The second day of the Sardinia Grand Slam, the final event of the IKA KiteFoil World Series, passed in vain as participants waited for the ideal conditions to race. Between chess games and conversations about beaches, food, and city sights, the day was filled with anticipation
The awaited rain arrived, followed by unstable winds with strong gusts over 30 knots, making conditions too dangerous for both athletes and the new equipment being tested in Cagliari. After a packed schedule on the opening day of the Sardinia Grand Slam, Thursday at Poetto Beach turned into a non-racing day, as the weather thwarted any attempt to compete.
Initially, the race committee had scheduled the first start for 3:00 PM, with mixed fleets as in Day 1. However, the early optimism about a return to favorable conditions, despite the rain, quickly dissipated. Winds increased from 10-20 knots to 35, with low clouds settling over the Gulf of Angels.
At 5:10 PM, the official decision was made to cancel the day’s events. Racing will resume tomorrow, October 4th, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, October 5th.
PIZZA, BEACHES, AND WEATHER: CAGLIARI AND SARDINIA THROUGH THE EYES OF KITERS
After the 2:00 PM skippers’ meeting, athletes passed the time in their own ways: playing frisbee, chess (like Max Maeder), on their computers, in the water, or chatting by the beach. Conversations ranged from wind conditions to food and beaches, highlighting the many reasons why kiteboarders enjoy Cagliari, whether they are returning or visiting for the first time.
“I was in Cagliari two years ago for the Formula Kite World Championship,” said Tomas Pires de Lima from Portugal, bib number 37, “and I already appreciated both the city and the beaches in southern Sardinia. I’ve competed here before in the Italian Olympic Classes Championship, and now I’m here for the Sardinia Grand Slam. I arrived a few weeks ago in a van, discovering some truly fascinating places, like Is Solinas and Chia.”
“What I like about Cagliari is that you can race in various conditions,” added Jacobo Espi, bib number 50, “and the temperatures are pleasant, even during a storm. I’m also tempted by the local food specialties, and the city center is truly charming.”
“It’s my first time in Sardinia,” said Leo Collado, bib number 80, “but I was told everything about it, from the great weather to the perfect wind conditions for racing. During these days at Poetto Beach, I was surprised that it’s so warm during the day and cool in the evenings in October. I was also pleasantly surprised by the mistral wind coming from the land, which is ideal for kiting. After a race, we can’t wait to grab a pizza or ice cream at one of the local spots in the city. After the World Series, I’ll spend some time exploring the city, as I’m curious to see the historic center and learn more about Cagliari’s cultural aspects. Poetto Beach is beautiful and livable, and in October it doesn’t feel overcrowded by tourists.”
SUN AND MISTRAL TOMORROW: SIX RACES AND LIVE STREAMING On Friday, October 4th, six races are scheduled, with sunny weather and a pleasant mistral wind forecast. Both Friday and Saturday, October 5th, the final stage of the IKA KiteFoil World Series will be live-streamed on the event’s and IKA’s Facebook and YouTube platforms. The event will reach over 150 countries worldwide, with dedicated coverage and special features. Additionally, daily highlights will be available on Facebook and YouTube.
Both the Frenchman and the Singaporean secured two partial victories each, but Mazella’s consistent performance in both the sea breeze and the mistral wind allowed him to finish the day in first place. Pianosi wins race 5
Consistency pays off, at least in the first day of the Sardinia Grand Slam, the decisive event of the IKA KiteFoil World Series. Frenchman Axel Mazella, a two-time winner of the Poetto international event, returned to the beach with the overall lead, despite not winning any of the races on Wednesday, October 2nd. Behind him, Singapore’s Maximilian Maeder, bronze medalist at Paris 2024, and fellow Frenchman Benoit Gomez, who each won two races. Mixed results for the two Italians, with Riccardo Pianosi finishing on a high note by winning race 5. Among Women, favorite Jessie Kampman lived up to expectations but faced a tough challenge from Israeli rider Gal Zukerman. Olympic athlete Maggie Eillen Pescetto of Italy secured third place.
The wind was unstable in the Gulf of Angels, ranging from 10 to 17 knots: the day began with a sea breeze and hints of mistral, which later shifted to a full-blown mistral wind in the second half. Gomez made his winning move in both the dominated opening race and the third, finishing ahead of Maeder in the first and Switzerland’s Gian Stragiotti in the second. Stragiotti also handled the tricky conditions well.
