A return to the South of France

MARSEILLE 2006 - The Mediterranean port of Marseille welcomes back the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour after hosting the world’s best Beach Volleyball players for 11-straight years from 1994 through 2004.  Marseille will tie Espinho, Portugal in staging the second-most SWATCH-FIVB World Tour events behind Rio de Janeiro.  While the men will be competing in Marseille for the 12th-time, the women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour will be competing on the Plage of Prado for the ninth-time.  One of the largest ports in Europe, Marseille is also regarded as France's 'second' city.  It is a melting pot of commerce, culture and tourism, and serves as the gateway to Provence and many other provinces in southern France.  Marseille is also the oldest city in France, having been founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, and today boasts one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan populations in Europe.  Many visit the area for it's natural beauty and spectacular climate, although the Mistral - a strong wind that funnels down the Rhone Valley - can often make itself felt.

Men - Jan Kvalheim and Bjorn Maaseide of Norway defeated Christian Penigaud and Jean-Philippe Jodard of France in the first Marseille final that became the first All-European finals on the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour.  South American tandems won the next 10, including nine by teams from Brazil.  Mariano Baracetti and Martin Conde of Argentina (2001) broke the Brazilian streak.

PAST FRANCE MEN’S PODIUM PLACEMENTS

Total Medals - Brazil 22, USA 8, Norway 4, Switzerland 4, Argentina 3, Germany 2, Australia 1, Canada 1, Cuba 1, France 1, Italy 1

*FIVB World Championships

Women – Highlighted by the 1999 SWATCH-FIVB World Championships where Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede captured their first of two world titles, Marseille ranks behind Osaka, Japan in staging SWATCH-FIVB World Tour women’s events and is tied with Espinho, Portugal.  Osaka, which is not on the 2006 women’s schedule, hosted the SWATCH Tour 12 times (1994-2004).  Adriana and Shelda competed in the first seven Marseille events and never finished lower than fourth with six medal placements and $180,100 in earnings.  The United States’ Elaine Youngs (2001 and 2002) and Kerri Walsh (2003 and 2004) won back-to-back Marseille gold medals with different partners.  Ethel-Julie Arjona and Virginie Kadjo posted ninths (2003 and 2004) for the best finishes by a French team in Marseille.