Two riders who have never competed in a PWA final will decide the winner of the schauinsland-reisen Windsurf World Cup Sylt presented by got2be between themselves: Maria Behrens from Lübeck and France's Marine Hunter turned out to be the shock favourites. They are in the final of the women's wave single elimination, which, however, could not be held today.
There was a surprise right at the start of the day when World Cup newcomer Sybille Bode knocked out the experienced Caro Weber. With sideshore winds and at least a decent swell, Sylt offered almost down-the-line conditions, completely contrary to expectations. However, the North Sea waves were not always easy to read, so that - in addition to a bit of luck - the main thing was to pick out the best waves and make two or even better three good turns on them. 18-minute-long heats were intended to ensure equal opportunities for the female riders, with only the two best wave rides scoring points. The men stayed ashore today, as the conditions were simply not good enough, especially for the heavier riders.
Lina Erpenstein: Early exit against Maria Behrens
With only nine starters registered, Sybille Bode's victory saw her go straight through to the quarter-finals. First heat: Lina Erpenstein against Maria Behrens. It was actually a clear-cut affair, Lina with plenty of experience and her sights set on the podium against the up-and-coming rider from Lübeck. But Maria started the heat with a sensationally good wave, with perfect timing she put several turns in the right places - 7.12 points, the best score of the day! She also had a very good 5.5 on her scoresheet. Lina did her best to counter, but even with a 6.25 ride, she lost out to Maria's wave of the day. At the end of the heat, Maria Behrens was 0.6 points ahead of Erpenstein and the first sensation was perfect. "I love surfing even more than jumping - it was perfect for me today," says Behrens.
At the same time, Justyna Sniady defeated Line Bang Wittrup from Denmark, while Sarah-Quita Offringa and Marine Hunter won the other quarter-final heats. The Frenchwoman prevailed against 13-year-old Sol Degrieck, who rode one wave after the other but tended to catch smaller ones. Hunter, on the other hand, had a good eye for those waves that developed a section instead of running out powerless - something she was to demonstrate several times over the course of the day.
Marine Hunter creates a sensation against Sarah-Quita Offringa
In the first semi-final, Maria Behrens also prevailed against Justyna Sniady. An outstanding wave at the start and a solid ride to back her up saw her through against the Polish rider. Tactically brilliant and with a very active and stylish riding style, as co-commentator Graham Ezzy analysed in the livestream. Shortly before the end of the heat, a bit of luck was added to the mix when Justyna put in two strong turns on a promising wave, but was then washed over the groyne.
The next sensation came in the second semi-final: Marine Hunter knocked out Sarah-Quita Offringa, probably the best female windsurfer in the world. This heat was also very close, but thanks to a 6.5 wave, Hunter was also no match for SQ. "This feels so crazy!" shouted a visibly overwhelmed Marine into the journalists' microphones afterwards. "I took more risks and just did my thing." Sarah-Quita also recognised without envy that the Frenchwoman was better today.
This meant that the final was Maria against Marine, Behrens against Hunter. But the wind continued to drop and the two finalists were barely able to glide. After a few minutes, the expected cancellation came and a nerve-wracking waiting game began. When would the conditions be right for another attempt?
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A nerve-wracking afternoon of waiting
Maria Behrens hid in the surf tent on the promenade from the onset of the rain and did not want to be approached. Every 15 minutes, the race organisers pushed back the restart. With the rain, the wind shifted onshore and it was not until the early evening that Thomas Traversa, among others, ventured onto the water. But even the lightweight was not able to glide consistently, the conditions were simply not good enough for a fair final. Hopes are now pinned on tomorrow, Saturday, for which onshore winds are forecast again, albeit somewhat weaker than today.
What is certain, however, is that both Maria Behrens and Marine Hunter are guaranteed a place on the podium at the World Cup Sylt. Even if Lina Erpenstein or Sarah-Quita Offringa push their way to the top in a possible double elimination, that would be a big surprise.
At a quarter past six in the evening, the regatta organisers gave up hope of being able to sail at least one final heat. What a nerve-wracking day, and at the same time the focus is on the final weekend. Tomorrow, Saturday, the next heat could start at 7.20am if the conditions are right. In addition to the two surprise finalists, the wave men are also hoping to get on the water at all. Races are still possible until the award ceremony on Sunday at 3 pm! Stay tuned!
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