Published: 30 July, 2008, 01:05
Edited: 30 July, 2008, 01:05
For all those who love getting wet for a living, Fuerteventura is the place to be. This week it is playing host to the best windsurfers the sport has to offer. All the big names are there for the third stop on the World Championship Tour for windsurfing’s
One man with a lot on his mind leading up to the event is Egor Popretinsky. The 21-year-old is to Russian windsurfing what Andrey Arshavin is to Russian football. That is – bags of talent with an ever-increasing profile on the world stage.
And despite 2008 being his debut season on the Professional Windsurfing Association Tour, Egor has broken his way into the top 10 after thrilling the crowds in his very first event in Austria – and then again last month in Lanzarote. And he is seeking more of the same on the sandy Sotavento beach – a venue he’s been longing to try.
Egor blitzed his way through the early stages – seeing off a number of opponents with ease to set up a tussle with a man fast becoming his nemesis – veteran Norman Gunzlein. The German had knocked him out after a tight tussle in the previous world cup stage so a relentless seven minutes was in store.
A strong start by Egor was cancelled out by a late charge from the old head – his tricks deemed just too creative this time by the judges. So Egor’s aim of automatic qualification to the finals was washed up but a solid showing over the next number of days would still guarantee the St Petersburg native a high overall finish.
Also flying the flag for Russia in the competition is 24-year-old Olga Raskina. Her rising position in the world cup standings indicate the Muscovite could not be ruled out of the running this time around.
Like Igor, Olga was also taking on the Atlantic Ocean waves for the first time as a pro. And her confidence was growing with tireless and eye-catching displays early in the tournament, but again – just like her compatriot, a lack of experience in the Sotavento waters made the difference.
But with the right moves in the upcoming days, Olga, who’s also an international snowboarder, can ensure a high finish in this, the final freestyle event on the women’s calendar.