Top 17 Arrive in France

The world's best female surfers have converged on the Southwest Coast of France to contest Stop No. 8 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women's World Championship Tour (WCT). Held in the idyllic beachbreaks of Hossegor and Seignosse, the Roxy Pro France will recommence this season's race for the ASP World Title, with Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Carissa Moore (HAW) respectively leading the 18-woman field.

Sally Fitzgibbons will enter the 2014 Roxy Pro France as the defending event champion. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

Fitzgibbons, the defending event champion, has been in sterling form this season, posting back-to-back wins in Rio de Janeiro and Fiji. She is coming off a runner-up finish at the first-ever women's WCT event at Lower Trestles, building momentum as she contends for a long-elusive maiden World Crown.

“They say the ASP World Title race is a 'marathon' and not a 'sprint' and that's definitely proving the case this season,” Fitzgibbons said. “I'm in a good position, but I'd love to put a few more wins on the board before the year is finished. I had a good run here in France last year and I'm looking to repeat this season.”

Stephanie Gilmore is coming off a huge win at Trestles. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

Gilmore, a five-time ASP Women's World Champion, kicked off the 2014 season with a big win at home on the Gold Coast and put on a blistering performance to top the field at Trestles and put her back in the hunt for a sixth title.

“I'm feeling good after the win at Trestles,” Gilmore said. “I think I finally got to surf the way I wanted on quality waves and I think it's given me a good momentum heading into the last few events of the season. I love France and it looks like we have good surf on the horizon.”

Carissa Moore finished equal third at last year's event in France, defeated in the Semis by eventual event winner Sally Fitzgibbons. - WSL / Kelly Cestari

Moore, the reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion, opened up the season with a number of impressive finishes, including back-to-back wins at Margaret River and Bells Beach, but she has struggled in recent events. The phenomenal Hawaiian will look to realign her 2014 campaign here in France.

“France is my opportunity to rebound,” Moore said. “I really wanted to do well at Trestles, but it didn't happen for me and I've moved on from it. The girls are all surfing really well so I'm looking forward to this event and hopefully we get more good surf.”

Tune in to Dawn Patrol for expert analysis and the official call. The event window for the Roxy Pro Fance is September 23-29, 2014. Watch LIVE and DVR at ASPWorldtour.com or on the ASP Youtube channel.