PWA Freestyle Lanzarote-Gollito takes Title!!!

05.07.2009

PWA Costa Teguise World Cup, Day 5, 04.07.09:

Fanatic´s Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo walks away with the overall Lanzarote title, also top performance shown by Marcilio Browne winning round 2 on his new 2010 Skate LTD 90 production board (coming August 1st!) as well as Fanatic girls Yoli de Brendt and Laure Treboux!

Fanatic boss Craig Gertenbach is very proud: "Well done to all, we definitely have the best Freestyle Team in the whole world!"

The men’s final went down to the wire in Lanzarote today, as Kiri Thode proved himself as the most dangerous challenger in Estredo’s freestyle kingdom. Thode was epic in his displays as he sailed two flawless heats against the defending Champion, finally clinching a victory and securing second place overall in the ultimate heat of the day.

Injury plagued the early rounds of the men’s double, with Levi Lenz (Naish/Naish), Tomasz Wieczorek (Starboard/North Sails) and Mattia Pedrani (Starboard/Simmer Style/Dakine) all cruising through the early stages against fallen comrades, casualties of yesterday’s treacherous conditions. The easing winds gave the lighter-wind specialists a chance to grapple their way back, a chance that Andraz Zan (RRD/Loft), Philip Soltysiak (Starboard/Dakine) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) pounced upon with immediate effect.

Van Broeckhoven, in particular, was outstanding today, tactfully carving his way through the rounds with clinical displays of brilliance. Disposing of Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) and Phillip Soltysiak, the new freestyle sensation looked incredible, nailing a repertoire of the most complex moves ever seen. Ultimately, Estredo was the thorn in the Belgian’s side, in a heat that saw Van Broeckhoven depart earlier than he deserved.

Gollito’s early decision to miss the single elimination will no doubt cause debate through the windsurfing world, as the battle for second place was severely affected. As it was, he climbed through the ranks of the double, dashing the dreams of the most robust competitors. Even the mighty Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails), Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North Sails) and Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) could not do enough to stall Jose’s momentum as he fought through to face Thode in consecutive finals.

Estredo took the first battle in a brutal display, mounting the pressure on Thode who appeared stunned by the result. The green flag dictated the start of the heat, and with it a display that was simply out of this world. Completing a triple, one-handed funnel, and a double, one-handed flaka, Thode was simply too good.

Winning with a 4-1 decision, Thode has demonstrated to the world that the titan Estredo can be beaten; but to do so will take the performance of a lifetime.

The women’s competition witnessed some stunning performances once again, as the conditions allowed the fleet to show off their dazzling skills. The lighter winds pushed the discipline to a new level, giving the contestants the opportunity to put their tricks to the test.
Olga Raskina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) sailed with style in both rounds, passing both Iballa Ruano Moreno (North Sails) and Xenia Kessler (MauiSails). A stand-out performance by Yolanda de Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails) today saw her sail impeccably through consecutive heats, nailing flakas, punetas and spocks with ease.

Focus, however, must fall on Junko Nagoshi’s performance this week, after holding her nerve once again to claim second place overall. Nagoshi has been consistent, dynamic and imposing throughout every round, and against any opponent; thoroughly deserving her current admiration. Against Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in the semi final, Nagoshi showed monumental resolve to win the heat with a puneta 540 in the dying seconds.

The women’s final offered Nagoshi one last opportunity to supersede her dominant adversary. Alas, Sarah-Quita Offringa’s performance was so exciting, that even a brilliant effort by Junko could not take away the perfect ending from Offringa’s flawless event.

Lanzarote’s Costa Teguise has now set the standard for this year’s PWA World Freestyle Tour to an intense and dynamic all-time high. The grueling conditions have pushed the fleet to their limits, and shown what it takes to stand a chance of success at the very pinnacle of this sport. As it stands, the Champions still hold fast; but it is clear that this year, they will face their toughest challenge yet.

Final Results Men:
1 Jose "Gollito" Estredo V-1 (North Sails/Fanatic)
2 Kiri Thode NB-61
3 Antxon Otaegui E-169
4 Marcilio "Brawzinho" Browne BRA-105 (North Sails/Fanatic)
9 Andre Paskowski G-2 (North Sails/Fanatic)

Final Results Women:
1 Sarah-Quita Offringa ARU-91
2 Junko Nagoshi J-11
3 Daida Ruano Moreno E-64
4 Laure Treboux SUI-4 (North Sails, Fanatic)
5 Yolanda Freites de Brendt V-26 (North Sails, Fanatic)
6 Nayra Alonso E-4 (Fanatic, Severne Sails)

More info:
www.pwaworldtour.com
www.gollitov01.blogspot.com

PWA Costa Teguise World Cup, Day 4, 03.07.09:

Untouchable at the top: World Champion Gollito Estredo schools his opponents, and shows he´s are in a class of its own in an epic day of high wind drama.

Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) has smashed his way back to the top spot, fighting his through the rounds to twice-beat his Fanatic/North Sails teammate Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails). Showing nerves of steel with a battery of tricks to match, Estredo punished his nemesis in two grueling finals. In the women’s battle, World-Champion Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) never wavered despite a gallant effort from Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in Pozo-esque conditions.

The battle ground was hardened with nuclear conditions that caused havoc amongst the sailors. Thread-bare flags ripped from their posts, while cyclonic gusts trampled through the judges tower, scarring the steel structure, and forcing a break in competition.

The hellish gales were not enough to stop stand-out sailor Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) using the time to hone his high-wind skills. The lion-hearted Bonairian put on a fantastic aerial display as he boosted vast backloops high above the turbulent seas.

Frans’ fearless mind-set punished some of the biggest names in the world, as he took this dominant attitude forward, and charged through heats. Ian Mouro Lemos (JP/NeilPryde), Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC), Anthony Ruenes (Tabou) and Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard/Gun Sails) were cast aside without second thought in arguably the most competitive and arduous heats of the day. Taty showed a ruthless spirit as he even put brother Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra) to the sword despite Tonky pulling out massive forward loops. Taty finally met his maker when he came across Estredo who had been watching in earnest.

Having sailed seven punishing rounds, Frans’ mettle was tested, and an outstanding display by the World Champion Gollito Estredo, saw the end of a heroic run. Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) was the only remaining challenger who stood between Estredo and a place in the final. At all times, their heat was nail-bitingly close, Thode showing glimpses of brilliance throughout nailing a triple spock as the heat entered the final minute. However, in the dying seconds, Estredo pulled off a brilliant air chacho, landing with such brutal force that he transcended physical limitations and claimed the fantastic stunt.

A battle for glory ensued as Estredo faced Browne, Gollito having to win twice to seize the event crown. The spectators were delighted as the two heavyweights locked horns in a dramatic encounter that saw Browne nail a clew first puneta, and a flawless air funnel thus taking an early lead. There was no room for error as Estredo raised the roof with a sickeningly clinical air chacho, unquestionably the move of the event.

Estredo had done enough to win the first test, and he never showed signs of weakness as he entered second final. The steel-nerved duo continued to impress as they busted vast stunts meters away from dry reef. An impossibly fast burner supported a switch-double-funnell in the dying throes of the heat, gave Estredo the edge. The defending champion had stamped his mark on the fleet, once again proving his dominance in this discipline.

Mention must also be made for gallant performances by Andy Chambers (JP/NeilPryde), Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North Sails), Anthony Ruenes (Tabou) and Leo Ray (Naish/Naish/MFC) that saw them climb up through the ranks in today’s epic event.

The women’s double was no stranger to action, with the Moreno Twins dominating the first rounds, while Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) and Sylvia Alba Orozco (MFC) sailed superbly through to the top eight. An unsympathetic draw saw Iballa Ruano Moreno (North Sails) face Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in a staggering early clash. The two threw themselves into courageous stunts, each landing clean flakas, massive backloops and stalled forwards.

Daida made the most of the familiar conditions, ending the heat on top after a perfect one footed backloop. The Canarian local charged through against Alonso, Laure Treboux (Fanatic/North Sails) and Yolanda Freites de Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails). Alas, even the on-form Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style/Dakine) couldn’t stop mighty Moreno on her charge for the final, where she was to come up against the formidable Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) once more.

Their two styles seemed worlds apart as the finalists took to the water. Offringa’s effortless, feline poise disguised the rugged environment as she gracefully executed a flurry of moves, whilst Moreno’s fearless pushloop-tweak attempt and powerful flaka combination defined a different approach.

With refinement and certainty, Sara Quita conducted an orchestral display of freestyle trickery, leaving Moreno on the ropes, struggling for a foothold as the seconds ticked away. Once again, Offringa had proved herself a worthy adversary to even the world’s finest windsurfer, as she beamed back to the beach to await her coronation.

As the event heads in to its ultimate day, the two champions have already been crowned. An exceptional performance by both Estredo and Offringa has sent a clear message resounding to windsurfing’s elite: to win, you will need to be better than perfect.

