2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom Worlds at Hvide Sande, Denmark
by Ruben Petrisie 20 Sep 2024 21:08 AEST
7-14 September 2024
7 World Champions Crowned in Hvide Sande, Denmark
The 2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom World Championships, held in Hvide Sande, Denmark, made history with a world-first, all-in format that brought together all divisions—Junior, Youth, Masters, Men, and Women—at one venue. This seven-day event, which saw three days of intense racing, marked a new era for the sport of slalom windsurfing, setting a trend that will be remembered in the history books.
Day 1-3: Anticipation and the Calm Before the Storm
The event began with much anticipation, as 107 athletes from 15 nations gathered at Hvide Sande's pristine waters, eager to test their skills against the best in the world. The opening days saw athletes waiting patiently as the wind conditions remained calm, leaving the race committee and competitors in a holding pattern. Nevertheless, excitement built as the first day included the awarding of the prestigious "Ceri Williams Award," honoring Bruno De Wannemaeker for his long service to windsurfing and his involvement at the IFCA Class. The award was presented by IWA secretary Piotr Oleksiak, adding a special moment to the start of the championships.
While the weather didn't cooperate initially, the atmosphere remained positive as competitors fine-tuned their gear and connected with fellow athletes from around the world. On Day 3, conditions finally shifted, and the much-anticipated action began.
Racing Days: Wind, Rain, and Fierce Competition
Day 3 marked the beginning of racing, and it came with a bang. With strong winds exceeding 30+ knots and intermittent rain, athletes were pushed to their limits as two eliminations were completed in tricky conditions. The fierce winds led to a handful of crashes, broken gear, and even a few rescues, but the thrill of competition was undeniable. The first results were secured, and the leaders in each division began to emerge.
Days 4 and 5 saw slightly calmer winds, but the competition remained intense. With a mix of sun, rain, and 15-knot breezes, eliminations continued, and the top contenders jostled for position. The divisions were neck-and-neck in some cases, with equal points and tight battles, particularly between Jenna Gibson and Justine Lemeteyer in the Women's division, as well as in the Junior Boy's division, where Turkey's Çinar Tuncar and France's Pires Luca shared equal points.
The 5th elimination began in lighter winds on Day 5, maintaining high tension as athletes knew the second discard after its completion could significantly impact their standings. The 5th elimination was successfully completed on Day 6 of the event, and the 6th elimination was started but couldn't be finished except for Women, all eyes were on the racecourse as the remaining heats were completed, The weather eased up slightly, allowing for smoother races to close out the event. In a light wind racing show and thrilling finish, the 2024 Fin Slalom World Champions were declared across all divisions: with all other athletes tied in points as only the finals remained equal points were given depending on the qualified heat.
The Grand Finale: Crowning the 2024 World Champions
On the final day the new World Champions were crowned.
- 2024 Men's Fin Slalom World Champion: Italian Bruno Martini, who had dominated the competition from the start, was officially crowned World Champion, securing his place at the top of the windsurfing sport.
- 2024 Women's Fin Slalom World Champion: In a closely contested battle, Jenna Gibson and Justine Lemeteyer fought hard, but Jenna managed to edge out her rival to claim the title.
- 2024 Youth Men Fin Slalom World Champion: Sacha Fortune was unbeatable, dominating the fleet and proving himself as a rising talent from the French Caribbean. His standout performance solidified his place as one to watch in slalom windsurfing.
- 2024 Youth & Junior Fin Slalom World Champion: Junior standout Tess Sermet from Guadalupe not only took the Junior Women's title but also claimed the top spot in the Youth division.
- 2024 Junior Boy's Fin Slalom World Champion: Çinar Tuncar and Pires Luca fought until the end, but Pires held his nerve to claim the top spot.
- 2024 Masters Fin Slalom World Champion: Gunnar Asmussen took an impressive fourth in the Men's overall ranking and the top spot in the Masters division, holding off Italian challenger Andrea Chucci.
A New Era for Slalom Windsurfing
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the 2024 IFCA Grand Slam had set a new standard for slalom windsurfing championships. Denmark's Hvide Sande proved to be the perfect venue, and the groundbreaking concept of combining all divisions in one event was a massive success. The event showed that windsurfing could unite competitors of all ages and skill levels, delivering an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.
The event wrapped up with a heartfelt thank you to the the whole of WATERZ crew, the Hvide Sande municipality, the dedicated sponsors, and the long-term supporters who made it all possible. The 2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom World Championships will be remembered as a unique and historic milestone in the sport. Congratulations to all the participants and especially to the new World Champions!
U17 JUNIORS
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 3rd Place | DAMLA KURTDEMIR TUR-2201
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 2nd Place | IREM METIN TUR-1752
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 1st Place | TESS SERMET FRA-747 (MUSIC FRENCH ANTHEM)
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 3rd Place | SARP PAKSOYKU TUR-1222
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 2nd Place | ÇINAR TUNCAR TUR-585
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 1st Place | PIRES LUCA FRA-863 (MUSIC FRENCH ANTHEM)
U21 YOUTH
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 3rd Place | ANTON RICHTER GER-6
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 2nd Place | ELIOT JOLY FRA-902
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 1st Place | SACHA FORTUNE FRA-655
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 3rd Place | IREM METIN TUR-1752
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 2nd Place | CHARLOTTE PHILIP FRA-1194
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 1st Place | TESS SERMET FRA-747
MASTERS (40+)
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 3rd Place | BORA KOZANOGLU TUR-11
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 2nd Place | ANDREA CUCCHI ITA-1
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 1st Place | GUNNAR ASMUSSEN GER-2
WOMEN
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom European 3rd Place | FEMKE VAN DER VEEN NED-2251
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom Vice European Champion | JUSTINE LEMETEYER FRA-171
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom European Champion | JENNA GIBSON GBR-96
MEN
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom European 3rd Place | JORDY VONK NED-69
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom Vice European Champion | JOHAN BORNEMANN SOE DEN-37
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom European Champion | BRUNO MARTINI ITA-160