Paolo Cian wins Match Race Germany

[Source: Match Race Germany] Paolo Cian won his second World Match Racing Tour championship when he defeated Mathieu Richard 2-0 in the final of the 10th annual Match Race Germany. Cian, helmsman of the South African America´s Cup-team Shosholoza, and his crew overcame the French Saba Sailing team of Mathieu Richard.

Cian and his Team Shosholoza crew Pierluigi Fornelli, Santino Brizzi, Pierluigi Felio and Pietro Mantovani finished with a 13-5 record and won 4,800€ of the 20,000€ prize purse.

Shifty conditions with gusty 10 to 15 knot winds challenged the finalists and were significant in the tight races that were displayed. However, it was a tacking duel in both races that allowed Cian to display his skill as an America’s Cup helmsman. "My team has done a good job in learning the legs, the shifts, the path and the boat. Every match racer has his own story and every stage of the match makes a difference. Mathieu Richard had a sound performance overall, winning almost every race going in to the final, but it was Cian’s team who were superior on the day. "My team is a little stronger and I feel this was an advantage in dealing with the ever changing wind conditions" said Cian.

Mathieu Richard congratulated his opponent and praised his team mates for all their hard work. "It has been a busy couple of weeks having come straight from LA where we won the Congressional Cup to here and coming second, we are thrilled with our achievements" said Richard.

Despite coming second, Richard has earned enough points to secure the number one spot on the World Match Racing Tour leader board. He currently leads with 70 points. He is closely followed by Cian with 66 points, whilst the World #1, Ian Williams, slips in to third place with 62 points.