A massive congratulations to Gabriel Medina. His first World Surf League event win for the 2015 season, making for an even more exciting title race with only 2 events remaining. Gabz just dominated the #quikpro from kick off, racking up two 10point rides on the way to the final.
Stop No. 9 on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France delivered a week’s worth of the world’s best surfing with the WSL elite and classic Autumn conditions combining for a high- performance surfing extravaganza.
Medina, who claimed his maiden CT victory in France in 2011, was dominant throughout the 35-minute Final, blasting the clean righthanders with speed, power and progression to post a 17.50 out of a possible 20 and claim an emphatic win.
“It feels so good, I’ve been trying so hard this year. I’m so stoked, my board felt really good and everything went my way,” Medina said. “I’m really glad to be back on the podium and especially for a win. I’m stoked to be back in France, France has always been good to me. I promised myself I would win an event this year for my grandfather who passed away a couple of months ago. ”
Durbidge, whose form throughout the 2015 Quiksilver Pro France was undeniable, found himself out of rhythm in the final heat of the event, finishing Runner-Up for the second time this season. Durbdige’s French performance moves him to 10th in the world heading into Portugal.
“I had some really good heats, but the final was just one-sided, Gaby was on every good wave,” Durbidge said. “It was just one of those heats that you don’t want to have again. But I have to just look at the positives, it’s another podium finish and I’m right there for a win, I’ll try to bring it home next time. The judges were loving my surfing, I got two 18-point heat totals so that was good. I love Portugal and have done well there in the past so I look forward to that.”
Despite an exciting opening heat this morning in which he posted massive scores, Julian Wilson (AUS), 26, was stopped in the Semifinals, lacking opportunities to perform. However, Wilson’s Equal 3rd in France provides another excellent result for the Queenslander this season, moving him to 4th on the WSL Jeep Rankings.
“It was a really good event, we had some nice conditions, France delivered again,” Wilson said. “I love coming here, it’s always throwing different conditions and you’re always changing boards for airs, barrels, turns. You get to do it all so I think it’s a super exciting part about surfing this event.”
In an all-Brazilian Semifinal matchup, Adriano De Souza (BRA), 28, seemed in control up until Medina posted his second perfect 10 point ride of the event to turn the table in the dying moments. With a third place under the belt in France, De Souza solidifies second position on the Jeep Leaderboard, well within striking distance of Fanning when the title race resumes in Portugal next week.
“Always a pleasure to surf against Gabriel (Medina) but frustrating to lose in challenging conditions,” De Souza said. “Semifinals is another good result though and I’m excited about the next stop in Portugal. Always feel comfortable there and hopefully we get good waves.”
