Post Palma Perceptions

Following my win of the IQGames Cadiz, it was right back on the training routine leading into the first major event of the year, the Trofeo Princesca Sofia in Palma De Mallorca. This event has an equal level to the European Championship, and World Championship, so it was the perfect event for us to see our progression in the global fleet.

About a week before we left Cadiz to head to Palma, I came down with some horrendous stomach virus that took me out for 3 days, and took about 12 days to fully recover. Luckily, it was about 3 days before the start of Palma that I finally felt 100% again, which could not have been timed any better. I was ready to give it my all for the event.

To make a long story short, the event was TRICKY. Wind conditions were very difficult to predict, meaning long, confusing days on the water. Despite this, I had some amazing moments, with the best being a 5th place in a gold fleet course race where there were 70 boards. To look behind you and see 65 of the best windsurfers in the world invokes a feeling words can’t describe. It gives me so much confidence that the U.S team belongs on the top of the leaderboard at any regatta we attend. At the end of the event, I placed 25th / 140 competitors which I am content with, but I know I can do so much better.

From here, I went back to the states for some much needed time at home to reset. While the time at home is nice, I am ready and excited to head back to Spain on May 8th to continue training in preparation for my first chance to qualify for the Olympics, the Olympic Test Event in Marseille France.

To every donor, every supporter, and to anybody who has helped me come this far, I express my deepest gratitude. Thank you all.

All the best

Noah Lyons

USA-6