Maeder quickly responded by winning race 2, following a spectacular three-way sprint with Axel Mazella and Martin Dolenc, and took victory again in race 4, once more beating Mazella. In the final race of the day, there was a fierce battle between Riccardo Pianosi, Mazella, and Stragiotti. The Italian, now a Cagliari local, defended his lead at the final mark and crossed the finish line ahead of the Frenchman and the Swiss. Pianosi also secured two fourth-place finishes and ranked fifth overall after the first day.
“I didn’t expect these weather conditions today,” commented Axel Mazella, referring to the fluctuating winds, “but it was fun racing with the guys. Tomorrow, rain is forecast for the morning, but the day is long, and we hope to race in the afternoon.”
Good performances were also seen from Connor Bainbridge and Martin Dolenc, who each secured a second place in the first and second races, respectively. It was a tough day for another “new local,” Lorenzo Boschetti from the Marche region, who remained optimistic: “I made a mistake during the third race, trying not to fall into the water, but I ended up airborne,” said Boschetti (Italian Navy Sports Group). “Meanwhile, Gomez came and crashed into me. Tonight I’ll repair the sail. Despite this, I’m optimistic because I was in the lead, so there are great opportunities for tomorrow.”
In the women’s field, Jessie Kampman and Gal Zukerman each won a race to kick off the afternoon, but the Frenchwoman edged out the Israeli in the next three races. Maggie Eillen Pescetto performed well, finishing second in the first race and third overall. “The first two races were tough due to the sea breeze and the incoming mistral. In the second half, we raced with pure mistral. It was a challenging and exhausting day, competing alongside the men on the same course, but I’m happy with how it went,” said Pescetto.
LIVE STREAMING
Tomorrow, the Day-2 schedule include other five races, even if wheather forecast is not optimal. Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th, the final stage of the IKA KiteFoil World Series will be broadcast live via streaming on the event’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, as well as IKA’s. The races will start at 11:00 a.m., barring any weather delays. The event will reach over 150 countries worldwide, with dedicated reports and special features. Daily highlights will also be shared on the event’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
MEN – Ranking after 5 races
1. Axel Mazella FRA – 9p 2. Maximilian Maeder SGP – 10p 3. Benoit Gomez FRA – 12p
WOMEN – Ranking after 5 races
1. Jessie Kampman FRA – 95p 2. Gal Zukerman ISR – 100p 3. Maggie Eillen Pescetto ITA – 107p
Cagliari hosts the second and final stage of the Kitefoil World Series from October 1 to 5. Olympic bronze medalist Maeder and French Kampman stand among the favorites. Back from the Olympics, Pianosi and Pescetto represent Italy as well as Boschetti, Laporte, Marx, Paolillo
From Paris 2024 to Cagliari’s Poetto beach: the big names of kiteboarding return to the waters of the Gulf of Angels for the 8th edition of the Sardinia Grand Slam, the second and decisive stage of the IKA Kitefoil World Series. After kicking off in Traunsee, Max Maeder, Jessie Kampman and their stronghest competitors will battle it out in this autumn classic for the 2024 titles. The event was presented this morning, 1 October, in a press conference at Poetto beach in Cagliari.
Promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia’s Department of Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce, the Sardinia Grand Slam is organized by GLEsport in technical collaboration with Chia Wind Club and under the aegis of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) and the Italian Sailing Federation, with support and sponsorship from the Municipality of Cagliari, the Departments of Sports and Tourism. Partners of the Sardinia Grand Slam include Playcar and USE.
Sardinia’s Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce Councillor, Franco Cuccureddu, extends his best wishes to the extraordinary athletes who will color Cagliari’s Poetto beach and sky with their kite maneuvers. “Thanks to this event, Sardinia once again confirms itself as the most beloved and welcoming destination for all sailing sports.”
THE FORMAT: MEDAL SERIES ON SUNDAY
After a day dedicated to free practice, athlete registration, and welcoming, the real competition will kick off on Wednesday, October 2nd, with the first of three days of Open Series. The fleet will race through October 4th, with at least five total races. The top competitors in the Gold Fleet after Q3 will qualify directly for the Grand Final, carrying with them 2 and 1 match points, respectively.
