WINDSURF FUERTEVENTURA SLALOM PREDICTIONSWINDSURF FUERTEVENTURA SLALOM PREDICTIONSAre you ready for a bonanza of full-throttle racing? The worlds best slalom sailors have been busy fine-tuning their gear ahead of the all-or-nothing showdown in Fuerteventura, where the 2026 slalom world titles will be decided.Weve dispatched our finest scouts to the legendary beaches of Sotavento to find out whos looking quick, fit and confident and who we think will be standing on the podium when the dust settles.So buckle up, lock in those fantasy teams and get ready for one of the most explosive PWA events of the season.Photos: PWA / CarterMEN1. Pierre Mortefon2. Matteo Iachino3. Jordy VonkWildcard: Maciek Rutkowski1. Pierre MortefonPierres record in Fuerteventura is nothing short of outstanding. He took victory here last year on his Phantom/FM-X setup before making the switch to NeilPryde for Tenerife. Over the winter he joined North Sails and judging by what weve seen so far, the brand seriously raised their game. Amado Vrieswijk has already been flying on the new foil sails and also one on the fin in Germany a few days ago, so were expecting Pierre to be right at the sharp end once racing gets underway.2. Matteo IachinoMatteos move to NeilPryde, paired with his trusted Starboard iSonics, could prove to be a devastating combination. One of the most experienced and hardest-working sailors on tour, Matteo rarely leaves anything to chance. Expect him to arrive perfectly dialled in and chasing what would be a fourth world title. Our scout had a word with Matteo and he reckons he is going fast and is quietly confident.3. Jordy VonkJordy has quietly become one of the biggest threats in the slalom fleet and looks tailor-made for the notoriously choppy waters of Sotavento. Had injury not forced him out of the closing stages last year, he could easily took the victory so he has some unfinished business to settle in Fuerteventura. Weighing in around 105kg, hes built to tame the small sails if Fuerte decides to turn the wind up to maximum.Wildcard Maciek RutkowskiThis one was close. Nico Prien pushed hard for the wildcard spot, but weve gone with Maciek Rutkowski.One thing is guaranteed with Maciekyoull never question his commitment. Last year he was in a commanding position before he took his foot of the gas and allowed Pierre Mortefon to take control. We dont expect him to make the same mistake twice. If the racing gets brutal, Maciek tends to thrive.Of course, the field is stacked with the likes of Nico Prien, Amado Vrieswijk, Cedric Bordes, Bruno Martini Taty Frans and Scotty Stallman all capable of upsetting the predictions. But if the conditions turn properly hardcore, dont be surprised to see Maciek right in the thick of it.WOMEN1. Jenna Gibson2. Femke van der Veen3. Justine Lemeteyer1. Jenna GibsonWith Sarah-Quita Offringa absent, were backing Jenna Gibson to seize the opportunity.Fresh from setting a new speed record in the south of France, we already know Jenna is frighteningly quick. The only question is has she brushed up on here skills at the gybe marks? Last year it was the turns that caught her out, so lets hope shes spent as much time practising corners as she has going flat out. Also the jump sausage could be a challenge for Jenna but lets hope she is ready to fly!One of our scouts even bumped into Jenna at Gatwick Airport on the way to Fuertewhere she missed her flight after getting caught in a monster security queue. Lets hope shes much closer to the front of the queue when theyre handing out the trophies.2. Femke van der VeenFemke seems to come alive when the wind goes nuclear. She relishes rough water, shows no fear and always looks comfortable when everyone else is hanging on for dear life.Thats why we think shell be right in the hunt in Sotavento. Whether she has enough to take the win remains to be seen, but if she keeps the mistakes to a minimum, a podium finish looks well within reach.3. Justine LemeteyerJustine has built much of her recent success on the foil, but dont underestimate her on the fin. With a world title on the line, shell have put in plenty of preparation and should be more than ready for some serious high-speed slalom racing.Wildcard Blanca AlabauBlanca Alabau is a born fighter and never knows when shes beaten. While many of her biggest results have come on the foil, shes more than capable of shaking things up on the fin as well.And with her boyfriend Matteo Iachino around to keep the competitive fire burning, dont be surprised if Blanca comes flying out of the blocks and tears up everyones prediction sheets before the event is over. We had a talk with Blanca and she is adamant she is faster than last year so dont be surprised to see her in the fight for the silverware. Marion Mortefon is also back on the starting grid so she could also upset the hierarchy if she finds her form of old.The post WINDSURF FUERTEVENTURA SLALOM PREDICTIONS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.