3 questions to Marion Mortefon

21/11/2022

Winner of the Fly! ANA Yokosuka World Cup in Japan last week, French rider Marion Mortefon won the women's world title in the slalom discipline. In an interview with Windsurfjournal.com, she talks about this title, the 2nd of her career.

Windsurfjournal.com: Only one slalom event on the women's calendar and the first time in mixed fin/foil like the men, how did you prepare for this event which almost seemed to be a formality for you?
Marion Mortefon: This year I did a lot of iQFOil, I concentrated on that until the world championships in Brest in October. It took a lot of energy but it also allowed me to continue to progress in foiling. I wasn't the most prepared for this event in Japan, but I was lucky enough to take part in the AFF event (French championship) in Leucate just beforehand where we were able to sail both fin and foil and that allowed me to get back into it and be ready. The two disciplines are complementary, and it's still interesting to do everything.

WJ: What does this mixed format inspire you, which was a first on the world tour, how did you experience it in Japan and what lessons did you learn?
MM: It wasn't really a first as we had tested this race format in Croatia in July where I finished 2nd. Personally, I find it complicated, especially as I am one of the girls who do both and it is a real challenge to make a choice. Some girls only do foils and ask themselves far fewer questions. But, in spite of everything, what we see is that the foil performs better in most conditions. The fin for me is really when the wind is very strong, and I don't even think about the choice between the two. The lessons I learnt are that you have to be ready for foiling. Afterwards, some of us have such a lead over those who only sail foils that it's a formality. You have to be ready in foil and the fin is a bonus, that's how I see it!

WJ: With Justine Lemeteyer and Delphine Cousin, you make up a 100% French historic podium, what does this performance inspire you?
MM: Yes, it's the first time that there are 3 French girls on the podium and it's really great! The places moved around quite a bit throughout the week and it was quite close between the girls and it's great that Justine and Delphine managed to get 2 and 3. Justine sailed really well and didn't make any big mistakes, it's deserved! And Delphine managed to get back to 3rd place on the last day and it's always nice to be on the podium with your friends!