GWA Wingfoil Racing World Cup 2024 in Jericoacoara, Brazil
by WingFoil Racing World Cup 28 Nov 05:53 PST
3-7 December 2024
GWA Wingfoil Racing World Cup 2024 in Jericoacoara, Brazil © IWSA Media
The WingFoil Racing World Cup in Brazil is set to kick off in less than a week, featuring five days of thrilling foiling races from December 3 to 7. This marks the third consecutive year that the World Cup season will conclude in Jericoacoara, a paradise for wind-driven watersports.
The event will showcase five days of both long-distance and short-course racing from Vila Kalango in the beautiful beach town of Jericoacoara, located in northern Brazil. Who among the competitors will bring cutting-edge wing gear to the windy race course? Defending world champions Mathis Ghio and Maddalena Spanu will be among those competing. This is the final event of the 2024 season, with world titles to be awarded in Brazil.
Positioned near the Equator, Jericoacoara consistently offers warm weather and reliable winds during this time of year.
Mathis Ghio (FRA), the defending men’s champion, aims for a third consecutive title but will face stiff competition from the rapidly improving Polish rider Kamil Manowiecki (POL), who has been training closely with Ghio’s Ozone team. Manowiecki, a former Olympic windsurfer, has already claimed victory at this season’s previous event held in Sardinia just a month ago.
In addition to Manowiecki, Ghio faces strong competition from several French and Italian competitors, including Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo, who is among the top contenders for a podium finish.
Last year, Italian teenager Maddalena Spanu secured her first world title in the women’s division. This year, she is vying for another title but will have to contend with Spanish teenager Nia Suardiaz, who is having an exceptional season. If Suardiaz wins in Jericoacoara, she would be the third different woman to clinch the overall title in as many seasons.
Similarly, following in Manowiecki’s footsteps, Karolina Kluszczynska from Poland is emerging as a formidable contender as her skills and speed improve under tougher conditions.
New Innovations
With competitors allowed a diverse array of equipment and ongoing innovations surfacing each month, who will unveil the game-changing gear crucial for racing success? A year ago, French rider Julien Rattotti was among the pioneers to race with a double-profile Gong wing, showcasing exceptional speed and tracking ability, especially during long-distance races’ upwind sections.
Since then, several riders have adopted alternative versions of this double-skin technology, learning to optimize angles on downwind runs for enhanced speed and improved VMG. Manufacturers are continually producing new foils, boards, and wings, leading to notable advancements in performance and techniques.
An Open Format of Opportunities
The WingFoil Racing World Cup challenges riders with various short and long-distance formats, having introduced the ‘Golden Ticket’ race format in Jericoacoara a year ago.
During that event, Venezuela’s Gollito Estredo triumphed in the long-distance race on the final day, securing a last-minute spot in the 10-rider medal rounds. Gollito then powered through the knockout stages to clinch a bronze medal by the day’s end.
This format ensures the competition remains unpredictable until the final moments of the regatta.
A Notable Competitor
Among the participants to watch is Erik Scheidt, son of the legendary Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt, who resides further south in Brazil. Although Erik may not contend for the top rankings, he will undoubtedly gain invaluable experience competing against the world’s elite athletes.
Jericoacoara is poised for an exhilarating showdown to cap off another exciting season, with riders frequently exceeding 30 knots of speed on the racecourse.
Men’s Series Standings
1. Mathis Ghio, FRA
2. Kamil Manowiecki, POL
3. Francesco Cappuzzo, ITA
4. Julien Rattotti, FRA
5. Oscar Leclair, FRA
6. Bastien Escofet, FRA
7. Alessandro Jose Tomasi, ITA
8. Nicolo Spanu, ITA
9. Mateo Dussarps, FRA
10. Luca Franchi, ITA
Women’s Series Standings
1. Nia Suardiaz, ESP
2. Maddalena Spanu, ITA
3. Karolina Kluszcynska, POL
4. Iset Segura, ESP
5. Orane Ceris, FRA
6. Marta Monge, ITA
7. Charlotte Baruzzi, ITA
8. Wai Yan Ngai, HKG
9. Cindy Robert Mauron, SUI
10. Emilia Kosti, GRE
Additional Information and Results
