Food Network Challenge - World Baking Cup

What a controvesy!

I was watching the World Baking Cup - The Best Bread in the World 2003 yesterday. The World baking cup is held every 3 years where the best bakers in the world compete in Paris. Twelve teams will race the clock testing their skills, creativity, and endurance in this competition to bring back the title of "the best bread in the world" Back in 1999, USA won the title. In 2003's competition one of the hot favourites were the team from France. After all, bread making is their forte. They pride themselves as making the best baguette in the world. In addition, national pride was at stake as it was held in their home ground.

But alas, neither the French or the Americans won the 2003 cup. This time round it was won by the Japanese! What is surprising to me is that Japan is not known for a bread eating culture. If it was a noodles or rice compeition, I will be the least surprised. Its B.R.E.A.D competition. How many of you out there ever heard that Japanese are good in making bread?

Thats not all, France had to eat humble pie. Some of the bread that they baked were charred. I am not saying that I can do better but these were after all the best bakers in the country!