Xcel's Bede Durbidge Takes Second at Rip Curl Pro
Moves to #2 in ASP WCT Ratings
HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII - March 27, 2008 - Congratulations to Xcel team rider Bede Durbidge, taking second in yesterday's finals of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach (Australia). A recent, exciting addition to the Xcel team, Durbidge's finish secured his current second-place standing in the ASP WCT ratings, just behind event winner and 8-time world champion Kelly Slater. Coming into this year's tour after a fifth-place finish in 2007 - including the 2007 Triple Crown title - Durbidge continues to solidify his position as a clear contender for the 2008 world title.
"We're so excited for Bede and are stoked to be supporting him on his quest for the world title," says Xcel president Ed D'Ascoli. "Bede's incredible talent, combined with a clear focus is on his surfing, are key to results like these at Bells Beach. We're glad to welcome him to our team and to be a part of the ride."
(Did we mention Durbidge did it all in his Infiniti X-ZIP in the finals?)
"I've just been getting through heats and I've been going all the way to the end, so it's been going pretty good for me," Durbidge told the ASP in humble fashion.
The final heat saw Durbidge and Slater separated by less than half a point in final wave scores. Durbidge led Slater for 27 of the 30 minutes in that final. "I thought Bede had me," Slater added. "There are murmurs of Bede being a world title contender and I would say he's up to that challenge."
"Bede stopped me in my tracks," added Bobby Martinez on his elimination by Bede in their semifinal matchup.
Watch for Durbidge on the WCT's next top May 8 - 18 in Teahupoo, Tahiti.
About Xcel
Founded in 1982, Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) is a global wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel's core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV protection).
In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel has retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com
Contact:
Robin Kloc
Xcel International, Inc.
(808) 637-6239
robink@xcelwetsuits.com
Jim Kempton
Billabong USA
Jkempton@billabong-usa.com
(949) 753-7222 X3363
