iQFOiL Games Lanzarote: Finn Hawkins regains the lead, Emma Wilson unchallenged

After two days with sprint formats and changing conditions the third day of the iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote marked a clear turning point. Stronger winds and the classic course racing format fundamentally changed the tactical requirements and shook up the rankings. The wind shifted further to the right and stabilised in the north. The conditions were between twelve and 16 knots, with peaks close to 18 knots - full-throttle racing! The strategy focussed almost exclusively on the right-hand side of the course, which reduced the tactical options and forced the field into a narrow corridor. The starts and first cross courses became decisive moments where hardly any mistakes were allowed - there were always intense duels!

The swell also developed very differently compared to the previous days. While the short, steep waves subsided, the athletes had to cope with long swells. The conditions proved to be particularly challenging on the downwind courses. Choosing the right line and precise foil control became decisive factors for fast times. The changing conditions played into the hands of some athletes, while others were unable to play to their strengths. The classic course racing format rewarded consistency and tactical discipline more than the sprint formats of the first two days. The athletes had to completely adapt their strategy and show that they were competitive in different formats.

Emma Wilson extends her lead in the women's competition

In the women's field, Emma Wilson from Great Britain continued her run and defended her overall lead after three days of competition. The Briton performed strongly in all conditions and consistently collected points. Sharon Kantor from Israel also held steady in second place and confirmed her performance across various formats. The biggest movement in the front field came from Marta Maggetti. The Italian climbed to third place on the provisional podium and benefited from the course racing format. Tamar Steinberg from Israel, who was still second after the first day and in third place after the second day, slipped just off the podium at the end of the third day and was now in fourth place. Theresa Steinlein is now in sixth place after finishing 8th, 12th and 10th in the day's three course races, while Sophia MEyer climbed to 15th place with a strong seventh place in the final race of the day. The gaps in the women's field remained narrow, meaning that the upcoming races could still bring significant shifts.

Hawkins took the lead in the men's race

There was a lot of movement in the men's rankings due to the course racing. Finn Hawkins from Great Britain returned to the top and showed strong form in conditions that rewarded consistency and tactical discipline. Nicolas Goyard from France delivered a solid performance and moved up to second overall. The Frenchman seemed to have waited patiently for the course racing and consistently utilised his strengths in this format. His compatriot Yun Pouliquen maintained his momentum and defended third place in the overall standings. Federico Pilloni from Italy, who was still leading the overall standings after the second day, experienced a difficult day. The Italian dropped back to ninth place and had to fight for a return to the podium in the upcoming races. Lenny Friemel is now the best German in 38th place.