Our young team rider, Ethan Capdeville, only 20 years old, has just achieved a small feat by climbing to 3rd place on the first stage of the World Pro Tour in Antofogatsa, Chile.
You only have to look at the names of the finalists to realize: Amaury Lavernhe , two-time World Champion, Tristan Roberts, two-time reigning World Champion and Tanner Mc Daniel, 2022 World Vice Champion.
Besides Ethan's performance, it's worth noting that the French will be a force to be reckoned with on this 2023 Tour. While Pierre Louis Costes and Amaury Lavernhe have reigned supreme in the world of bodyboarding for over 10 years, a new generation of French surfers has emerged in recent seasons, and this first stage demonstrates the maturity of the French contingent led by Maxime Castillo, already in the world's top 10 in 2022: Ethan Capdeville, Nicolas Capony, Yon Aimar, Yann Salaün, Fabien Thazar...
There were no fewer than 6 French players out of 16 competitors in round 8 and 3 French players in the 8 finalists.
Not only are the results there, but we also see great technical qualities and a very stylish glide among these Frenchmen, which bodes well for a great season for them.
We also know that others will join them on the next stages such as Noah Capdeville, Txomin Lopez, Louka and Timeo Zaninotto, Maxime Ausina, and for the girls Mathilde Coudeyra and Mathieu Goujon.
Pierre Louis Costes was eliminated prematurely in a very complicated series against Dave Hubbard , but the next stage from May 30 to June 7 is the famous Arica Challenge event, one of the most powerful waves on the Tour and also one of Pierre Louis's favorites where he is impressive every year.
I suggest we revisit the highlights of last year in Arica to help pass the few days until the start of the competition.
