NEWS: TWO YOUNG WORLD CHAMPIONS!

Our team riders Malo Guénolé and Clément Hamon were crowned world champions in the youth category at the GWA Youth World Cup held this weekend in La Palma, Canary Islands!

At only 17 years old, Malo brilliantly confirms his titles as the U-19 world champion in Race and the U-19 vice world champion in Surf-Freestyle. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Clément, who recently joined the team, secured a magnificent first U-16 world title in Surf-Freestyle on his new quiver and followed it up with a U-16 vice world champion title in Race!

Looking back on an exceptional weekend with our two champions who reaped the rewards of solid training! United in the GONG team, they were able to train together in preparation for this event.

Malo: “We were able to train together at home before leaving and a couple of times at the competition spot despite challenging conditions. I enjoy sailing with Clément because he has a great skill level, and he motivates me to push even harder. Additionally, I can share my little experience with him and give him a few tips to improve, which also helps me to explain the tricks well and improve my own skills!”

Clément: “Indeed, Malo really helped me a lot because on the first day of the Surf-Freestyle competition, I was struggling with a few tricks. He gave me excellent advice, which allowed me to avoid the little mistakes I was making.”

What were the conditions like during the competition?

Malo: “The conditions during my heats were quite variable, ranging from a bit light to a bit too strong for my wing size, haha. It made choosing the right equipment a bit complex, but overall, I rode on a 4 or 3.5 Droid UPE. However, we still had good wind for the freestyle, so it was really cool!”

Clément: “With winds between 10 and 25 knots, the choice of equipment wasn’t easy. For Freestyle, I used a 4m2 or 3m2 Neutra UPE with a Ypra M-S wing, and for Race, I used a 5m2 Pulse with a Ypra S-S wing.”

Malo: “As for me, I had exactly the same equipment for Race as for Freestyle because I know it perfectly, and I knew that on slalom-like courses with little tactics, I would be more comfortable with this setup. That means a Lethal 4’6 board, an HM 85 mast, a Ypra-S M front wing, a freestyle stab 39, and a Droid UPE mounted with a Boom.”

How did you feel during the Race?

Malo: “I was quite satisfied with my speed in the Race and also with my upwind performance on the second day, where I surprised myself (as Race is not my favorite discipline). So, I’m very happy to have performed well in this event and to have won!”

And a first world title for you, Clément! How did you experience this event?

Clément: “It’s incredible. I still can’t believe it, but I’m very happy to have won this title. I trained a lot, and it paid off! However, my first heats in Surf-Freestyle didn’t begin very well. I wasn’t landing my tricks perfectly, but it was enough to make it through the initial rounds. Not performing at my best level in the first heats stressed me a bit, but fortunately, I had time to work on what wasn’t going well. The next day, I came back stronger for the final heats.”

Malo, what’s your assessment of the event?

Malo: “I’m very happy to win another junior world champion title; it’s still a great achievement for me. I’m a bit disappointed with the freestyle result, but still happy to be a vice world champion once again in the junior category. Now I know what to train for on the Open tour, and it gave me new goals to reach! I must be even more consistent and clean in my tricks.”

Do you count on getting revenge against Chris in Gran Canaria?

Malo: “Yes, Chris and I always have this great rivalry on the water every time, even though we’re really good friends off the water 😉 We have very similar skill levels, with each having strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, this time, he had the advantage, but I’ll catch up next time ;).”

The finals are always intense between you! How did it go for you, Clément?

Clément: “The final against Axel Gerard was undoubtedly one of the most intense moments of the event for me. It was an extremely close heat. I won thanks to a toeside backflip that I had learned the day just before the final!”

Congratulations, young riders! See you in Gran Canaria for the next event! 🙂