On Saturday, October 5th, the day will start with the Golden Ticket Race, where those ranked from 10th to last in the Opening Series will compete for a spot in the Medal Series. The Repechage Race will feature the winners of the Golden Ticket Race and those ranked 7th to 9th in the Opening Series. The top two will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face those ranked 5th and 6th in the Gold Fleet (Q3). The semi-finals will see the 3rd and 4th place from the Opening Series waiting, and the final will feature the top qualifiers and the two fastest semi-finalists. The awards ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
FAVORITE MAEDER TO WATCH OUT FOR MAZELLA AND THE ITALIANS The standout name on the men’s start list is reigning world champion Maximilian Maeder, winner of the 2023 Sardinia Grand Slam and recent Olympic bronze medalist. He is fresh off victories in the first round of the IKA KiteFoil World Series in Traunsee (Austria) and the Asian KiteFoil Championships in Daishan, China. Among his main rivals are European champion Axel Mazella, who has triumphed twice at the Sardinia Grand Slam, and the Italian athletes. Riccardo Pianosi will be a key contender, having won silver at both the World and European Championships in Formula Kite this year and finishing fourth at the Olympics. Lorenzo Boschetti, who has a special connection to the Gulf of Angels, will also compete. Both Italians live in Cagliari. Other notable competitors include Croatia’s Martin Dolenc and France’s Benoit Gomez, who finished second and third in Austria, as well as Italy’s Flavio Marx and Giuseppe Paolillo.
WOMEN: LENGWILER AND ZUCKERMAN CHALLENGE KAMPMAN In the Women’s field, all eyes are on 24-year-old Jessie Kampman from France, a regular at the Sardinia Grand Slam. Silver medalist at the 2022 European Championships, Kampman has shone this year, winning the French Olympic Week (ahead of Lauriane Nolot and Elly Aldridge) and securing bronze at the Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères. She also claimed victory in the first round of the IKA KiteFoil World Series in Traunsee. She faces tough competition from Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler and Israel’s Gal Zuckerman, who both challenged Kampman fiercely in Austria. Representing Italy are Maggie Eillen Pescetto, who competed at Paris 2024, and Tiana Laporte, who are both eager to perform well in this home event.
LIVE STREAMING
On Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th, the final stage of the IKA KiteFoil World Series will be broadcast live via streaming on the event’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, as well as IKA’s. The races will start at 11:00 a.m., barring any weather delays. The event will reach over 150 countries worldwide, with dedicated reports and special features. Daily highlights will also be shared on the event’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
QUOTES FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Giandomenico Nieddu (Organizer) “We are ready and excited for this eighth edition of the Sardinia Grand Slam, the seventh consecutive one here in Cagliari. I would like to thank the Sardinia Region and the Department of Tourism for supporting this event, the IKA for allowing us to host a stage of the World Championship, the Italian Sailing Federation and the Municipality of Cagliari for supporting the event and providing us with the recycling platforms. We hope to continue for many more years, and we can already confirm the 2025 edition.”
Marzia Cilloccu (Department of Tourism, Commerce, and Handicrafts of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia) “We were very eager to be here and bring greetings from the assessor Franco Cuccureddu. We stand alongside sailing sports and this is confirmed by very busy calendar. We thank all the organizers for their commitment. The sea is our main source of tourism, and we are keen to support everyone who works every day to promote events like the Sardinia Grand Slam. For the past ten years, Cagliari has hosted Luna Rossa, as well as other professionals in this field, being the city with the highest number of windy days. Sports-related tourism brings extraordinary visitor numbers and significant economic impact, which has been certified.”
Luisa Giua Marassi (Municipal Councillor for the Environment of Cagliari) “I bring greetings from the mayor and other members of the municipal council. My greetings also come as a citizen who loves and practices sports in many forms. The Poetto beach falls under the jurisdiction of my department, so hosting the Sardinia Grand Slam fills us with particular pride as administrators, athletes and as a city. Cagliari is the epicenter of international sporting events like this, thanks to the Gulf of Angels and its long beach. For us, the connection with sport is crucial, both to enhance the environmental ecosystem and to amplify the potential of our territory. We are working to make the beach increasingly attractive and functional for events of this magnitude.”
