Day one delivered glamour racing for the young kitefoilers on Hangloose beach! On-shore wind at the beginning of the day resulted in a slight delay, as the fleet waited for the classic north-westerly breeze that Gizzeria is so famous for, to kick in. While the wind flicked right, the atmosphere was buzzing as 86 riders from around the world started to jump into action.
Asia on fire!
Max Maeder from Singapore and Qibin Huang from China got off to a sensational start to the regatta.
Both riders showed that they mean business with some hefty leads ahead of the rest of the pack in their respective fleets. Having known each other since they were both 10 years old in 2016, the two are not just rivals, but longtime friends.
Both riders finished the day tied at the top of the leaderboard with straight bullets, and no doubt on the hunt for 4 more tomorrow.
A triumphant trio
Behind the two Asians, three riders were battling it out for third. Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi, German rider Jan Voerster and Brazil’s up and coming rider Lucas Fonseca, all finished the day tied, on points made up of an impressively consistent mix of results for the three riders.
Poland vs. France round 2
Flying out of the blocks was Magda Woyciechoska, the young Polish riderwho claimed 2 of today’s 4 bullets, unfortunately ending the day with a tangle with fellow teammate Nina Arcisz. This opened the door for Youth European Champion Heloise Pegourie (FRA) to take the final bullet of the day, also finishing the day with two bullets.
After a close finish at the European Championships, the two riders are here for more! “I was sad to finish the day on a tangle and break my kite, but at least it means I get to bring out my orange 21m VMG!” said Woyciechoska, putting a positive spin on things as always, while Heloise reflected on the day: “The first races I wasn’t feeling well so I didn’t manage to push very hard. But on the third race I found the strength to push harder managed two bullets which I’m very happy about! Now I am very tired and even did a protest!”
