BOB Whittaker from University of Southampton has qualified for the final of the Red Bull Ocean Rescue this Sunday in Biarritz, France.
After winning the Oceanperf Challenge France in August, Whittaker earned a golden ticket to the final this weekend, skipping the qualification rounds tomorrow.
The Red Bull Ocean Rescue is a Surf Lifesaving event, which includes swimming, running, surf ski, paddle boarding and cliff jumping.
Whittaker finished second two years ago.
“While in Southampton I’ve been doing a lot of K1 paddling with the Canoe club, swimming with City of Southampton squad and running in my own time,” said Whittaker.
The student juggles a medicine degree and training to be an elite level athlete, however Whittaker isn’t stressed heading into the race:
“I’m feeling confident, I’ve put some good training in this offseason, I’m just looking forward to being in France and getting on the start line.”
Frenchman Alan Le Gal won last years mens edition, and is expecting a great battle against the Brit:
“Bob beat me two years ago, but as last year he did not race, I hope to get my revenge this year on Bob,” says Le Gal.
Race director Anthony Mazzer anticipates Whittaker and Le Gal to be the two battling at the front for the title:
“All eyes will be on Whittaker, he is the European Lifesaving Ironman champion, but Le Gal knows this race much better.”
“This race will take around an hour through streets and waters of Biarritz, these two will go all the way to the end.”
The women’s race will see a new champion, as former winners Thais Delrieux and Ellie McCloy won’t be on this weekends start line.
Thousands are expected to line the streets of Biarritz to watch Europes best lifesavers.