Mirco Babini (President of the International Kiteboarding Association) “First of all, I bring greetings from the presidents of the Italian Sailing Federation’s area president, Corrado Fara, and the Italian Sailing Federation national president, Francesco Ettorre, as a demonstration of how close the federation is to the Sardinia Grand Slam, both at the regional and national level. This year, kiteboarding made its Olympic debut, and Cagliari played a key role in the journey that brought us to Marseille. In the Kitefoil World Series, athletes compete with a different format than Formula Kite. Athletes come here to test, but with the freedom to choose their own equipment: these are materials that will be developed for future Olympics. Furthermore, on Sunday, we will crown the male and female world champions from here”.
Lorenzo Boschetti (Gruppo Sportivo Marina Militare) “I officially moved to Cagliari after spending five winters here. Last year I finished second here, after a long and exciting year. I aim to repeat and do even better — we are all here to win. We’ve started from scratch, with new materials and new formats, but there’s only one world champion”.
Giovanni Pilia (Associazione Sarda Paratetraplegici) “At the Sardinia Grand Slam, we will have the pleasure of promoting the ‘sit’n’kite’ activity. On Friday and Saturday, there will be a station for those who want to try it, hoping that Cagliari will soon be able to host a nationally significant event”.
SARDINIA GRAND SLAM 2024 – SCHEDULE
Tuesday, October 1st
4:00-6:00 p.m. Athlete registrations
6:30 p.m. Opening ceremony at Poetto Beach, Cagliari
7:30 p.m. Pasta party for athletes and guests
Wednesday, October 2nd
11:00 a.m. Races
Village activities
Thursday, October 3rd
11:00 a.m. Races
Village activities: Setup and positioning of Demo boards for SUP, testing by reservation / lessons with Istedda
Friday, October 4
09:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Village activities with Istedda Games / mini tour / courses. Activities will continue in the afternoon after the kite races.
11:00 AM: Races
Saturday, October 5
09:00 AM: Village activities (SUP/SAILING) with Istedda
09:45 AM: Long distance preparation An approximately 8 km long distance race with 3 buoys, which will be positioned based on wind/weather conditions. After the kite race: Event medal ceremony on the World Championship stage, with thanks to participants.
The Olympic rematch takes place in Sardinia with the second stage of the Kitefoil World Series next October 1st to 5th. Italian Olympic athletes Pianosi and Pescetto will take in the race, as well as Boschetti, Laporte, Marx and Paolillo
The kiteboarding family is “flying” full sail towards Cagliari. The Sardinian capital will host the Sardinia Grand Slam, the second and decisive round of the IKA Kitefoil World Series, from October 1st to 5th. Now in its eighth edition, this major autumn classic will bring as usual the top international stars of the discipline to the Golfo degli Angeli (Gulf of Angels), including several athletes back from the Olympic debut of kiteboarding at Paris 2024.
The frontrunner for victory is reigning World champion Maximilian Maeder. Winner of the 2023 Sardinia Grand Slam and bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympics, Maeder comes from the victories in the IKA KiteFoil World Series opening roung in Traunsee (Austria) and the Asian KiteFoil Championship in Daishan, China. By the way, the rival list is outstanding, starting with the European Formula Kite champion Axel Mazella, a two-time winner of the Sardinia Grand Slam (2019 and 2021), as well as the Italians.
The competitors will include Riccardo Pianosi, European and World vice-champion in Formula Kite and fourth at the Paris Olympics, and Lorenzo Boschetti, who has always had a special connection with the Gulf of Angels. Born in Marche and Emilia-Romagna respectively, both Italian talents live in Cagliari. Croatian Martin Dolenc and Frenchman Benoit Gomez, second and third in Austria, won’t leave no stone unturned to take the 2024 title.
The standout name in the Women field is 24-year-old French rider Jessie Kampman, another familiar face for the Italian kite enthusiasts, given her frequent presence in Cagliari in recent years. Silver medalist at the 2022 Europeans, she has shone this year by winning the French Olympic Week (ahead of Lauriane Nolot and Elly Aldridge) and securing bronze at the Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères, before debuting with a victory in the KiteFoil World Series first round in Traunsee. Another exciting sporting battle is expected with Swiss rider Elena Lengwiler and Israeli athlete Gal Zuckerman, who pushed Kampman hard in Austria. After taking in Paris 2024, Maggie Eillen Pescetto will give her best to climb the World Series ranking as well as Tiana Laporte.
