As the first slalom event was cancelled Costa Brava was the first slalom event of the year. The event saw Antoine Albeau take the win so we caught up with him to ask his opinion and outlook on the season to come.

1. You win again at Costa Brava, the first valid slalom event for 2008: was it tougher than the previous years, or is it getting easier?

It wasn’t easy, as you know the general level is going up and up year after year, there are also a lot of top riders who would like to get the first place like me so the battle has no end.

2. You’re now in the lead again: do you feel pressured, nervous or simply confident?

I don’t feel any pressure but of course I would like to defend my World Title from last year, as the Korea event was cancelled we got only one event done far, so nothing is done yet. I feel confident for the canaries, we will see how it goes there.

3. How are the new boards and new sails working for you?

I really like my new boards, I was using the new iSonic 86 and 111 and they are really fast and easy to handle in the chop, jibing is also very good.
My Neilpryde RS Racing are the same as last year so this is also good for me because I really know them.

4. What size iSonics did you choose?

I will use the same size I used last year for the PWA season: the 2008 iSonic 133 / 111 / 86.

5. What fins are you using?

I use the Deboichet fins, they are really easy to control and very fast.

6. You’ve won the PWA slalom title two years in a row already. Are you still hungry to win more? What is the difference for you between winning your first PWA Slalom title (in 2006) and if you win in 2008?

Yes I won the PWA SL title in 06 and07 and I will go the maximum to defend it, I am still really motivated for it !!

7. You’re the dominating racer of the moment and everyone is trying to beat you or have given up and are only fighting for second place. Does this give you an advantage or a disadvantage?

As I was saying there are a lot outsiders and they are also fighting all together for the first place. This is also good for me but can also be bad because anyone can do well.

8. What would you like to say to your competitors?

Not much.

Thanks Antoine, and good luck in the Canaries.