The first day of competition at the iQFOiL International Games in Cádiz presented the 240 participating athletes from 32 nations with an enormous challenge. With winds of between 15 and 25 knots from the south-west, wind direction changes of up to 30 degrees and a wave height of 3 to 5 metres, the starters in the Senior, U19 and U17 classes had to give it their all.
The British bronze medallist from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Emma Wilson, came out on top in the women's event. With three race wins and a second place as a scratch result, she put in an impressive performance. Israeli athletes Shahar Tibi and Tamar Steinberg followed in second and third place.
Britain's Finn Hawkings leads the men's field, closely followed by Australian Olympic silver medallist Grae Morris. American Noah Lyons completes the provisional podium. Morris was satisfied after the races, but self-critical: "It was pretty windy and wavy with rain showers, and no two races were the same. You really had to be on your guard. I think I did quite well and was pretty consistent, although I had a few crashes."
Strong start for Yfke Van Der Meer and Kylian Manhaval
In the U19 class, Yfke Van Der Meer from the Netherlands dominated the girls and Frenchman Kylian Manhaval the boys. Van Der Meer won all three of the races held, while Manhaval even took four victories in a row. Polish star Zofia Zarzecka and Frenchwoman Jade Boyer-Gibaud took second and third place in the girls' race. In the boys' category, Switzerland's Robin Zeley and France's Titouan Dizet finished level on points in second and third place.
The youngest participants in the U17 class also showed impressive performances in the difficult conditions. Poland's Julia Przybyl leads the girls' category after three wins in four races. Her compatriot Kalina Szostek and Anna Korevaar from the Netherlands follow in second place. Dutchmen Finn Brüll and Merlijn Boswijk dominate the boys' classification ahead of Italian Lorenzo Maroadi.
Finn Brüll was thrilled after their successes: "We had an incredible day on the water! I managed to win three races - it was crazy out there with strong winds, big waves and great energy!"
From Germany, Max Körner (35th place), Lenny Friemel (49th place) and Tjalve Böttger (61st place) are taking part in the men's event, while there is no German participation in the women's field - Theresa Steinlein and Alica Stuhlemmer are currently training in Mallorca. Paul Regber is in 24th place in the U19 rankings, Nils Präger and Erik Wehkamp are in 28th and 29th place, Eddie Burger is in 44th place.