At the sixth stop of Poetto Beach, October 1st will be dedicated to athlete registration and the opening ceremony. Opening Series’ races will take place from October 2nd to 4th, starting at 11 AM, along with the activities at Sardinia Grand Slam village. On Saturday, October 5th, the Medal Race will begin at 10 AM, followed by the award ceremony at 5 PM.
Promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Handicrafts and Commerce, the Sardinia Grand Slam is organized by GLEsport with the technical-sporting collaboration of Chia Wind Club and under the aegis of IKA (International Kiteboarding Association) and the FIV (Italian Sailing Federation), with the support and sponsorship of the Municipality of Cagliari, Departments of Sports and Tourism. Partners of the Sardinia Grand Slam include Playcar and USE.
Photos: 1) Action time at Sardinia Grand Slam 2023; 2) World champion Maximilian Maeder, winner in Cagliari last year; 3) Riccardo Pianosi, Worlds and European championships’ silver medallist, fourt at Paris 2024; 4) Jessie Kampman sailing in Traunsee in KiteFoil World Series’ opener; 5) Maggie Eillen Pescetto (right) in the action in Cagliari in 2023 (Credits Robert Hajduk/IKA Media).
Since 2012, Cagliari and Sardinia played a key role in the approach of the discipline to its Olympic premiere on Sunday, August 4th in the waters of Marseille. Next October 1st to 5th, Cagliari will host the Olympic revenge with the Sardinia Grand Slam and the IKA Kitefoil World Series
Kiteboarding is racing in full spring towards its debut at the Olympics on Sunday, August 4th in the Gulf of Marseille (France). At Paris 2024, Italy will be represented by Riccardo Pianosi among Men and Maggie Eillen Pescetto among Women. Sardinia and Cagliari will also enjoy this debut with special feelings: the Island and its capital, location of the first Kite Racing competition at a global level in 2012, played a key role toward the Olympic discipline of this spectacular sailing discipline.
Names (and faces) like Toni Vodisek and Maximilian Maeder, Daniela Moroz and Lauriane Nolot, passing through Axel Mazella, Denis Taradin, Gisela Pulido and Elly Aldridge are really familiar to Sardinia’s enthusiasts. These top athletes of the discipline punctually for some years now return to put on a show at the Sardinia Grand Slam, one of the most loved and appreciated events by the World’s champions.
After accompanying kiteboarding to its Olympic debut in Paris 2024, Cagliari and Sardinia continue on focusing on the great autumn classic in the Golfo degli Angeli. Second round of the IKA Kitefoil World Series, the Sardinia Grand Slam 2024 will be held from Tuesday to Saturday, October 1st-5th with headquarter at Poetto beach.
Now in its eighth edition, organized by GLEsport with the technical sports collaboration of Chia Wind Club and under the aegis of IKA (International Kiteboarding Association), the Sardinia Grand Slam shines among the Kitefoil World Series rounds. This year IKA’s prestigious competion will start in Austria, in Traunsee (September 4th-8th) to end in China at Pingtan Beach (October 29th-November 2nd).
Meanwhile there’s a lot of Sardinia in Paris. The Singaporean Maeder is the reigning champion of the Sardinia Grand Slam. The Slovenian Vodisek claimed the world title at Poetto in 2022, just like US’ Daniela Moroz, who triumphed in Cagliari on several occasions. French Mazella left his mark among Men both in 2019 and 2021, whilst Pianosi has been adopted by Cagliari. Sardinia’s capital is getting ready to cheer for him, in the hunt for a historic podium, in the historic Olympic debut of the kiteboarding.
The Sardinia Grand Slam – IKA Kitefoil World Series is an event promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Crafts and Commerce, with the support and patronage of the Municipality of Cagliari, Department of Sport, Leisure and Sports Facilities.
The Mistral fully kicked in for day four of the 2022 Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia. The wind was pumping from 15 up to 22 knots, with some really hard gusts coming off the Sardinian shore. Everyone came back off the water with a big story to tell. The adrenalin and the endorphins were still pumping through every rider’s body as they stepped back on to Poetto Beach while the ever-changing cloud colours scudded overhead.
