Pierre and Marion Mortefon have conquered the 2015 Défi Wind, in Gruissan, France. The event was run under nuclear Tramontane winds.
Up to 1200 amateur and professional windsurfers experienced powerful winds ranging between 40 and 60 knots, in all three days of competition. As a result, not all sailor made it to the finish line.
Pierre Mortefon, the overall champion, was forced to ride a 4.7 slalom because it was easy to be overpowered in such a challenging arena. Four races were run, and a total of 100 kilometers were sailed. It was really difficult out there.
"Yeah! There were amazing conditions in the last last race. I'm so happy to win this huge event and to enter one more time in Le Defi legend! It was incredible to win in these conditions," expressed Mortefon.
"It was simply amazing. I had never had such a powerful wind on a windsurfing race. It was a combat against others, but also against myself."
Mortefon, 26, raced against the world's best. Thr French windsurfer outperformed rivals like Antoine Albeau, Björn Dunkerbeck, Anders Bringdal, Patrice Belbeoch, Cyril Moussilmani, Jason Polakow, Thomas Traversa, and Philip Köster.
Marion Mortefon, Pierre's sister, finished the 2015 Défi Wind in 69th place overall. She was the fastest in the Women's division and celebrated with his brother.
"I am super happy and proud to win the 2015 Défi Wind in exceptional and extreme conditions! 69th in 1200 is a big surprise with names out there this year! Congratulations to all the girls in the water, and to the organization. Thumbs up to my brother for winning it!" concluded Marion.
2015 Défi Wind | Top 5
Men
1. Pierre Mortefon
2. Nicolas Warembourg
3. Antoine Questel
4. Antoine Albeau
5. Diony Guadagnino
Women
1. Mation Mortefon
2. Delphine Cousin
3. Lena Erdil
4. Karin Jaggi
5. Marine Hunter