The countdown is on for the first freestyle event of the season. For the first time ever the EFPT will be staged at the infamous Mondial du Vent, an event that had become a regular for the past twenty years. We spoke to Julien ‚Wesh‘ Taboulet, who runs the Wesh Center Crew at one of the most popular freestyle spots in Europe – Leucate. Julien told us how he got involved with the Mondial du Vent, about his motivations to make it an event to remember and what to expect from this years edition.
EFPT: When was the first year the Mondial du Vent took place?
Julien: 1996 we had the Speed Worldcup here! I was competing hahaha and I was 16 years old. Good memories for sure!
John Sky and Julien Taboulet in the supercross comp of 2003
EFPT: Since when are you involved in the organisation?
Julien: Since we founded the Wesh Center Crew in Leucate (2010) with Caroline Barbeau, I was always helping the MDV, with some demonstrations on the kicker, driving the jetski for the tow-in, or speaking at the mic for the freestyle PWA event three years ago. Last year, I have started to work at it 100%. We had an amazing event: wind, riders, and the crowds were on fire! This year looks awesome again with the EFPT!
Julien Taboulet going big in front of the crowd
EFPT: What’s so special about this event?
Julien: Most of the time it is the first event of the year, for 20 years now. The whole windsurfing community has a comeback on the water after the winter and Leucate is so famous for windsurfing here in Europe. The village is living through the windsurfing spirit, with five big shops – you can really feel a big windsurfing vibe here!
EFPT: What is the best memory you have connected with this event?
Julien: I always remember those crazy days when it was a mission to go to the water, as the wind can be so crazy! Last year was a big moment also: the freestyle windsurfing synchro-demo was unbelieveable, more than 1000 people watching the show, with huge moves so close to the crowds! You could tell: windsurfing is not dead!
Yentel Caers and Dieter Van der Eyken in 2017
EFPT: It will be the first year, the EFPT will be staged at the Mondial du Vent. It will be the first freestyle competition of the season and at the same time the highest rated event with 15.000€ prize-money. What can the riders and the audience expect?
Julien: The riders can expect a perfect spot and wind conditions to show off with all their crazy moves and they will also feel how much we love windsurfing here! I had the chance to experience some great events when I was doing the tour in the years of 2000 (the Josh Stone freestye generation). I use this experience today to push windsurfing for the younger generation. Besides this, my goals are to organise a great freestyle windsurfing event and to pass on my passion for this sport in my windsurfing school. At the Mondial du Vent we will also have a big windsurfing test at the the Wesh Center Crew from Friday to Sunday, to give windsurfers from everywhere and from all levels the opportunity to test all the new stuff of the year!
The event-site at the Mondial du Vent
EFPT: What are your expectations for the Mondial du Vent 2018?
Julien: Good wind, good parties, a big crowd and for sure a big show from the riders! We are really proud to be the first and one of the biggest events of the year in freestyle. Everybody is welcome for sharing this with us big time!
