From Wednesday morning, a veritable sweep of international athletes invested Ainterexpo. After prestigious stages at Acapulco, Mexico, Milan et Barcelonait was the turn of Bourg-en-Bresse to become the scene of a major stage of the international circuit of padel. And not just any: this week, the city welcomed the Masters of the circuit, the Cupra FIP Finals Grand Bourg, bringing together the best world pairs, men and women of the FIP Tour, for five days of intense competition.
Exceptional fervor with 1,300 spectators on Sunday!
The second edition of the tournament was a remarkable success, attracting a passionate audience came in droves to support elite athletes. The semi-finals and finals particularly galvanized the spectators, with gauge 80% full on Sundayor close to 1,300 people present to encourage the players during the men's and women's finals.
Spain at the top on both counts
The 2024 edition established Spain as the big winner, winning both among women that among the men.
Women's win for Marina Guinart and Victoria Iglesias
Among the ladies, the Spanish duo Marina Guinart (24th in the world) and Victoria Iglesias (30th in the world) triumphed in three sets against the Frenchwoman Alix Collombonthe only French finalist, and his Spanish partner Araceli Martinez. Buoyed by the fervor of the public, Collombon and Martinez found the keys to destabilizing their opponents and winning the second set. However, Guinart and Iglesias were able to regain control from the first points of the third set, concluding the match with a difficult 6/0.
Jairo Bautista and Francisco Guerrero: imperial among the men
On the men's side, the Spanish pair composed of Jairo Bautista (24th in the world) and Francisco Guerrero (25th in the world) confirmed the domination of their country on the circuit by winning against Lucas Campagnolo and his teammate Nachi Sager. With a game accurate et powerfulBautista and Guerrero rendered their opponents powerless. Note that this pair had already won the FIP Gold Lyon last October, consolidating their position among the best teams in the world.
Bourg-en-Bresse: an essential stopover for padel
With stands tinted with yellow and red, the Cupra FIP Finals have once again demonstrated the predominant place of Spain in the world of padel. The tournament also allowed Bourg-en-Bresse to strengthen its position as a key destination for high-level sport.
The tournament benefited from local infrastructures, in particular thanks to the provision of the premises of the JL Bourg in Ekinox. The players were able to warm up in the gym usually reserved for the basketball team, benefit from physiotherapy and osteopathy treatments in a dedicated room, and access the modern Ekinox locker rooms.
A promising future for padel in Bourg-en-Bresse
During the awards ceremony, the mayor Jean-François Debat expressed its satisfaction and commitment to supporting the development of this spectacular sport. He also announced his wish to host new editions of the tournament, making Bourg-en-Bresse a pillar of the international circuit. See you in 2025 !
