2024 KiteFoil World Series Sardinia – Overall
by Andy Rice, IKA 5 Oct 12:52 PDT
2-5 October 2024
Jessie Kampman and Max Maeder each secured double victories at the KiteFoil World Series Sardinia © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk
Max Maeder and Jessie Kampman were crowned champions at Poetto Beach after clinching the men’s and women’s titles on a windy final day at the Kitefoil World Series Sardinia.
The concluding day of competition kicked off with the Golden Ticket race, a single long-distance challenge to determine the last male and female competitors for the 10-rider medal series.
A Challenging Day
Brazil’s Lucas Fonseca made an impressive start on port tack ahead of most of the fleet and crossed the finish line first, only to realize he had been UFD disqualified for a premature start. Germany’s Flo Gruber capitalized on the gusts and shifts near the shore to secure his spot in the men’s repechage, while Croatia’s Marija Dolenc seized the women’s Golden Ticket.
During the subsequent knockout rounds, it became evident who possessed the speed, tactics, and mental strength to secure one of the final four spots.
Portugal’s Rising Star
Mafalda Pires de Lima made notable progress through the repechage and quarter-finals and looked set to secure a place in the women’s final. However, she miscalculated a port-starboard scenario with Israel’s Gal Zukerman during the final upwind leg of the semi-final, eliminating her from further contention.
In the women’s final, France’s Jessie Kampman began on match point after winning the earlier series over the previous three days. The wearer of the yellow bib quickly took the lead and held it to the finish line.
After a long season filled with triumphs and challenges, Kampman emerged as the titleholder in Sardinia, marking her first-ever Kitefoil World Series Championship. Silver and bronze medals were earned by Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler and Italy’s Maggie Pescetto, who celebrated her first medal in a Kitefoil World Series event.
Outstanding Performer
In the men’s final, Switzerland’s rising star Gian Stragiotti pushed Max Maeder fiercely until the finish. Nevertheless, Maeder remained steadfast, claiming an early lead from the start line and securing victory in a single race. Experienced Frenchman Axel Mazella captured the silver medal, while Stragiotti’s bronze was a remarkable accomplishment for the rapidly improving 17-year-old.
Rather than focusing on his own triumph, Maeder highlighted Stragiotti’s performance. “For me, Gian was the MVP [Most Valuable Player] of this regatta; he sailed exceptionally well and deserves his success,” stated Maeder, who is just a year older than his Swiss competitor and friend. He has quickly returned to training and racing following the pressures of competing at the Olympic Games, where he earned a bronze medal for Singapore. “I’m just happy to be back practicing and competing, doing what we love. And it’s always wonderful to return to Sardinia,” he remarked.
Kampman’s Big Breakthrough
While Maeder has captured numerous titles in his brief career, this victory stands as Kampman’s largest achievement to date. “Winning is nice, but racing in these conditions is even better. We’ve used all kite sizes this week, and it’s exhilarating to race in a variety of wind,” she stated.
After years of dedicated racing, Kampman is changing direction as she heads to Cape Town, South Africa, to work at a law firm for a few months. “We live in a bubble while doing what we love in kiting,” she explained. “I cherish it, and we’re fortunate to be in this bubble, but even when you love what you do, it’s essential to explore other aspects of life.” Kampman aims to return to the kitefoiling circuit next year.
Maeder’s and Kampman’s wins in Sardinia secured their places as overall champions of the 2024 series. Although this concludes the Kitefoil World Series for this season, the circuit will soon continue further north in Sardinia at Torregrande for the Formula Kite Youth European Championship.
Men’s Results
1. Max Maeder, SGP – GOLD
2. Axel Mazella, FRA – SILVER
3. Gian Stragiotti, SUI – BRONZE
Women’s Results
1. Jessie Kampman, FRA – GOLD
2. Elena Lengwiler, SUI – SILVER
3. Maggie Pescetto, ITA – BRONZE
Complete results can be found here
