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The Lacanau Pro is the oldest surfing competition in France. Since 1979, the event has gradually earned its stripes and now attracts the world's best surfers. So what could be more fitting than to have seen two representatives from Saint-Barthélemy shine, from August 14 to 20? Tessa Thyssen in the women's category and Thomas Lédée in the men's category.
Despite her disappointment at failing to qualify for the Olympic Games, the Reefer Surf Club member turned her disappointment into motivation. In fine form since the start of the year, Tessa Thyssen (27) came very close to her first victory on the circuit in the Qualifying Series. In the semi-final, the champion outclassed Pauline Ado. She was just one step away from final victory. Unfortunately, Portugal's Mafalda Lopes would have none of it. However, the Lusitanian won by just one wave (10.76 to 9.34), thus depriving Tessa Thyssen of the pleasure of becoming the second Frenchwoman to add her name to the Lacanau Pro prize list, after Maud Le Car in 2019. "I'm proud of my performance," wrote Tessa on a social network. Lacanau is a very special place for me. "A few days before tackling the Lacanau Pro, the champion took part in the 9th edition of the US Open at Huntington Beach, California. She lost in the quarter-finals, but not without regret. I was aiming higher," she says. I'm moving forward and growing with my mistakes, and I can't wait to feel really satisfied with my next results. "Despite her defeat in the final at the Lacanau Pro, there's no doubt that Tessa Thyssen is full of confidence ahead of the next stage of the professional circuit. But in Lacanau, she wasn't the only Saint-Barth to stand out.
Thomas in top form, Noé back
In the men's category, Thomas Lédée made it all the way to the semi-finals. He lost to Léo Paul Etienne, the defending champion, before taking third place on the podium. "We need to keep this fire going for the next competition coming up soon," he declared after the event. At the age of 21, Thomas continues his progression and apprenticeship in the world hierarchy.
At the same time, his brother Noé is gradually regaining his sensations after a knee injury that kept him away from the circuit for many months following cruciate ligament surgery. "It was tough, frustrating, I had my ups and downs, but I trained hard throughout the year to come back stronger", assures the young (21) surfer.
In Lacanau, Noé Lédée settled for a modest 65th place. But just before that, he took a fine 5th place in England. It's my return to the European circuit," says Noé. I set off alone, it was raining, it was cold, the waves were complicated, but the motivation and discipline were there. After a lot of hard work on myself, both physically and mentally, I'm feeling good. I'm fit and ready for the new season. "Although he admits to "a few mistakes" during his second competition in Lacanau, he is pleased with his state of mind. The ultimate goal is still the same: to qualify in the European top 7 to reach the Challengers Series next year," he says. I'm currently ranked 11th. "Noé's next stop is Pantin, Spain, from August 27 to September 1, followed by Anglet from September 17 to September 22.
