QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE 2011 [04.10.2011]Other

Mick Fanning (AUS). Winner of the 2010 Quiksilver Pro France. photo: Quiksilver

WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE 2011

- THE BATTLE CONTINUES -

LA GRAVIERE, Hossegor/France – Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Quiksilver Pro France, will begin its waiting period tomorrow, pairing the world’s best surfers with the world class beachbreaks of Southwest France.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-time ASP World Champion (2007, 2009) and defending Quiksilver Pro France winner, has had a hot-and-cold season thus far in 2011, currently rated No. 7 on the ASP World Title rankings.

“To be honest I’m not too impressed with the results I’ve had this year,” Fanning said. “Sometimes you’re on sometimes you’re not, but it’s all good still learning. The rest of the year, I’ll still be trying to win events. As for the ASP World Title, being realistic, I’m probably out of the race but I am still going to give it my best to give ’em hell. Getting up the ratings as far as possible is a goal but enjoying my surfing is the greatest focus for now.”

Ever a force in the “Old World”, the lightning-fast Australian cites his ability to adapt as a key component to his successful history in Europe.

“Europe can be tricky but I have my little ways to stay on top of it,” Fanning said. “I really enjoy Europe and the waves. I guess the idea of it changing so much everyday is exciting for me. Hope fully the Euro leg goes well again.”

Fanning will face Brett Simpson (USA), 26, and Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, in Round 1 of competition.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, has been absent for two ASP World Title events, following a rib injury sustained at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Although leading the 2011 ASP World Title Race prior to the Tahiti event, Smith’s subsequent absence from elite competition has seen the powerful South African slip No. 8 on the ASP World Title rankings, but he is excited about his return to the singlet here at the Quiksilver Pro France.

“After several weeks of rehab and sitting out for two events, I’m excited for my return to competition in France,” Smith said. “The ribs are still a bit sore when I’m paddling, but it’s time for me to be back and hopefully we have good waves for the event here in France.”

Smith will battle Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34, and an event wildcard when competition commences.

Also returning to elite level competition this week will be Dane Reynolds (USA), 26. One of the most electrifying surfers on the planet, Reynolds has been sidelined from ASP World Title competition this year by a bevy of injuries, and is hoping a recent rib injury won’t hinder his performance too much in France. Reynolds will take on current No. 2 on the ASP World Title rankings, Owen Wright (AUS), 21, and Chris Davidson (AUS), 34, in Round 1 of competition.

Joining Wright in the battle for the 2011 ASP World Title will be fellow frontrunners Kelly Slater (USA), 39, Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, and Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24.

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Kieren Perrow (AUS), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), TBA
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 10: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 12: Josh Kerr (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

FINALS ACTION FROM 2010:

For more breaking news, clips and photos follow mesurf on facebook & Twitter
Stay up-to-date with all the surfing action by joining our newsletter - click here

Gotta pro surfing scoop? Attending a world tour event?
Email photos, videos or stories to us here.
If there’s a big name or occasion involved chances are we’ll run it!

*Don’t stress, we’ll contact you before we publish your work.
We’ll also promote your blog, video or photography channel.

_____________________________

Quiksilver Pro France, ASP World Tour, surf news, surfer

User Comments

KELLY SLATER SURFING SYDNEY’S WHALE BEACH [05.Apr.2011]

Kelly Slater surfing Sydney recently received no special treatment from the locals at Tamarama beach in the city's east. Fortunately for the 10-time World Champion, he had much more luck finding waves at Whale Beach on Sydney’s north side.
A QUICK CHAT WITH MARK OCCHILUPO [27.Feb.2012]

Australian Surfing Legend Mark Occhilupo stops to chat with mesurfTV host Georgie at the recent Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast....
DIORA BAIRD | FRIDAY FOX [04.Jun.2010]

DIORA BAIRD came onto the mesurf radar through her hot modeling shoot with GUESS. After further poking around we found Dioara popping up in a number of films and tv shows. Diora is a true fox and that's why she's made the cut for this weeks Friday Fox. We know you'll agree...