Pictured: Defending event champion Cannelle Bulard will be one to watch in Sopelana.
Credit: © ASP/Masurel
PLAYA DE SOPELANA, Euskadi – Basque Country (Wednesday, July 24, 2013) - Just two weeks after the completion of the first European Pro Junior in 2013, our continent's best surfers aged under-20 will reconvene in beautiful Sopelana to continue battle and chase points in the ever coveted European Junior Title race.
While Tom Cloarec (FRA) 19, has taken an early lead on the Men's rankings, the road to a maiden regional title will be long with five more events on the 2013 schedule and more points to be allocated in the final two stages later this summer. Feeling no pressure on his shoulder, the progressive goofy-footer will try to build momentum from his win in Royan come the first round tomorrow.
"I don't feel any added pressure," Cloarec said. "The season is long with many 1-star and bigger events towards the end of the year so everything will be decided there. I've been going to Sopelana since super young and I like it there even if I've never had a great result so far. My brother Nelson and I travel together and it's great to be able to surf together and observe each other pre-event to spot potential weaknesses to work on specially."
In the women's it will be Johanne Defay (FRA) 19, leading the charge and trying to stay on top of her field after her excellent performance in France. Defay will have her work cut out for her with numerous younger girls trying to shake up the rankings.
The quiet little Basque town of Sopelana will be soon invaded by more than 150 surfers from all-over Europe with hopes of shining in the event. With playful right and lefthander beachbreaks on offer at the main beach of Sopelana and a promising forecast for the coming four days of the event, tourists and locals alike will have a chance to witness spectacular action from some of the best future professional surfers.
This hungry crowd will try and grab their share of the US$7,000 prizemoney purse and crucial ranking points. Rob Gunning, ASP Europe's Tour Manager looks forward to an intense week of action at the O'Neill Sopela Pro Junior pres. by Bar Le Penon.
"We had a blast in Royan for the season opener of the Junior series, and I can't wait to see the surfers bring their A-game to Sopelana." Gunning stated. "Waves should be fun this week and we count on them to produce great action for everyone to enjoy at the beach."
Organizers have called for an early 7:15am call tomorrow morning for both Men and Women and a potential 7:30am start of the competition at the main beach of Sopelana.
The 2013 Sopelana Pro Junior is scheduled from July 25-28, 2013 at Playa de Sopelana, Euskadi - Basque Country. For all results, photos, video highlights, press releases and LIVE webcast, log on to aspeurope.com/sopelana2013.