Ventura County star, Sage Erickson, stood high on the winner’s podium this past weekend at the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro at Playa de Pantin in Galicia, Spain.  This being her second consecutive 6-Star win after dominating the Paul Mitchell Supergirl event in Oceanside, California, Erickson brought her game face to Spain where she impressed in the 3-4ft waves.  This win brought commotion to the ASP World Rankings as Erickson swooped into the number one position.    

Sage Erickson (USA) is now in the #1 position after another 6-Star win at the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro 2012. Photo: ASP/Masurel

“This victory feels amazing, coming from California with a win and having so much support there and then coming here…” Erickson said. “The Spanish are so welcoming and their cheers have motivated me throughout the event. I’ve just been thanking God every heat. It’s been challenging conditions and he’s kind of helped me with my wave selection, so I’m just so grateful and excited to be back at number one!”

Sage Erickson (USA) goes vertical to take the win at the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro. Photo: ASP/Masurel

After owning several of the event’s highest scores, Erickson fueled her momentum and ended with a 16.10 compared to her competitor, Arnaud’s 9.83.  

Erickson discussed her strategy:  “I’ve noticed with great competitive surfers, they’ll start their heat strong with some good waves, so I think I just counted on having a quick start and then to build momentum throughout, not be chasing the scores, but rather posting them early on.” 

Sage Erickson (USA) shows off her power awarding her the champion title. Photo: ASP/Masurel

Placing 5th overall at the Nike US Open of Surfing, 1st at the Paul Mitchell Supergirl in Oceanside, CA and 1st at the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic, Sage Erickson advanced into first place over good friend and fellow Californian, Courtney Conlogue.

“Courtney is such an amazing competitor and a dear ,dear friend in California,” Erickson expressed. “To be in that number one spot in the World Qualifying series is so amazing. The group of women is so prestigious .. This is my third year coming to Pantin and it’s been an amazing experience. There’s so much natural beauty here and where I’ve been staying, the people have been so welcoming and that’s been wonderful. I love Pantin and Europe, and I’m so happy to finally win here!” 

Sage Erickson (USA) shows off her trophy and big 6-Star win in Spain. Photo: ASP/Masurel

Erickson will compete again at the ASP 6-Star EDP Surf Pro Estoril in Lisbon, Portugal from September 21 – 23, 2012.  

Moving on to the men’s event, the ASP 3-Star Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro came to a close today when Germany’s Marlon Lipke took the win.  Competitors Joan Duru (FRA), Bino Lopes (BRA) and Ty Watson (AUS) put up a tough battle along with the other competitors , but Lipke dominated his heats.  The 28-year-old scored an 8.33 out of 10 right away in the final to bring home the win for Deutschland   

Marlon Lipke (DEU) carried out of the water as the new champion of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro. Photo: ASP/Masurel

“I’m just so happy at this stage of my career to have another win, two this year after the 3-Star in Vendee,” Lipke stated. “Sometimes things happen in life which kind of put your mind right and put things in perspective making you fight harder… That’s what I did here, so I’m super happy to come out with the win.”

Marlon Lipke (DEU) romping on the left, catering to the German goofy-footer. Photo: ASP/Masurel

Despite his recurring shoulder injury, Lipke scored consistently in the excellent range working his way to the top.  

“Four heats and long paddles always, I was getting cramps in my arms at the end, but I fought through it,” Lipke shared. ”I think I know how to win a contest; I kept calm in the end and wanted the first place really bad. My goal is to try and do the same in Lanzarote at the end of the season.”

Lipke (DEU) put on a great show in Spain, dominating the final heat. Photo: ASP/Masurel

Lipke was the 2004 European Junior Champion and plans on securing a great result in Lanzarote next month to claim his maiden Regional Open Title.  After winning in Vendee and placing 5th in the ASP 6-Star San Miguel Pro Zarautz, Lipke sits with a strong lead over closest competitor, Charles Martin (GLP).

“It’s always stepping stones,” Lipke said. “I just want to build my comfort zone and then attack again. I’ve got good boards and my head is in the right place. I figured it was a slow heat and I had a 5 under my belt and just controlled the peak from there. The other guys paddled inside and I got lucky the bomb came then… Experience played a big role in the end.”

Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro 2012 winner’s podium. Photo: ASP/Masurel

For more recaps of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro 2012 click here.

For more on ASP Europe, check out www.aspeurope.com.

Emily Bates (373 Posts)

As a 2012 college graduate from California State University, Long Beach, Emily enters the world with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies and a passion for surfing, cultural diversity and serving others.