Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) had to deal with the bitter blow of missing out on a potential first event victory in Japan with the wind dropping just before Elimination 4, which would have given the Frenchman the discard he so badly needed. However, just a few weeks later those lows have been replaced with a new high with Goyard successfully capturing the 2019 Catalunya Costa Brava PWA World Cup with a spectacular display - particularly in the upwind/down wind racing, which saw the 27-year-old  claim 3 bullets, a second, two 4th’s, a 9th while discarding a 24th from the 7 upwind/down eliminations. After getting his hands on his first win on the world tour we caught up with Thomas for an interview:

Congratulations Thomas - how are you feeling after winning your first event on the world tour?

“I feel super good . It’s crazy.”

Taken from Social Media with a bit more time to reflect an let the victory sink it: "Missing words to say how stoked I to share a World Cup podium with those 2 legends, Julien Bontemps and Matteo Iachino, I actually feel mixed emotions [looking back at podium pic], in between proud, surprised, thankful, relieved, hungry for more, deeply happy. I need to get use to them probably. Anyway, it’s such a good sensation !

Also, congrats to all the sailors because everybody is pushing hard, I feel the level is gonna evolve a lot and quickly from now, I hope to keep up with the move in this great dynamic of technique and gear improvements 

Looking forward to the 2 next possible events in Sylt and Noumea. Everything is possible for the world title, there are about 8-10 guys playing for it! It’s gonna be so interesting. Thanks again to Phantom International and FMX Racing.”

Was it quite a nervous wait for you on the last day in Costa Brava?

“Yeah, I was definitely a bit nervous as I really didn’t sail good on the last day [Slalom Foil}, but I know the reason behind that. I just need to go away and tweak a few little things to do with the angles and then just having a bit better luck in the gybes. Things can change very fast.”

In the upwind/downwind racing you were outstanding - how pleased were you with your performance?

“I’m super happy about my skills in the upwind/downwind, but even in the Slalom Foil I felt like I could be in the top 5 or 6 with the right settings, which at my weight is okay.”

Everyone knows about the situation you were in in Japan where you were needing a discard to have a shot at the event win… does it feel good to be able to replace those memories with a victory here.

“Please stop talking about this… yeah… I’m super happy now, but for sure Japan is a bit hard for me, but I am learning and everyone makes mistakes. I guess like the year will be more exciting like this, but now there will be more pressure.”

How long have you been foiling?

I started about 3 years ago.

What’s your opinion on Foil Slalom?

“I like it and enjoy it. It’s super fun to race like this, but I would prefer that they do only Slalom [Foil] or upwind, not the two combined, but once you are racing in it it’s great.”

Thanks, Thomas. Congratulations once again on your first victory on the world tour.

You can stay up to date with all of Thomas Goyard’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @thomasgoyardwindsurfing Instagram: @thomasgoyard