Cover photo: Tim McKenna 

Local rider Firmin Teiva Tairoa, who finished second at the Tahiti CT trials, secured a replacement spot for Brazilian Alejo Muñiz, who withdrew from the event due to a shoulder injury.

This brings the number of Tahitians in the event to five: Kaulia Vaast, Mihimana Braye, Kelia Gallina, Vahine Fierro and Teiva Tairoa, making it one of the strongest Tahitian presences at the event in its history.

In a statement, the WSL clarified that they invited him to Medina once Muñiz announced he would withdraw, but he, as he had announced, said he couldn't due to other commitments.

Globo Esportes had announced that Medina had requested a wildcard, but was denied, and once that happened, the Brazilian made other plans.

The series hasn't been updated so the matchups are still unknown, but according to DUKE's calculations, Tairoaa will face Yago Dora in round 1 and in the elimination round if they cross paths.