Huanchaco, Trujillo / Peru (Friday, Feb, 14, 2014) – The opening event of the 2014 ASP South America calendar crowned Piccolo Clemente (PER) and Atalanta Batista (BRA) victorious on the final day of the 2014 Huanchaco Longboard Pro Peru presented by Repalsa. Waves in the 2-3 foot range (1 meter) were on hand at Praia El Elio de Huanchaco, in Trujillo, Peru and the crowded beach witnessed local surfer, and reigning 2013 ASP Longboard World Champion, Piccolo Clemente defeat Phil Rajzman (BRA) in a hard-fought battle by 12.40 to 10.05 respectively.
“It feels so good to win at my home break again. It’s an indescribable feeling,” said Piccolo Clemente. “Last year I didn’t get such a good result but to come back and win in Huanchaco is very emotional. It was my first Final against Phil (Rajzman), who is a good friend of mine and was my roommate in China (2013 ASP World Title event location), so it was real friendly out in the lineup. Conditions were really difficult and the title could have gone either way. I’d like to dedicate this victory to my family, my friends, all of my sponsors and to everyone in Huanchaco and in Peru that have supported me throughout my career. This is for everyone that packed the beach once again.”
By executing old school hang-fives and blending it with a more modern style of longboarding, Clemente put together an impressive display of surfing by taking down a number ex-world champs on his way to the podium.
“In the Final, the conditions got pretty complicated and Piccolo (Clemente) found the best waves in our heat and he deserved the victory,” said Phil Rajzman. “The talent level for this contest was insane. Piccolo is the current World Champion, I won the title in 2007, Rodrigo Sphaier (BRA, 2014 Semifinalist) has won this event twice and everyone else in the contest surfed great as well. I consider Huanchaco as a second home. I feel really good here and I hope to come back many more times. Piccolo is a special person, a close friend and our sport is lucky to be represented by him.”
In the inaugural Women’s Event at the 2014 Huanchaco Longboard Pro, 3-time Brazilian National Longboard Champion, Atalanta Batista excelled throughout the competition, received the only 10-point ride in the event and guaranteed top honors by defeating Thiara Mandelli (BRA) in the Final.
“I’m so happy to be here in Huanchaco and to earn my first ASP World Tour victory in Peru,” said Atalanta Batista. “I’d like to thank the ASP and the event organizers for creating the Women’s Event this year. Thiara (Mandelli) is a tough opponent and it was an honor to compete against her today. The talent level is so high here and I can’t even express how I’m feeling right now. I really enjoyed surfing the waves here and I hope to get the chance to come back next year. Thank you to everyone.”
