2024 Wingfoil Racing World Cup Italy Day 1: Cramped arms and lost leaders leave French on top
by WingFoil Racing World Cup 16 Oct 14:19 PDT
16-20 October 2024
Rattotti triumphs in race 1 amid drama – 2024 Wingfoil Racing World Cup © IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
The inaugural day of the Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Italy was filled with drama as competitors endured two challenging long-distance races that had them shaking their arms to revitalize cramping forearms.
A sailor grimaced at a bleeding foot as riders navigated through the turbulent waters created by the start boat racing at over 30 knots, and a misplaced leader took a group off course.
The six-mile races were nearly five times longer than typical Wingfoil races, marking a significant departure that factors into fleet rankings for the upcoming stage of the competition on Thursday.
Racing the Rabbit
The large fleet consisted of 82 riders, combining both women’s and men’s groups. The races, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, are distinct in wingfoil racing.
An even more unique aspect was the high-speed “rabbit” start, where a motorboat speeds down the starting line, forcing all riders to tuck behind it as they aim for the first mark. This thrilling experience benefits both boat drivers and riders, ensuring a uniform start.
Men Miss the Mark
French sailor Julien Rattotti secured victory in the first race despite being just behind the leading pack that inadvertently rounded a non-racing mark and headed for the finish line incorrectly halfway through the third leg.
Eight male riders made this unfortunate mistake, including notable favorites like Bastian Escofet.
By the conclusion of the second long-distance race, Rattotti dropped to second overall, with tour leader Mathis Ghio claiming the final long-distance race by nearly a minute. Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki demonstrated impressive consistency, finishing in third overall without crashing, a notable achievement for a rider who began using competitive gear just a year ago.
“The first race was chaotic for me as I got tangled with a plastic bag at the first mark,” Manowiecki recounted, racing closely with the top five. “It’s incredibly tight now. Each of us in the top five is aiming for first place.”
Unstoppable with New Gear
The leading women trailed the men by about four minutes in each long-distance race, with the first four racing close together heading into the final leg.
France’s Manon Pianazza, ranked 38th globally, is in front. She powered through both races, finishing first, while Poland’s Karolina Kluszczynska secured a perfect pair of second-place finishes and stands in second. Women’s tour leader Nia Suardiaz of Spain recovered from a slow start to claim third overall.
“I wasn’t really comfortable during the reach; it was quite nerve-wracking,” Pianazza said. “I was really fast upwind—that’s my secret. I used new gear for this competition. Thanks to Oscar Leclair, who lent me the wing. I’m seeking sponsorship. I didn’t train much as I lacked gear, but I needed a boost since the last competition, and I got that today.”
Riders were shaking their arms to restore circulation in their cramping forearms, and exhaustion and frustration were evident among those on shore.
Tomorrow, competitors will be divided into three equally skilled fleets for short track races. All participants will likely focus on carbohydrate loading and retire early, as they face another demanding day in Cagliari.
This weekend’s races will be broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook.
Men’s Results:
1. Mathis Ghio FRA
2. Julien Rattotti FRA
3. Kamil Manowiecki POL
4. Francesco Cappuzzo ITA
5. Nicolo Spanu ITA
6. Alessandro Jose Tomasi ITA
7. Alan Fedit FRA
8. Freddie Strawson GBR
9. Jeremiah McDonald NZL
10. Yannik Holste GER
Women’s Results:
1. Manon Pianazza FRA
2. Karolina Kluszczynska 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
