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TEAM NEWS : LOU THOUIN ON THE TOP STEP IN TOW-IN DOWNWIND RACING

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Pumping

22 april 2025 0

GONG Team's Lou Thouin Shines at the Inaugural SFT Pump Foil World Cup Leucate 2025

The first-ever SFT Pump Foil World Cup kicked off at the iconic Mondial du Vent, turning Leucate’s stunning coastline into the epicenter of pump foil innovation and competition. GONG Team rider Lou Thouin delivered a standout performance, proving his versatility and skill across two days of intense competition.

Pump foiler: Lou Thouin, GONG team rider, on a Kluber HDCC, 77 HM mast, Veloce V3 in different sizes with Fluid stab.

Day 1 – Dock Start Battles Begin

Competition opened on April 18th with glassy waters greeting 20 elite pump foilers, each hungry for a share of the €5,000 prize purse. The action began with solo time-trial attempts to secure optimal seeding positions for the knockout group races.

Riders then moved onto custom-built dock start ladders, specifically created for this groundbreaking event, enabling simultaneous, clean launches for exciting head-to-head battles. Lou Thouin showed impressive form early, dominating his heats and comfortably advancing into the finals.

In the first of two final heats, Edan Fiander edged out Benjamin May. In the second heat, Thouin delivered a stellar performance, confidently claiming victory ahead of May, while Fiander faltered with a crash at the start.

After calculating the combined results, Lou proudly secured third place on the overall Dock Start Pump Foil podium:

Men’s Dock Start Podium:

🥇 Benjamin May
🥈 Edan Fiander
🥉 Lou Thouin (GONG Team)

Women's Dock Start Podium:

🥇 Viola Lippitsch
🥈 Katrin Kolo
🥉 Manon Dupe

Day 2 – Lou Thouin Claims Victory in Tow-In Downwind Racing

With winds intensifying and choppy waters challenging even the most skilled riders, the second day introduced an innovative tow-in format using jetskis to launch racers onto a redesigned downwind course. The demanding conditions created thrilling races, with Lou Thouin battling fiercely against Day 1 champion Benjamin May and consistent competitor Edouard Tournier.

In an electrifying final, Thouin demonstrated exceptional technical control and explosive speed, decisively outperforming his rivals to clinch victory. His standout performance highlighted both his technical mastery and his determination to push the boundaries of what's possible on foil.

Men’s Downwind Pump Foil Podium:

🥇 Lou Thouin (GONG Team)
🥈 Benjamin May
🥉 Edouard Tournier

Pump foilers: Edouard Tournier, GONG ambassador, on a Lemon EPS Pro, Lou Thouin, GONG team rider, on a Kluber HDCC, 77 HM mast, Veloce V3 with Fluid stab, and Benjamin May.

A huge thanks to all fellow competitors, fans, and organizers at Mondial du Vent and Leucate Tourism for creating an unforgettable atmosphere. This historic first edition of the SFT Pump Foil World Cup truly marked the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in competitive foiling, with the GONG Team excited to lead the charge. Stay tuned as Lou Thouin and the entire team continue redefining pump foil performance throughout the season!

2025