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Tiago Pires (PRT): First Portuguese Ever To Join ASP World Tour’s Elite!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 11 February, 2008 : - - After a decade of training and competition, Tiago Pires fullfiled one of the goals of his life in 2007, qualifying for the elite top 45 to compete against the best surfers in the world. At 26 years old, Tiago has a solid experience already and has been through several tough moments in his career.

Multiple portuguese champion, twice winner of the ASP WQS 6 Star Buondi Billabong Pro in his home town of Ericeira in 2005 and 2006, Pires built himself a serious reputation on any righthander of the planet, with his custom powerful cutbacks and on-the-rail surfing.

Thanks to several big results and great determination, Tiago managed to put surfing in the spotlights in Portugal, gaining more and more popularity with his two recent victories at home. With many fans supporting him and the growing interest of medias, he has already made a lot not only in his career, but for the sport of surfing as well.

Being one of the most appreciated surfers on tour with his fairness, education and respect, Tiago Pires will be one of Europe’s Fantastic Four to start his first ever ASP World Tour run at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in a couple of weeks in Australia.

Being very good friends with Jeremy Flores, Miky Picon and Aritz Aranburu, he will be another great asset for the rising Euroforce, and could create some major upsets when the tour resumes. He kindly accepted to answer us before going around the world to pursue his dreams.    

Name : Tiago Pires 
Age : 27 years old soon 
Lives in : Ericeira, Portugal
Sponsors : Billabong, TMN, Red Bull, Von Zipper, Kustom, Nixon, Pukas, Ericeira Surf Shop

1. You qualified early in the year in 2007, how did it feel in the last events in Hawaii? Any tension with the others' results?

I felt a bit tense cause I was still thinking about winning the World Qualifying Series title or just finishing as high as possible! But I was far from feeling the kind of pressure of the previous years when I needed to secure a big result to qualify! The end of the year was really enjoyable... When you already know you are in, after all these years trying so hard. I was focused but enjoying a lot my time in Hawaii.

2. Compared to Eric Rebière (FRA), Miky Picon (FRA) or Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the past, you will start your world tour experience with three europeans. Does it feel better? Do you think the support from eachother can keep you guys pushing the level?

I'm pretty confident that it will have a positive impact on me, on us! Being the only surfer on tour to represent your continent must have been a very hard thing to deal with. Public, media... At every event you are the ONE every one wants to see achieve the unexpected. I know a bit about the feeling because I felt a lot last year in Portugal. With this team of four surfers from the same area ready for 2008, we will be much more confident and it will be helpful to share all our experience, and pressure.

3. How does it feel to be the first portuguese ever to reach the top 45? Lots of pressure? Is it special to you?

What a great feeling! I am very happy and honored to fly the flag this year at all major events around the world. I know it can have a good impact for the sport in Portugal, eventhough surfing already has a good visibilty there! In 2007 I felt like a lot of people were watching my heats on the WQS; this year I am sure I'll have even more support from Portugal and this is really something special.

4. What about this first event. Have you been thinking a lot? How do you feel before the tour gets underway for a year of performance?

I've been concentrating a lot on the logistics so far, because the world tour action requests a very serious organisation and you better have this all done before you start. Thus I haven't yet really focused on the first event; I am still looking at it with a general view, still taking a large view on what is coming soon. But what I’m sure of is that when I land on the Gold Coast in Australia, I'll be 100% ready and targetting this big kick off with the three others.
 
5. How do you feel? Have you been preparing any different for this start?

So far I've been relaxing at home, enjoying a good break because 2008 is going to be a special, intense and really long year  for me! I want to start my training in Australia and I'll be going there aproximately one month before my first heat. It’s exciting to eventually be part of the ASP World Tour and get a chance at surfing against the best of the best in good condiions, in man-on-man battles.

www.aspworldtour.com

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Grégoire Puget

Team - Surfersvillage