In the presence of Frederico Morais, Guilherme Ribeiro, Kika Veselko and Carol Mendes, who combine seven world titles between themselves, the 13th edition of the MEO Surf League was officially presented, keeping the same five stages of 2022.
So, continuing the main national circuit to pass through Figueira da Foz, Porto, Ericeira, Ribeira Grande (Azores) and Peniche, the big news is the possibility of the participation of non-EU surfers living in Portugal, in addition to the already authorized entry of athletes the European Union and Brazil. This expansion “will certainly bring more competitiveness”, in the words of Francisco Rodrigues, president of the National Association of Surfers (ANS). However, only the Portuguese can continue to crown themselves national champions, “a balanced solution”, according to Rodrigues, who was found together with the Portuguese Surf Federation. This body will be responsible for organizing the first edition of the qualifying event, aimed at those who did not automatically qualify, the Caparica Qualification, which will take place before the inaugural stage, on March 24.
The championship was presented “at a time full of success for national surfers”, as MEO representative Miguel Guerra recalls, referring to the junior world title won by Kika Veselko a month ago and the presence of Teresa Bonvalot as an alternate in the women’s world tour. The Cascais woman made it a point to send a message from Hawaii, where she’s preparing the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach. “2022 was an incredible year for me, I also became national champion in the end. The MEO League is a great training ground for competitions abroad. We have to thank the ANS for giving us all the tools,” defended the Olympian, who, in 2023, will looking for the “penta”, if the international calendar allows.
In the men’s title holder Guilherme Ribeiro, who will face strong competition from Frederico Morais (Kikas), who returns to national competitions, is reconciled with the Challenger Series, in which he will try to return to the World Tour. “It wasn’t the first time I left the world circuit and it won’t be the last time I qualify,” said the three-time national champion.
Source: DN
