IAN ROSS LEADS THE WAY AS AMATEURS IMPRESSS

TIREE WAVE CLASSIC BUILDING TO A THRILLING CLIMAX

Cornwall windsurfer Ian Ross emerged as the leader of the amateur fleet as the 2012 Tiree Wave Classic continued in inconsistent conditions.The 36-year-old beat Wales’ Alfie Hart into second place, with Scottish regular Scottie McDowell third and Bangor University student Tom Bennett-Lloyd fourth.They battled through a strong line-up, impressing judges with some top-quality wave riding in less than perfect wind.Ross, who mainly sails at Gwithian Beach near Hayle, said, “An amazing day. It was great to get on the water and just brilliant fun to sail with the other guys.”“There’s a really high standard of sailors in the amateur fleet and I was very nervous,” he said.“I saw Alfie in one of his heats, and he was ripping – the general standard was very high,” said Ian.“Wave selection was criticial - I picked a couple of cracking waves in the final – and the highlight was busting an aerial out right in front of Alfie!” said Ian.The result isn’t final yet, with hope for more action on Friday remaining, where those behind the Cornishman can battle themselves back in contention.Ross was second in the overall amateur standings before competition started.Head judge Mark Hosegood was impressed by what he saw.“I was really impressed by what the amateurs could do given the conditions,” said Mark.“The wave selection, and timing of the top four especially was equal with pro-standard,” he said.“Will Barrett deserves a mention as well – it was almost a shame we couldn’t run a five man final,” said Mark.“Although the pros were on hold today– the conditions for them – the specific combination of waves and wind - just weren’t there.”“We’re going to have the earliest start of the week on Friday and hopefully we’ll see some great action,” said Mark.The Tiree Wave Classic is the third of four contests within the British Wavesailing Association UK Wave Tour.The event is backed by EventScotland and Argyll and Bute Council and is due to finish on Friday 19th October.