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WINDSURF JAPAN FOIL SLALOM PREDICTIONS!

As the PWA closes out it season in Japan next week with the last event of the foil slalom tour, we thought we would throw in our last set of predictions for the season. Remember these results will also decide the world titles for Foil Slalom so it is building up to be an intense showdown in Japan. We’ve had a few misses (And shockers) with our past picks, but we’re out for redemption this time. So, without further ado… drum roll please… here are our Windsurf Japan Foil Slalom predictions!

Feel free to post your own picks in the comments…Trust us…the racing is much more interesting when you have put your neck on the line before the event kicks off and put your predictions out there for scrutiny when the final results are official!!

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MEN

1: Johan Soe

2: Matteo Iachino

3: Pierre Mortefon

JOHAN SOE

We’re not making the same mistake we did in Sylt… this time, we’re backing Johan Soe to win the final event of the season! Although he’s not in the title race after missing Guadeloupe, Soe’s performance in Sylt was nothing short of total domination. It’s hard to overlook that kind of form, so we’re breaking tradition and backing the favourite to close out the year in style.

Johan may be out of the world title hunt, but he has plenty of unfinished business. Remember 2023, when he was disqualified for using modified sails? Last year, he came back with a vengeance and dominated. There’s no reason he can’t do it again. Get ready for Soe to put the hammer down in Japan!

MATTEO IACHINO

It might sound predictable to back Matteo Iachino for second place in Japan, but consistency wins championships and Matteo has been outstanding all season. Both in Sylt and Guadeloupe, he looked sharp and completely in sync with his foil gear…does he have an equipment edge this season?…maybe!

Yes, it’s the safe pick, but finishing the season with a strong set of predictions means trusting form and experience and ignoring Matteo’s current performance level would be foolish. So for that reason, we are playing it safe to back Matteo. Let’s hope our theory doesn’t backfire!

YOU CAN READ THE PWA INTERVIEW WITH MATTEO HERE: 

PIERRE MORTEFON

We are backing Pierre to take the final podium spot in Japan, but looking at the form books, it is going to be a tough battle with the likes of Maciek Rutkowski, Amado Vrieswijk and Jordy Vonk all breathing down his neck and hungry to grab that final podium spot for themselves.

Japan is one of those unpredictable events where the weather can play havoc with equipment choices and there are plenty of other dark horses in the fleet who could cause some upsets.

One thing we know about Pierre is the fact he is one of the best racers on the planet and with his experience and racing skills, it is hard to discount him from the title race! Never count him out! He has ad plenty of time to tune up with his NeilPryde and FMX combo and he will be all out to finish the season with a strong performance.

WILD CARD

MACIEK RUTKOWSKI

No one trains harder or fights tougher than Maciek Rutkowski and leaving him out of the conversation would be a mistake. The 2022 world champion has been grinding relentlessly to reclaim that title.

Currently sitting third overall, Maciek will be giving everything to end his 2025 campaign on a high…and don’t be surprised if he upsets the order in Japan.

Keep an eye out for Jordy Vonk who has had an epic season so far and will also be hungry to get in the mix!

WOMEN

1: Justine Lemeteyer

2: Lina Erzin

3: Marion Mortefon

JUSTINE LEMETEYER

Justine is one of the most focussed and dedicated female racers on tour and she will no doubt be out to repeat her world title from last year by taking the win in Japan. Justine won in Guadeloupe but only after she fought off a courageous challenge from Lina Erzin. Now riding for Patrik, a Japanese double could be on the cards if both Justine and Johan take top honours.

LINA ERZIN

Lina sent some shockwaves through the women’s foil fleet in Guadeloupe and was neck and neck with Justine Lemeteyer throughout the event. If she can step it up again in Japan, there is a strong chance she could turn the tables in Japan and win the title if Justine crumbles under pressure!

MARION MORTEFON

Marion Mortefon could be the one to cause some upsets in Japan. Marion was not planning to compete this season but after winning last year…part of the prize was a a business class ticket to Japan and that chance to travel in style, have swung here decision.

Marion had her baby Violet in the summer so missed the event in Guadeloupe and will be out of the title race this season. At least she will compete in Japan without any world title race pressure!

Marion: “I am ultra pumped to fully enjoy this beautiful adventure! After a quiet pregnancy and a very gentle birth, I was able to get back on my board without a worry… I’m certainly not 100% fit, so no pressure,…I will race my best and will have my lovely family to share it all with!”

WILD CARD

BLANCA ALABAU

Don’t count Blanca Alabau out just yet. A former world champion (2023), Blanca’s work ethic and drive are second to none… and with one of the best racers in the world as her partner, her training standards are sky-high. Expect her to come out firing in Japan and end the 2025 season on a high. Don’t discount Femke van der Veen who is not afraid of getting in the mix and is a fearless and hard grafting competitor!

PWA