The only thing that stopped Daniela Moroz in the four women’s gold fleet races was a UFD disqualification. In every race the American crossed the finish line in first place, and thanks to the discard the five-time World Champion still counts a perfect set of race wins. Always pushing her hard, however, was the new European Champion Lauriane Nolot (FRA) who won the race from which Moroz was disqualified, along with 3,2,2 in her other races.
BIG JUMP
The front two have a significant jump on the rest of the women’s fleet, making it very likely that Moroz and Nolot will earn the two automatic places in the four-rider final at the end of the competition this Sunday. Best of the rest after a really solid outing in gnarly conditions were Poema Newland (FRA) and Breiana Whitehead (AUS), the Australian proving that her stand-out performance at the recent Europeans was no fluke.
America’s Cup skipper and keen wingfoiler Jimmy Spithill was out watching the racing from an imposing black powerboat, and was cheering Moroz along from the sidelines. “I was sitting on Jimmy’s rib between races,” smiled Moroz, who has raced with Spithill on the Team USA foiling catamaran in the SailGP circuit. “It was nice to see him again because we hadn’t caught up since I was with him for the San Francisco SailGP event back in March. When I got the UFD Jimmy was like ‘No worries, just get on with the next one.’”
AN ‘INTERESTING’ COLOUR SCHEME
They also talked about the ‘love it or hate it’ colour scheme of the new AC40 launched by America’s Cup team Luna Rossa nearby in Cagliari the previous day. “I told him, I thought the colour scheme was a very interesting idea because it makes it harder to tell what the shape the boat is. Jimmy was saying they’re already having some Joker stickers printed up for it.”
As to the high-speed duel with Nolot, Moroz said: “I was having such a good time pushing with Lauriane and she made me work super hard on the downwind, she was always right behind me. We had a really good battle and we’re super tight on points now.”
THE TONI & MAX MATCH RACE
As with the women’s fleet, there was a duel between two stand-out riders in the men’s gold fleet. Toni Vodisek (SLO) and Max Maeder (SGP) won two races apiece, putting down a level of performance that the other 23 riders struggled to match.
Vodisek was overflowing with excitement after getting his kite down on to the beach. “That was a big day for everybody,” said the Slovenian. “I wanted to congratulate every competitor in every fleet out there because nothing was easy today.”
Earlier in the afternoon when the silver and bronze fleets were racing, a big black rain cloud loomed on the horizon. Even though one of the races was about to finish, it was abandoned in a bid to give maximum time for the riders to get upwind and back on to Poetto Beach. Some made it back to terra firma in the nick of time, others were still struggling to get back and were caught up in the worst of the 40 knots squall as it struck. Coach boats joined the rescue teams to help get every rider and piece of equipment back to the beach. Everyone was safe, no one injured, although a number of kites were damaged in the worst of the squall.
11 > 15
“I’m happy that everybody got out safe and no big incidents,” said Vodisek. As to his duel with Maeder. “He’s a legend in the sport, and it was great to push each other so hard. I was using my 15 square metre and it was too much. I pulled out of the last race as I wanted to preserve my kit. I should have been on the 11 square metre, but anyway, it was the right decision [to retire].”
Maeder agreed that Vodisek’s decision to use one of his discards to preserve his kite was the right move. “That was smart thinking by Toni,” said the Singaporean who jumped up from ninth to second overall today. “He is such a strong competitor and hats off to him. He’s a wonderful rider and I enjoyed our competition on the water today. The choice of going out on the 15 [in those conditions] I will never do again though. I am sure that I would have been more efficient on the 11 [square metre] and it would have been safer for me and for my fellow competitors. I won’t make that mistake again.”
HIGHWAY TO THE SCARY ZONE
The 16 year old admits that he does get scared when the board hits speeds of 37 knots or more. Today he hit a peak speed of 38 knots, although his all-time record is 43 knots on a board barely more than a metre long.
The best riders behind the front two were the Frenchmen Axel Mazella and Theo de Ramecourt who is the defending world champion. De Ramecourt was satisfied with his day after scores of 3,10,4,2 and he has closed the gap to Mazella to just three points.
LIVE: LAST DAY OF GOLD FLEET
Saturday sees the conclusion of gold fleet racing before the top 10 men and women go through to Sunday’s climactic Medal Series. Starting 1400 hours local time the gold fleet racing will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
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