2024 Wingfoil Racing World Cup Italy Day 2: Maximum heart rate and races called off
by WingFoil Racing World Cup 17 Oct 13:03 PDT
16-20 October 2024
Sheng and Xinlan from China are bringing what they’ve learned about wingfoil racing back to their club, From Wing to Win – 2024 Wingfoil Racing World Cup Italy © IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
A very compact racecourse and new 6.5-meter double-profile wings failed to assist nearly half the men’s and women’s fleets on the second day, as several riders became stuck up to their knees, hoping for a gust to start foiling in the six- to eight-knot winds.
Following two consistent distance races on Wednesday that divided the men’s fleet into three factions, Thursday appeared promising for some close, small fleet racing. The race committee noted the lowest wind conditions for competition and did their utmost to ensure fair starts, successfully completing two races for men and two for women.
Cancelled Races
However, despite the race committee’s diligent efforts, fewer than half of the male participants managed to finish the races, and both women’s races were ultimately called off.
Light Wind Masterclass
A small number of women and men managed to stay on their foils and delivered a masterclass in foiling under light winds. Unfortunately, the unpredictable winds on a choppy sea eliminated several competitors, leaving many riders unable to even start the race.
“I have trained extensively in light conditions because I hail from Nice. I believe it really helped me in these circumstances,” stated Julien Rattotti of France, who won both races in his category, utilizing a relatively small Gong 5.5-meter wing characterized by its cutting-edge double-profile, featuring an additional membrane underneath that creates a streamlined, low-drag design.
“It’s quite physical,” Rattotti explained. “In such a race, our heart rate goes beyond 180 BPM (beats per minute). One cannot think strategically about tacking or the overall strategy. It’s incredibly tough.”
Rattotti concluded the day overall in first place, winning a tiebreaker against his compatriot Mathis Ghio, who is in second place. Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki also had a standout performance on day two, securing victories in both his races, placing him third overall.
Even though the women began two races, neither counted, so the overall rankings from Wednesday’s extensive races remain unchanged. The difficult choice to abandon the initial race was made since only a few women were foiling during the start sequence.
“I think this was the lightest I’ve ever raced in, perhaps six knots,” remarked Nia Suardiaz of Spain, who secured third in the second race. “My goal was simply to stay on my foil. Thank goodness we had a boat; otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it to the race.”
Embracing Foiling
Although Lin Xinlan of China did not start any races on Thursday, she is here to gain experience. “I aim to achieve a higher ranking [in the World Cup],” stated Xinlan, who only took up wing foiling six months ago. “I’m learning so much from all the folks here in Italy.”
Her teammate, Yin ‘Ananas’ Sheng, noted the rapid growth of wingfoil racing in China. “There are over 200 wingfoilers in China, and more than 30 at my club,” said Sheng, who mentioned that there were only a few wingfoilers at their club “From Wing to Win” last year. Last year, Sheng visited New Zealand to surf and race alongside his sponsor, one of the foiling pioneers, Army Armstrong of Armstrong foils.
Despite the disappointing conditions and the abandoned women’s races, organizers still have three days ahead to develop a regatta leading to a medal series.
In a sport that is rapidly evolving, with new prototype wing and foil designs showcased each day, there is certainly potential for innovative equipment that can navigate even the unstable and gentle breezes we are currently experiencing in Cagliari.
Races over the weekend will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
Results Men:
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
Results Women:
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
