France's Joadel Gardoque and Spain’s 19-year-old sensation Sofia Izuzquiza celebrated major milestones by capturing their first-ever gold medals at the Beach Pro Tour's Montpellier Futures event. Held in Montpellier, France, the competition featured 51 teams—25 men’s and 26 women’s—from 21 different nations.

Men’s Final: Gardoque and Chouikh-Barbez Stay Perfect

Gardoque, alongside partner Elouan Chouikh-Barbez, achieved an unbeaten run through five matches to secure the men’s title. The French duo defeated Austrian Olympians Robin Seidl and Alexander Huber in a gripping three-set final with scores of 16-21, 22-20, and 15-12. Notably, they overcame Spain’s Alvaro Viera and Antonio Saucedo in the semifinals, who later clinched the bronze by defeating Austria's Felix Friedl and Florian Schnetzer in straight sets.

Women’s Final: Spanish Duo Prevails

Sofia Izuzquiza, making her tour debut, teamed up effectively with Sofia Gonzalez to dominate the women's bracket. The Spanish pair won all four of their matches leading to the final in straight sets. In the gold medal clash, they triumphed over French pair Elsa Descamps and Anouk Dupin in a three-set thriller: 21-17, 14-21, 15-9. This win marked Izuzquiza’s first medal and Gonzalez’s second gold on the tour.

American Duo Continues Strong Run

U.S. qualifiers Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig claimed bronze in the women’s event, extending their podium streak after winning gold in Geneva. Their performance highlights their growing prominence on the international stage.

About the Beach Pro Tour Futures

The Futures circuit plays a key developmental role in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour by offering emerging talent a vital platform for international exposure and experience. The next event in the series is set to take place in Leuven, Belgium from July 18 to 21.

Read the full article on the official Beach Pro Tour site: France’s Gardoque and Spanish Teen Izuzquiza Earn First Beach Pro Tour Golds.