2024 WingFoil Racing World Cup Brazil – Overall
by Andy Rice 7 Dec 16:32 PST
3-7 December 2024
Start of the Golden Ticket long distance race – 2024 WingFoil Racing World Cup Brazil © IWSA media/ Robert Hajduk
The final day of the Sol Wingfoil Racing World Cup Brazil saw an exciting conclusion as victories piled up. Strong winds filled Jericoacoara, providing optimal Brazilian conditions for the end of a thrilling 2024 season.
In the women’s category, Nia Suardiaz emerged victorious for both the event and the season, marking her as the third different rider to seize the world title in the last three years.
Conversely, Mathis Ghio has secured all three men’s world titles since this sport’s inception in 2022. While Ghio was dominant last year, the rapidly improving Polish competitor Kamil Manowiecki posed a tough challenge this season. After clinching his first tour victory in Sardinia a month ago, Manowiecki’s win today in Jericoacoara underlines his rise and burgeoning confidence.
Super Stoked
“It’s been an incredible day,” Suardiaz exclaimed as she strolled along Jericoacoara beach, relishing her double victory. “I’m super excited and thankful to the organizers for this event, and for the support from my family and sponsors.”
The Spaniard had a fierce competition with the previous World Champion, Maddalena Spanu, during the two-lap course. However, Suardiaz outpaced the Italian with her speed on the downwind legs, securing the Finals in a single heat.
After a lengthy wait on the water for a men’s Semi-Final, the women’s race concluded in the blink of an eye. “We had a long wait on the water,” Suardiaz mentioned. “It was amazing to see Nico [Spanu] win his semi-finals. Although the wait was lengthy, it was totally worth it.”
Suardiaz: “Studies Can Wait!”
Suardiaz – who travels globally, participating in wingfoiling events – admitted she has fallen behind in her studies. “I’ll be reaching out to my teachers this afternoon as I’m quite behind, but I don’t care. I want to celebrate and enjoy today.”
Finishing second to Suardiaz in both the event and overall season was Maddalena Spanu. In third place in Jeri was Mar De Arce Sanchez from Spain. For her first Wingfoil World Cup, the 21-year-old from Tarifa delivered a phenomenal performance, and we can expect to see more of her in 2025. Third in the overall standings was Poland’s Karolina Kluszczynska.
Pole Position
Kamil Manowiecki started the day on top in the men’s fleet. The Polish rider needed just one race win in the final to secure victory. Francesco Cappuzzo was his closest competitor, also qualifying automatically from the week’s events.
Defending World Champion Mathis Ghio faced the unusual challenge of competing in Semi Final A to earn his place in the Final. The Frenchman managed to do so with ease, but it raised the question of whether he could win three races in the Final.
As they reached the top of the course on the second lap, Ghio had a narrow lead over Manowiecki, but the Frenchman had to tack twice, allowing the Polish competitor to perfectly judge his lay line and take the lead, maintaining it until the finish line. Match point went to Poland with Manowiecki’s second consecutive victory on the 2024 tour.
Gaps are Closing Up
Despite finishing third in Jeri behind Manowiecki and Cappuzzo, Ghio secured his third consecutive world title, remaining the only male to have claimed a Wingfoil Racing World Championship. However, Manowiecki is riding a wave of momentum for next season. “I’m thrilled to win here, but there’s more ahead,” he stated. “Next year, I’m going for the full tour, aiming for the world title.”
Many others also have their sights set on the next year’s title. “We are getting closer,” Cappuzzo smiled. After two losses to Manowiecki this season, Ghio vowed to intensify his training for a fourth world title in 2025. “I’ll be training hard through the winter and planning to return stronger next season,” he added. “In this sport, everything evolves quickly, so you must continually push for more.”
Golden Tickets for France
Earlier in the day, most of the fleet raced in the Golden Ticket long distance event to secure the last of ten positions in the medal series. Kylie Belloeuvre, who has been largely absent from the season, showcased her past skills to earn her place in the Semi-Finals.
The men’s race remained intense until the very end, with Venezuela’s Gollito Estredo appearing set to replicate his Golden Ticket success from 2023 before crashing just under a minute from the finish. Jeremiah McDonald nearly claimed the spot for New Zealand but crashed as well, paving the way for France’s Matteo Dusarps to earn the Golden Ticket.
Spanu Prevails in the Semis
Although Belloeuvre and Dusarps did not progress further, all competitors recognized the opportunity that the Golden Ticket provided for competing for the top prizes on the final day. The remarkable contest in Men’s Semi Final B featured four riders winning races. Despite three of them being on match point, it was Nicolo Spanu who kept his composure to win the subsequent race and secure his place in the final. The Italian displayed excellent sailing to finish fourth overall, just behind World Champion Mathis Ghio.
Thus concludes the 2024 season, and the 2025 tour kicks off with a first-time event in Morocco, set to take place in Dakhla this March.
Event Results Men
1. Kamil Manowiecki POL
2. Francesco Cappuzzo ITA
3. Mathis Ghio FRA
4. Nicolo Spanu ITA
5. Alessandro Jose’ Tomasi ITA
6. Julien Rattotti FRA
7. Bastien Escofet FRA
8. Oscar Leclair FRA
9. Romain Ghio FRA
10. Mateo Dussarps FRA
Event Results Women
1. Nia Suardiaz ESP
2. Maddalena Spanu ITA
3. Mar De Arce Sanchez ESP
4. Orane Ceris FRA
5. Iset Segura ESP
6. Marta Monge ITA
7. Karolina Kluszczynska POL
8. Bowien Van Der Linden NED
9. Paloma Gutierrez BRA
10. Kylie Belloeuvre FRA
Tour Results Men
1. Mathis Ghio FRA
2. Kamil Manowiecki POL
3. Francesco Cappuzzo ITA
Tour Results Women
1. Nia Suardiaz ESP
2. Maddalena Spanu ITA
3. Karolina Kluszczynska POL
More information and results available here.
