| Winds reach 50 knots in the 2010 Défi Wind |
| Sunday, 16 May 2010 10:30 |
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This Saturday, May 15 will remain in the annals of the Défi Wind. The incredible North Wind flow which has blown for several days already decided to increase in intensity, with gusts of 50 knots on the course today. Withdrawals, falls and breakdowns of equipment have been witnessed! After two legs ran, Pierre Mortefon is slightly ahead Anders Bringdal at the general ranking. The neck and neck between the two windusrfers carries on. People in Gruissan are pleased! Today’s legs took place under a shiny sun and with a Tramontane making the best riders fall down. After a morning round marked by another victory of Anders Bringdal, the afternoon one has been shortened a bit; but windsurfers still have navigated 30 km. Many people have decided to stay on the beach: caution has prevailed for those windsurfers who became spectators for one day. The two winners of today’s legs have something in common: they both fell down at the jibe and have still managed to stay in the lead. Special mention to Pascal Toselli, who won the fifth round with a historical lead of one minute and twenty five seconds off his follower Pierre Mortefon. Reaction of some competitors at the end of this thrilling day: Pascal Toselli : "We were in the lease with Anders when jibing and I fell down. There I told myself it was over. I managed to carry on with Pierre right behind me and I succeeded in passing Anders. I think he felt down and I took the lead over. The way back was easier to negotiate but with no doubt this leg has been the most tiring one!" Anders Bringdal: « This morning’s leg has been extraordinary, with incredible wind conditions. At most, we must have had 50 knots… The previous days’ legs now seem easy compared to this one.” Victor Fernandez : « It’s extraordinary ! I had never attended such an event and I'm really impressed! We do not even see the starting line because of the crowd! I'm pretty happy with my performance today as I am in the top 15 this morning and top 10 this afternoon. I sailed with a slalom board and a wave sail and it works pretty well! I'm having fun and I'll be back for sure!” Amateur windsurfers of all ages and from all around the world share the same passion as these professionals. With over 60 years difference between the youngest and oldest one, the Défi Wind is an event opened to all. Young and old discuss, compete and get together to have fun around their passion. One of the competitors said: "I do not want to perform on top of my 66 years, I just want to go over myself! We are fortunate to be riding in unmatched safety conditions and I find that very reassuring." The official party of the Défi Wind tonight will gather all these people around a giant barbecue and some live concerts. A good night of rest will follow before the final day of the Défi Wind 2010. Podium of the fourth leg: 1° Anders Bringdal 1° woman : Lise Vidal Podium of the fifth leg: 1° Pascal Toselli 1° woman : Valérie Ghibaudo
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