Blanca Manchon (ESP1) has a clear and undeniable grip on this championship. She has built up an 8 point cushion by day 3 of the 2009 RS:X European Championship. Her compatriot, Marina Alabau (ESP5) is meanwhile locked in a battle of attrition with Bryony Shaw (GBR94) and Maayan Davidovich (ISR10).
Two points cover these three. Back in 5th and sailing in her first senior European Champs is Laura Linares (ITA11) who is 11 points adrift and fighting hard to get on terms. She put in a 'bullet' in the first race of the day but was back to the same old same old in the second, finishing 8th. Its a big ask but she has to break into the top 5 consistently if she wants to mix it with the trio up front.
Amelie Lux (GER82) is back in 15th and sailing in her first major competition since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Regatta. A lot has changed since then. New equipment. New faces up front. And the fitness level and work rate have gone up. The sport is a lot tougher now. It is hard to believe but it's true.
Still Amelie should be there or there abouts by the time the selection is made for the 2012 Olympic Regatta.
Whilst there have been a few 'generals' and black flag starts as a result, protests have been non-existant. The pressure is off in 2009. Many top contenders are taking time out to re-charge their batteries, if not top up their funding 'war-chest' for the coming campaign to win gold in London 2012.
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