The second tour stop of the 2022 European Freestyle Pro Tour is about to start in the picturesque (and windy) Vieste in Italy. With some quality conditions forecasted and €15,000 up for grabs the stage is set for an epic continuation of the European Championship battle. The fleet is stacked with past World and/or European Champions like Steven van Broeckhoven (Starboard/Gun Sails), Yentel Caers (NeilPryde/JP), Dieter van der Eyken (Severne) and Jacopo Testa (AV-Boards, Point-7) among others. Read on to find out what to expect…
Where?
The Freestyle Pro Tour is visiting Vieste, a spot right on the Gargnano National Park, for the second time. With sandy beaches and a surf community of all kinds of watersports, the summer season is sure to be ushered in properly at the Vieste event! The spot works on thermal winds guaranteeing many windy days during the warmer months, with the event window being blessed with at least two very strong wind days!
Who’s there and hows everyone looking?
In total 26 riders have registered for the event. Italian Jacopo Testa will be defending his lead on his home turf, with others coming to take his provisional crown. Frenchmen Adrien Bosson (Duotone/Fanatic/Maui Ultra Fins) and Sam Esteve (NP/JP) are present as well to repair some damage after the first event of the year. Bonairean Youp Schmit also travelled across the globe after missing the EFPT in Austria. As always the Belgian nation is well represented, with Yentel Caers, Steven van Broeckhoven and Dieter van der Eyken, all currently in the top 5, representing. Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing) is also in the mix after a strong start to the season, as well as Michi Czech (Severne), with the Austrian competing outside of his home country for the first time. The future generation will also be representing, with Italian Piero Rautnik and Swedish Primus Sorling (Starboard/Severne). The dutch young gun team of Tim Gerdes, Bodhi Kempen (Severne) and Tigo Kort (JP/NP) have also travelled down from Brouwersdam to shake things up. Notable riders missing are reigning European and World Champion Amado Vrieswijk (FutureFly/Severne), who already had a mediocre start of the season, and Dudu Levi (Gun Sails), the Israeli rider who has been turning heads. To see the full list of registered riders click here.
Follow the action
Unfortunately there will be no livestream during this event. You can still follow the action, scores and results through our livepage efpt.net/live. We will also be keeping you up to date on our social channels and with daily highlight videos. Are you excited for the action yet?! Check out the highlights from the 2019 edition of the event to get your windsurf appetite tickled!