European Cup Bilbao

Highlights from the final day of action of the Iberdrola World Sup Challenge in Bilbao Spain

Highlights of the 1st day of action from the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge in Bilbao Spain

Press release : Waterman League

Day 2: Ladies

Angie Jackson puts on a dominant performance in Bilbao, with bullet wins

After an incredibly dominant performance amidst World Class competition here in Bilbao, Angie Jackson (Fanatic) stepped it up again in the long distance race, making a statement with yet another convincing win here on Day 2 of the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge.
The year has started well for Angie, currently leading the World Series Ranking and posting another win here in Bilbao as she only gains momentum through 2014. There is no doubt that Angie is a major force to be reckoned with and has her sights set on a World Title here in 2014. Watch this space and congratulations to Angie for a well deserved win.

Sonni Honscheid posts a second place in the long distance giving her 2nd overall

Also putting on an impressive performance this weekend, Sonni Honscheid demonstrated that she is a real force to be reckoned with, taking 2nd place in both the sprints and the long distance for a worthy second place overall.
Sonni has solidified herself as one of the World’s leading female paddlers this weekend and will certainly be a face to watch out for through the second half of the 2014 season. Stay tuned to www.watermanleague.com

Celine Guesdon impresses on the final day of action to finish in 3rd overall

In 3rd place, Celine Guesdon from France put on a valiant performance, missing out on her 3rd round heat in the sprint racing (but still finishing in 4th= overall) and then putting on a stellar performance today in the long distance to secure a third place finish.
The two combined meant that she tied with fellow countrywoman Olivia Piana for 3rd, so a tie breaker was put in motion to decide the 3rd place. In the end it was to be Celine’s day, as she just got the better of Olivia to take the win in the tie breaker and secure her 3rd place overall for the event – an impressive performance by this French talent.

Olivia Piana finishes strong in Bilbao with a 4th place overall for the event

In 4th place therefore was Olivia Piana (Fanatic), who once again proved she is one of the leading lights on the Stand Up World Series, finishing in 3rd place in the sprint racing and 4th place in the long distance, unluckily for her, just falling short of Celine in the tiebreaker leaving her in 4th overall for the event.
Nontheless another great performance from this French athlete who will be looking to consolidate on her performance as we progress through the events on both the European Cup, but also World Series.

Laura Quetglas steps up to represent her country here in Bilbao, Spain

In 5th place, Laura Quetglas from Spain put together a strong performance in the sprints to finish in 4th place, and then a 5th place in the long distance that gives her a 5th place overall for the event. As the top place Spaniard at this event, this was a strong result for Laura at this first stop on the European Cup.

A large Amateur division sees great performances for both Men & Women

In the Amateur division, young talent brimmed to the top in the women’s division as Ciara Palencuela took the win in both the sprints and long distance, demonstrating the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in Spain, much to the delight of the local crowds.
Meanwhile in the men’s division, it was Stefan Peillon (Starboard) who secured bullet wins in both the Sprints and the Long distance, giving him the much deserved overall win for the event.

A big thank you to Bilbao, Iberdrola and all our partners for an incredible event

So a big thank you goes out to Iberdrola, the City of Bilbao, the B Water crew, Turkish Airlines and all our event partners and crew for an amazing event this past weekend in the maginificent City of Bilbao. We are excited about how this premier European stop is developing as we look ahead to an exciting future for the World Series in the Basque Country of Spain

Day 2: Mens

Zane Schweitzer overcomes the odds to secure the well deserved win in Bilbao

Zane Schweitzer (Starboard) arrived at night on Friday, without his boards and paddles to take part in this weekends event and traveling all the way from Tahiti. Despite the borrowed board and paddle and travel exhaustion, Zane put on a strong performance on Day 1 to secure an impressive 3rd place in the Sprint Racing, especially considering the caliber of the competition.
On Day 2 and after a full night of rest, Zane was the life of the Race, and battled it out with a tight front pack for the entire duration of the race, making a break for it on the final stretch to take the much deserved win in the long distance race, and in doing so, the overall event Title here in Bilbao. An incredible performance from the young talent from Maui, who has been on an incredible run this year, currently lying in 3rd place overall on the World Series and showcasing this weekend in Bilbao, that he is more than capable of winning against the best of the best.

Casper Steinfath backs up his sprint win with a 6th to take second overall

Casper Steinfath (Naish) was on a high this morning, coming off his win in the sprint racing yesterday, but by no means took his foot off the gas. In an incredibly competitive long distance race, Casper was in the front pack throughout, battling for position and gunning for the victory. Coming into the closing leg, he was still in the leading back, but not up front enough to secure the overall victory here in Bilbao, have to settle for 6th place in the long distance, but an impressive 2nd place overall for the event in Bilbao. A strong performance from the young Viking and definitely reinforcing his standing as one of the World’s leading paddlers and keeping him always in contention.

Jake Jensen battles to the end, finishing in a close second in the sprints, 3rd overall

Jake Jensen (Fanatic) had only one thing on his mind this morning as he paddled out to the long distance start in front of the dramatic backdrop that the Guggenheim Museum provides: redemption. Making it all the way to the Finals of the Sprint Racing only to suffer from a broken paddle on the opening leg was enough to fuel the competitive fire. From the start, Jake was in the leading pack and for the most part, the top 3, battling for position throughout in his quest for victory.
While he had to settle for 2nd in the race to the finish against Zane Schweitzer (Starboard), Jake put on a great race and demonstrated that he is dangerous in all conditions, from flat water to open ocean, and is a prime contender for the World Title in 2014. His 2nd place finish propels him into 3rd place overall here in Bilbao.

