La Palme, France – May 6, 2025
After ten days of anticipation, patience, and bursts of high-speed action, the 2025 Prince of Speed – ISWC World Championships concluded in La Palme, France. Despite a tricky weather window, the event delivered thrilling racing on the very first and very last day, proving once again that speed windsurfing is a discipline defined by timing and precision.
The event brought together over 50 riders from around the world, representing 18 countries, competing just meters from shore in one of the most unique formats in windsurfing. The commitment of the organisers ensured the success of the championship despite the challenging forecast, with excellent coordination and flexibility allowing the riders to make the most of the conditions available.
Top Performers
Windsurf Men (Open)
🥇 Antoine Albeau (FRA) – 43.53 knots
🥈 Vincent Valkenaers (BEL) – 42.70 knots
🥉 Brendan Lorho (FRA) – 42.96 knots
Albeau’s experience and consistency across heats earned him the world title (AGAIN!), with Valkenaers and Lorho showing top-tier speed throughout the event.
Windsurf Women
🥇 Jenna Gibson (GBR) – 39.05 knots
🥈 Heidi Ulrich (SUI) – 37.83 knots
🥉 Blanca Alabau (ESP) – 33.45 knots
Gibson dominated the women’s fleet, posting the fastest speed and winning all but one heat.
Windfoil Open
🥇 William Huppert (FRA) – 35.27 knots
🥈 Antoine Albeau (FRA) – 36.00 knots
🥉 Cyril Evrard (BEL) – 36.01 knots
The foil fleet brought a new dimension to the event, with Huppert showing strong form and Albeau once again on the podium.
Youth Champions
🥇 Brendan Lorho (FRA) – 42.96 knots
🥈 Franek Debowski (POL) – 37.49 knots
🥉 Gaspar Evelio Schwarzenlander (AUT) – 33.15 knots
Lorho’s performance was not only best among the youth but one of the fastest in the entire championship.
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La Palme Delivers – Just in Time
Known for its potential to host some of the world’s fastest windsurfing, La Palme once again delivered — if only briefly. The championship was bookended by two raceable days, reminding everyone how condition-dependent this discipline truly is. Between those windows, the event was a waiting game.
Still, the organisers made the most of every opportunity, ensuring riders were ready to go as soon as the wind arrived. Their effort and adaptability played a huge role in making the event a success and providing a fair and exciting competition across all divisions.
For full results and more information, visit: results.worldspeedtour.com
