Preview of the European Windsurfing LT Championships: Three Olympic champions at Lake Attersee
Alois Mühlegger
· 20.05.2026
The fact that a sailing club is organising a European Windsurfing LT Championship is somewhat unusual. However, club president Michael Farthofer is particularly pleased that the Union Yacht Club Attersee in the Austrian Salzkammergut can welcome three former Olympic windsurfing champions to the starting line.
Among the 128 starters who have registered on the entry list until 6 May, the first Olympic champion from 1984 (Los Angeles) in windsurfing, Stephan van den Berg, will play a dominant role, as the Dutchman has already won a title or two even after the new introduction of the modernised Windsurfer LT 2018. Just like local Chris Sieber, who won in his weight class on Lake Garda in 2019. The Austrian sensationally won the gold medal in Sydney in 2000, as did New Zealander Bruce Kendall in South Korea in 1988.
Top line-up with world champions and Olympic stars
In addition to the three gold stars, the list of participants also includes several former Olympic, European and world champions. Thomas Wallner, who competed in South Korea in 1988, also stands out from the pleasingly large Austria team (11 starters). Neighbouring country Italy, normally always represented with the most riders, has entered Fabio Balini as former world champion. Holland, this time represented by over 30 people and therefore the strongest team, is bringing along Anita Jansen, a surfer who was very successful in the 80s. France is entering the races with the strong Eric Belot and former champion Herve Borde, while Germany (26) has the most successful surfers in Dirk Meyer (1984 and 1988 Olympics) and 2019 Jumbo World Champion and Frank Spöttel (4th place in the 1989 and 1990 World Windsurfing Championships and Masters World Champion).
Internationally, the field is divided into four weight groups (men) and the women, who compete in three disciplines (course race, marathon, slalom). Freestyle, which has been part of the programme since 1976, will be the fourth discipline outside the races. In addition to the four strongest nations, there will also be participants from Finland, the Czech Republic, England, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark and overseas (Australia, USA, South Africa) at Lake Attersee.
Supporting programme and culinary highlights
Even before the first race, the programme of culinary delights that the UYCAs will be serving up to the participants is completely unusual but very lucrative. From tarte flambée at the opening to a roast in the Reine (dinner) and Italian food (lasagne/salad) as well as a three-course menu plus a few other things, hardly anyone will leave the table hungry. Everyone will take home a personalised Lycra as a souvenir of the European Championships.
There are even rental boards available for participants who are travelling from further afield and do not require board transport. And if the forecast northerly or north-easterly wind should weaken, there are a number of alternative sports (e.g. volleyball, SUP) on offer on the UYCA grounds.
It starts on Tuesday, 26 May with registration, equipment check and weigh-in, the races start from Wednesday, 27 May to Sunday, 31 May, daily from 10 a.m., the award ceremony after the last of the maximum of 10 course races plus marathon and slalom.