Titouan Puyo puts on a solid first showing at Stop 1 of Starboard’s European Cup

Titouan Puyo (Starboard) from New Caledonia is a newcomer to the World Series, but has been making waves this year at various events in Europe and beyond and is a real talent to look out for here on the World Series. Making it all the way to the Finals of the World Series Sprint Racing, Titouan posted a 5th place, and improved on that today with an impressive 3rd place in the long distance race giving him a worthy 4th place overall for the event. While points were tied with Jake Jensen, as with all World Series and Challenger Series events, a tie is broken in favor of the athlete with the single higher result (in this case Jake with a 2nd place in the Long distance). So a great performance from this young talent from New Caledonia and we are excited to see him as we progress through this year on the World Series, first off, next weekend in Oleron Island, France. Make sure to stay tuned to www.watermanleague.com

Leonard Nika puts on another impressive performance in Bilbao

In 5th place it was the Italian Stallion, Leonard Nika (Starboard) who once again demonstrated his ability and top level competitive performance here in Bilbao, with a 4th place in the sprint racing and a 5th place in the Long distance.
Leonard continues to go from strength to strength on the World Series and is one of Europe’s leading paddlers, as he continues to make his presence felt on the World Series. He will also be looking for a strong finish on the European Cup, as it will all culminate in his home town of Rome, Italy, or more specifically Severe Beach from the 25th – 27th July….definitely a Race not to be missed!

Day 1:

Casper Steinfath steps up in the sprint Finals to take the win on Day 1 of the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge

Casper Steinfath (Naish) looked strong all day today at the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge, Stop #1 on the 2014 European Cup, and peaked in the Final, to break away from the pack and take the win at the all important day 1 of heat elimination Sprint Racing.
In a dramatic final that saw one of the event favorites, Jake Jensen (Fanatic) go down on the opening straight with a broken paddle, Casper was able to make it to the 1st buoy in the lead and maintain the lead through the 4 buoy course to victory.
Casper will be looking to capitalize on this momentum into Day 2 with his site sets on the event win at this all important 1st stop of the European Cup.

Angela Jackson proves dominant on Day 1 of the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge, stop 1 of the European Cup

Angela Jackson (Fanatic)put on a dominant performance today here in Bilbao, posting 3 bullet wins across the 3 respective rounds to take the much deserved win on Day 1 of the event. Angie is looking fit and fast, and will be looking to capitalize on this advantage tomorrow in the long distance to take the overall win at the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge.
As current Ratings leader on the World Series, Angie is definitely the racer to watch so far this year, winning every heat so far in the World Series Sprint Racing across the first 2 events and now here in Bilbao, and posting a win in the long distance in Brazil.
Stay tuned to www.watermanleague.com to see what happens tomorrow as we conclude stop number 1 of the European Cup right here in the Basque Country of Spain.

Paul Jackson puts on a strong performance in the World Series Sprint Racing Course in Bilbao

Paul Jackson (Fanatic) demonstrated consistency and speed today in Bilbao as he stormed his way to victory in the semi finals of today’s racing and finished in 2nd place behind Casper Steinfath (Naish) in the finals, for on of his better finishes of the year.
He will be looking to capitalize on this performance tomorrow to post a solid result at Stop 1 of the European Cup and with $20,000 prize-money at stake.
Alt

Sonni Honscheid once again steps up in Bilbao on day 1 of the Inberdrola World SUP Challenge

Sonni Honscheid once again put on a solid performance today in Bilbao, clearly demonstrating what a threat she is in the SUP Racing World, falling short of Angie Jackson’s (Fanatic) incredible winning form, but with 3 second place finishes securing her second position overall for the 1st day of action at Stop number 1 of the European Cup.

Zane Schweitzer represents Hawaii in Spain and puts on a solid performance on Day 1

As the sole Hawaiian representative here at the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge, Zane Schweitzer dominated his early heats on his way to the Final, once again clearly showing his impressive form this year on the World Series after strong finishes in both Brazil and Abu Dhabi and looking back at his 2nd place finish in Bilbao in 2013.
Having arrived in the early hours of the morning, directly from Tahiti and without his board and paddle, Zane didn’t waste any time to re-acclimatize himself to the River here in Bilbao, finding his rhythm and making his presence felt. Watch out for Zane tomorrow, as he will have his sights set on the Title at this first stop on the 2014 European Cup. Stay tuned to www.watermanleague.com

Olivia Piana remains extremely consistent on the World Series, notching up another solid result

Olivia Piana (Fanatic) put on another solid performance today here in Bilbao to finish in 3rd place following the series of 3 showdowns for the Women today, proving herself to be a real contender for the European Cup crown, but also once again a real threat on the Stand Up World Series.
Olivia will be looking to put together another strong finish tomorrow to secure a good result here at Stop 1 of the European Cup. Stay tuned for the highlights from today’s racing, but also the countdown to the long distance kicking off at 11.30am CET (Central European Time) at www.watermanleague.com

Amateur Racing on the rise at the heart of Europe as the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge opens its arms to the sport

With a strong contingent of local and visiting athletes this year at the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge, Bilbao has once again demonstrated its appeal and positioning as a World Class event destination.
In the Men’s division we saw a fiercely competitive line up of regional, national and international athletes stepping up to do battle, with Stefan Peillon from France taking the win in the Men’s division and Ciara Palencuela from right here in Spain in the Women’s division. Stay tuned as the Amateurs will be back in action tomorrow morning from 11.30am Bilbao time.

A big thank you to our partners of the Iberdrola World SUP Challenge

A big thank you goes out to all our event partners, from Iberdrola and the City of Bilbao, all our local partners, Turkish Airlines and of course our event partners, B Waters.
Stay tuned for the continuation of this epic event here in the Basque Country of Spain and watch out for the highlights from today’s action at www.watermanleague.com, but also live updates at www.facebook.com/StandUpWorldSeries