The Freestyle Pro Tour (FPT) stop in Porto Pollo, Sardinia, delivered three action-packed days: from light winds at the start to perfect conditions on the final day, spectators and participants were treated to a true freestyle spectacle. The elite of freestyle windsurfing showed off their skills in various disciplines and age groups, with both established stars and up-and-coming talents shining.
Day 1 and 2: From calm to foil style
The first two days of the event were characterised by very light winds, which forced the organisers to find creative solutions. On the second day, the athletes took advantage of the rising breeze for a foil style super session. Four top riders competed against each other in this innovative format: Yentel Caers, Leander Halm, Steven van Broeckhoven and Maaike Huvermann. In a thrilling final, six-time world champion Steven van Broeckhoven ultimately came out on top by landing an impressive Kono Diablo, overtaking his rival Yentel Caers in the final metres.
Day 3: Tow-in action in a class of its own
The third day brought the long-awaited tow-in action: in two qualifying rounds, twelve riders battled it out for a place in the final. Maaike Huvermann, Jacopo Testa and local hero Rossel Bertoldo secured their tickets to the final in the first round. In the second group, Yentel Caers, Maarten Molenaar and the young Ercole Rosso-Chioso qualified for the final at sunset. In the final, Yentel Caers showed once again why he is one of the best freestyle windsurfers in the world. With two perfectly executed double air burners, scoring 10 and even 10.5 points, he came out on top. Rossel Bertoldo secured second place, followed by Jacopo Testa in third.
Day 4: Long-awaited windsurfing fireworks in all classes
The last day of the event finally brought the long-awaited wind conditions for full eliminations in all classes. With wind speeds of over 25 knots, the juniors, women and men were able to show their full potential on the last day. In the junior class, Cosmo Pezetti and Pier Bongianni fought a thrilling final. Pezetti secured victory with a spectacular no-handed burner, while Bongianni had to settle for second place despite impressive moves such as burners and culos.
Maaike Huvermann once again dominated the women's competition. With perfectly executed Spock Konos and Shove-It Spocks, she gave the competition no chance. Ziva Batis also put in a strong performance with Grubbies, Flakas and Spocks and secured second place ahead of newcomer Bijou Shahmirian.
Men's final: Caers crowned King of Sardinia
The men's final offered freestyle at the highest level. Yentel Caers and Jacopo Testa delivered an exciting duel. The local Testa, fuelled by his home advantage, performed double culos, an air kabikuchi and other moves with the highest level of difficulty. But Caers countered with an almost perfect heat, which was awarded 40 points. His combination of air funnel burner, double culos and a 7.4-point air bob culo secured him a well-deserved victory.
The event in Sardinia impressively demonstrated the development of freestyle windsurfing. Both established stars and young talents proved that the discipline remains lively and innovative. With the next FPT stop on Paros in just three weeks, the season promises to continue to deliver spectacular action.
Results FPT Sardinia 2025:
Juniors:
1. Cosmo Pezetti
2. Pier Bongianni
3. Ercole Rosso-Chioso
Women:
1. Maaike Huvermann
2. Ziva Batis
3. Bijou Shahmirian
Men:
1. Yentel Caers
2. Jacopo Testa
3. Steven van Broeckhoven
Tow-In:
1st Yentel Caers
2. Rossel Bertoldo
3. Jacopo Testa
Foilstyle Supersession:
Winner: Steven van Broeckhoven (Kono Diablo)
