with Josh Angulo or Baptiste or whoever. That would be spectacular,” says Siver.

Baptiste has no doubt that Angulo is the main favorite in the torunament. “He was great last year, and the other guys are all really good. But Josh is in his backyard and probably no one’s going to want to compete with him,” he says.


Source: ASemanaOnline (February 08, 2007)