Current Overall Event Ranking (After 2 Double Eliminations)

MEN:
1 Jose Estredo (Fanatic)
2 Marcillo Browne (Fanatic)
3 Kiri Thode
4 Antxon Otaegui
5 Taty Frans

WOMEN:
1 Sarah Quita Offringa
2 Junko Nagoshi
3 Daida Ruano Moreno
4 Laure Treboux (Fanatic)
5 Yolanda Freites de Brendt (Fanatic)

PWA Costa Teguise World Cup, Day 3, 02.07.09:

Marcilio wind second single elimination with his brand new Skate LTD 90!!! Gollito Estredo fights off local hero in the opening double, Yoli de Brendt 3rd!

A grueling double elimination has altered the rankings, with questions being asked of the world’s elite. The defending champions were forced to sail with inspiration as freestyle is pushed to a new level here in Lanzarote. Upsets in the men’s second single elimination have ignited a race for the event crown, and stand out performances by the women have shifted key contenders. Overnight, a six-foot swell had churned the reef white, and a 35-knot wind spiraled cyclones in the sand. It was clear from the outset today that fortune would favor the brave.

The Double Elimination.
Yolanda De Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails) and Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) quickly accustomed to the turbulent conditions in the day’s opening encounter. Moreno was superb in the air, swift to assert her presence with a fearless stalled forward supporting a comfortable freestyle display. Whilst De Brendt sailed fantastically, boosting high shakas and slick punetas, the Spaniard’s aerial dominance prevailed.

Nevertheless, against a faultless performance by Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style/Da Kine), even a double forward was not enough, as Moreno was eliminated leaving Japan’s first lady on the crest of the wave. Nagoshi climbed the ranks of the passionate and highly competitive women’s fleet, ahead of the talented Laure Treboux (Fanatic / North Sails), fighting her way to the final.

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) showed no intention of sharing her title as the two charged into their showdown. Taking advantage of the swell, Offringa boosted into a massive shaka, and slid into a faultless clew-first flaka, one step ahead of Nagoshi at all times. The windsurfing world has found something special in Offringa, who has succeed in transforming women’s competition to the outstanding level that have we witnessed here today.

Intensity on the water continued to build, as the epic conditions inspired the men to combine big wave stunts with freestyle trickery. The unflinching attitude held by a determined Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) saw the heroic local reach new heights in today’s event. As howling trade winds took hold, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/Maui Sails), Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails), and Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) all fell to the Spaniard who landed clean double forwards in every heat. It was Otaegui’s strength that shone through the rounds, allowing him to muscle through every move in a steadfast, brilliant display.

Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) waited calmly on the beach for his challenger before taking to the water to defend his lead. Otaegui opened up with a funnel and a one-handed shaka directly in front of Gollito, ruthlessly showing his intentions. The Venezuelan held his nerve brilliantly, responding with a huge air chacho, followed by a one handed shaka. A perfect heat for Estredo gave him the edge, and The World Champion was still on top.

A resolute performance by Otaegui had done enough to leave him in second place, a strong to position to stand in a quest for the top spot.

The Second Single Elimination
Making it through the early heats, Andy Chambers (JP/NeilPryde), Anthony Ruenes (Tabou), Philip Soltysiak (Starboard/Dakine) and Danilo Da Silva (Fanatic/North Sails) all impressed as they adapted their strategies to the punishing conditions.

The second round saw competition intensify, and the raw emotions on show echoed the desire of the brilliant competitors. In an enthused display, Ruenes overcame Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) in a nail biting early draw. One of the most daring and confident performances saw Ruenes plane through a no-handed funnell, with both arms saluting the crowd, right at the apex of the rotation.

Fellow countryman Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard/Gun Sails) provided the first major upset of the event, passing Antxon Otaegui in a battle for the semi-final. A split decision came down to the wire, with his lack of diversity being Otaegui’s Achilles Heel. Ironically, the local was marked down for move repetition - two double forwards. Evidently, the standard is so high this year that the sailors must take heed of the judges criteria, and sail a strategically perfect heat.

Progressing to the semi-final, Akgazciyan faced Thode, whilst a possessed Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails) took on Gollito Estredo. In the ultimate heat of the day, Browne was simply unstoppable, landing an incredible air chacho clew first, sailing away dry. The Brazilian thrived in the tempestuous conditions, and outclassed Estredo, taking him through to the final. Joining him was an equally impressive Thode, filling his score card with the maximum fourteen moves in just four minutes.

The lighter evening winds gave Thode an advantage as the horn announced the men’s final. Browne sailed tactically, staying outside in the stronger winds, and executing his powerful repertoire perfectly. An early triple spock looked to give Thode the edge, but Browne’s power-sailing dominated the heat, and he won unanimously.

