Wingfoil Racing World Cup Sardinia 2024: Light Winds and Intense Competition

Wingfoil Racing World Cup Sardinia: Athletes Battle Light Winds in Exciting Global Competition

The Wingfoil Racing World Cup Sardinia has kicked off with challenging conditions, as light winds made for a difficult day of racing in the Gulf of Poetto. The event, part of the Sardinia Sailing Cup, has brought together over 90 athletes from 19 countries, competing in what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and fast-growing disciplines in the world of sailing.

Day 2: Lost Races but Lessons Learned

Despite the race committee’s best efforts, the light winds resulted in the cancellation of several races, with less than half of the male riders managing to complete their races. Both women’s races were eventually abandoned due to the unstable conditions. However, a select group of athletes delivered a masterclass in light wind foiling, managing to keep their speed and strategy intact on the choppy sea.

Julien Rattotti of France emerged victorious in both races in his group, utilizing a small Gong 5.5-meter wing, which featured an innovative double-profile design for added efficiency in low-drag conditions. “It’s really physical,” Rattotti commented. “In a race like this, with over 180 BPM (beats per minute), it’s hard to focus on tactics. It’s super difficult.”

Men’s Ranking: Rattotti in the Lead

At the end of day two, Rattotti claimed the top spot, winning a tiebreaker over fellow Frenchman Mathis Ghio, who placed second. Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki, a rising star in the sport, also had a strong showing, winning both of his races to secure third place overall.

Men’s Results after Day 2:

  1. Julien Rattotti (FRA)
  2. Mathis Ghio (FRA)
  3. Kamil Manowiecki (POL)
  4. Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
  5. Bastien Escofet (FRA)
  6. Alessandro Jose Tomasi (ITA)
  7. Nicolo Spanu (ITA)
  8. Luca Franchi (ITA)
  9. Mateo Dussarps (FRA)
  10. Jeremiah McDonald (NZL)

Women’s Racing: Abandoned, but the Competition Remains Fierce

In the women’s division, two races were started but eventually abandoned as the wind conditions worsened. Nia Suardiaz of Spain, who was third in the second race before it was abandoned, shared her frustration with the tricky conditions: “It was the lightest I’ve ever raced in, maybe six knots. My goal was just to stay on my foil.”

Despite the challenging day, the overall women’s results remain unchanged from the previous day’s long-distance racing.

Women’s Results:

  1. Manon Pianazza (FRA)
  2. Karolina Kluszcynska (POL)
  3. Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
  4. Emilia Kosti (GRE)
  5. Charlotte Baruzzi (ITA)
  6. Maddalena Maria Spanu (ITA)
  7. Marta Monge (ITA)
  8. Orane Ceris (FRA)
  9. Kristyna Chalupnikova (CZE)
  10. Monika Mikkola (FIN)

Rising Stars and Newcomers: Learning from the Masters

Among the competitors is Lin Xinlan of China, who has only been wingfoiling for six months. Despite the lack of races on Thursday, Xinlan remains focused on improving her skills. “I’m learning a lot from the people here in Italy,” she said. Her teammate, Yin ‘Ananas’ Sheng, highlighted the rapid growth of wingfoiling in China, mentioning that the number of wingfoilers in her club has increased dramatically since last year.

Looking Ahead: Hope for Better Winds

With three more days of competition, the athletes and organizers are optimistic about more favorable conditions ahead. The weekend’s races, including the much-anticipated Medal Series, will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook, allowing fans to follow the action as it unfolds in Cagliari.

As the event continues, new developments in equipment and foiling techniques are on display, reflecting the dynamic evolution of this high-adrenaline sport. Despite the challenges of the second day, the athletes remain focused on delivering thrilling performances in the races to come.

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