In the women’s single, Silvia Alba Orozco (MFC) and Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) sailed aggressively to make the top eight, despite a strong heat from Michaela Malina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC). Upsetting the order, Yoli De Brendt passed Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in a split decision. Moreno planed away from a flaka diablo, but De Brent’s overall performance kept her in the running.

On top form, Laure Treboux and Yoli De Brendt battled tightly in the loser’s final, whilst Nagoshi and Offringa took top two remaining places. Each of these four women deserves praise, after competing with intensity and brilliance in brutal conditions. De Brendt dug deep into her arsenal of tricks to clinch third place, while Offringa remained the dominant force in the final despite a valiant display by Nagoshi.

1st Round Double Elimination Results:
1 – Jose Estredo (Fanatic)
2 – Antxon Otaegui
3 – Kiri Thode
4 – Marcillo Browne (Fanatic)

1 - Sarah-Quita Offringa
2 - Junko Nagoshi
3 – Laure Treboux (Fanatic)
4 – Daida Ruano Moreno

2nd Round Single Elimination Results:
1 - Marcillo Browne (Fanatic)
2 - Kiri Thode
3 - Jose Estredo (Fanatic)
4 - Nicolas Akgazciyan

1 - Sarah-Quita Offringa
2 - Junko Nagoshi
3 - Yoli De Brendt (Fanatic)

PWA Costa Teguise World Cup, Day 2, 01.07.09:

Would be challengers fall to the might of reigning World Champions, as Gollito Estredo and Offringa hold firm at the top. Laure Treboux finished 2nd! Well done Laure & Gollito!

Foresight has proven accurate in Lanzarote today, as the reigning World Champions held their ground at the top of the leader-board. Costa Teguise provided epic conditions, allowing a gargantuan battle commence in a race for the top. The wind filled in to a solid 25 knots that ripped across the pier, as the fleet performed excellently in front of a massive crowd. Ultimately, predictions were fulfilled, as the favorites dominated the single elimination.

As action commenced, it was clear that the level of freestyle has improved exponentially this year. In order to progress, every sailor had to be at his or her best; in an event where technical brilliance simply wasn’t enough. Today, an emphasis was needed on ‘style’, as the competitors fought hard to personalize their routines and wow their critics.

The early men’s round saw a disappointing exit for France’s Leo Ray (Naish/Naish/MFC) at the hands of one of the most exciting up-and-coming athletes in the sport, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails).

Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North Sails), Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard/Gun Sails), Ian Mouro Lemos (JP/NeilPryde) and Maarten Van Ochten (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) each cruised through their first rounds, it was soon evident that the super-styled new school were going to prove tricky to beat in the later stages. First blood was drawn when a strong Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North) felled the ultra-talented Michael Roßmeier (Exocet/The Loft) in the day’s first split-decision, thanks to a flawless combination of culos, double flakas, and conos. Later, Anthony Ruenes (Tabou) was put to the sword despite sailing brilliantly against the outstanding Jose Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails).

Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra) and Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) outshone their opponents early on, thanks to a unique, smooth style that has always proved successful. However, indicating the level of the competition this year, even these two maestros couldn’t suppress the charge by World Champion Estredo, or local-hero Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) on their path to the final. The other end of the draw saw Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) take on Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North), where Thode was quick to stamp his authority on the heat.

As most insiders predicted, the ultimate showdown between the men this afternoon was between Thode and Estredo. Their final witnessed a flawless competition, with spectators and fellow competitors alike watching in awe as they executed moves with gravity-defying height, and composure. An air-flaka-diablo on the horn by Thode made the result even tighter, as the judges struggled to find flaw with either competitor. In the end, it was with a 0.5 difference that a relieved Estredo punched the sky in delight as he was pronounced winner of the first round.

As the double elimination progressed, stand out performances by Andy Chambers (JP/NeilPryde), Philip Soltysiak (Starboard), Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) left the top sailors nervously waiting on the beach. On the same side of the ladder, the Frans brothers met in the most exciting heat of the day. Both sailed immaculately, but in the dying minutes of the heat that Tonky finally nailed the newest trick on the freestyle circuit – a forward loop-flaka. Tonky has been attempting this move for some time, and it finally paid off as he clinched the position ahead of his brother to face Van Broeckhoven in the final men’s heat of the day. On his best form, the Belgian did enough to displace Frans, ending his day on a high with his sights set firmly on the top spot.

The women really impressed with the competitors showing a varied, yet consistent, trick base. First on the water was Yolanda De Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails), who had to sail impeccably against a determined Xenia Kessler (MauiSails) to advance through thrilling heat. The Venezuelan pulled off a fantastic grubby in the opening minutes of the heat, piling the pressure on her adversary. Both Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) and Silvia Orozco (MFC) did enough to progress the first round against great challenges by Olga Raskina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) and Michaela Malina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC), respectively. Unfortunately for Alonso, a draw against the formidable Champion, Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde), left her needing success in the double elimination in order to come away with a deserved result.

The amazing standard that women’s windsurfing has reached caused an upset as the marveled Iballa Ruano Moreno (North Sails) lost out after an outstanding performance by Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style). Nagoshi claimed flakas on both tacks, as well as faultless spocks – enough to send her through to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, both Laure Treboux (Fanatic/North Sails) and Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) fought hard to complete the Top 4.

As the final approached, the Swiss freestyle specialist looked like only true challenger against the super-talented Offringa who had been exceptional all day. Miss Treboux landed a grubby and a clew first spock in succession, as Bonaire’s Offringa planed out of a puneta, backed up by a perfect cono. It was to be Offringa’s day as she was awarded first place, in a 3-0 decision by the judges.

The double elimination followed immediately, with initial success for Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne), as she found form and finished in the top six. Yolanda De Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails) ended Alonso’s fortune in the final heat of the day with an outstanding display that included perfect air-flakas on both tacks.

As events wound to a close this evening, it is clear that the World Champions have no intention of sharing their glory. We head into tomorrow looking forward to strengthening wind and waves, and the conclusion to the first thrilling double elimination.

Results:

Men:
1 – Estredo, Jose (Fanatic/North Sails)
2 – Thode, Kiri (Starboard/Gaastra)
3 – Browne, Marcillo (Fanatic/North Sails)
4 – Otaegui, Antxon (JP/NeilPryde/MFC)

Women:
1 – Offringa, Sarah-Quita (Starboard/NeilPryde)
2 – Treboux, Laure (Fanatic/North Sails)
3 – Nagoshi, Junko (Tabou/Simmer Style/Dakine)
4 – Ruano Moreno, Daida (North Sails)

PWA Costa Teguise World Cup, Day 1, 30.06.09:

Calm before the storm in Lanzarote as sailors prepare for nuclear winds for the remainder of the event. The tranquil scenes that greeted the PWA World Tour gave the sailors a chance to prepare for the opening freestyle event of the season as they waited patiently for the wind to strengthen. A gentle breeze cooled the air, and rippled over the Atlantic, the volcanic coastline providing a striking backdrop for the event.

A relaxed attitude on the beach masked an undercurrent of tension, as the sailors tuned their equipment and kept one eye on the strengthening wind. This year, the men’s fleet has an average age of just nineteen, and intrinsic to such youth comes determination, and a fearless desire to win. Last year’s winner, and defending World Champion, Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) is considered amongst the competitors to be the event favorite. The twenty-year-old Venezuelan is renowned for his flair and powerful combination-maneuvers that have impressed the windsurfing world since his debut in 2004.

Estredo was the first sailor on the water here this afternoon, determined to show his peers that he is unwavering in his ambition to hold on to the World Title. Despite the light winds, ‘Gollito’ executed complex moves with speed and confidence directly in front of the spectators at Costa Teguise. Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) soon followed, making the most of the gusts, and pulling of smooth, one-handed ‘chachos’ on both tacks. The wind continued to drop, but Taty Frans (Starboard/North Sails) amazed those watching with his graceful and precise style, sliding into flawless ‘flaka diablos’ over the glassy shallows.

Various names have been uttered in the apprehensive whispers of windsurfing’s elite today. Impressive results in Europe have given Belgium’s Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) an aura amongst the Continental entrants, whilst sailors who have spent their time training in the Caribbean are focusing on Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra), as the youngster’s talent develops. Success at home will add to the expectations on these athletes as they step up to the world stage, so be sure to watch out for them.

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) goes into the event leading the women, as she looks to continue her success in the discipline. She has proved to be outstanding in the past, and is the favorite at this early stage in the event. The large proportion of Spanish entrants in the fleet look to please the crowd, with Silvia Alba Orozco (MFC), Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne), Iballa Moreno (North Sails), and Daida Moreno (North Sails) all flying the local flag.

The faltering afternoon trades soon eased off to a light breeze, and a late announcement by Head Judge, Duncan Coombs, signaled the end of proceedings for Day 1. The pros appear ready and eager for a chance to compete for the ultimate goal in Freestyle.

History has shown the Canaries Tour to be the catalyst for innovation, new moves and unprecedented windsurfing action, so stay tuned for your move-by-move guide LIVE:
www.pwaworldtour.com