The wind gods were once again in favour of the participants at the legendary Mondial du Vent in Leucate. For six days, the best wingfoilers in the world competed in exciting duels in the FreeFly slalom format. From 16 to 21 April, 30 men and 18 women competed against each other in the FreeFly slalom discipline. After seven intensive qualification rounds over four days, the favourites emerged to fight for the coveted podium places in the finals.
To ensure equal opportunities for all participants, the slalom course was redesigned several times. This provided both regular and goofy-footed riders with optimal conditions. On the final day of the competition, the eight best men and six best women who had prevailed in the qualifying rounds faced each other.
Cappuzzo comes out on top in the men's competition
Italy's Francesco Cappuzzo showed impressive dominance in the men's competition. The reigning 2024 world champion had already won four of the seven qualifying rounds and thus secured a direct starting place in the final. There he faced Frenchman Bastien Escofet, among others, who had also impressed in all qualifying rounds.
In ideal conditions with 15 to 18 knots of Tramontana wind and in front of numerous spectators on the beach, a thrilling final unfolded. Cappuzzo got off to a brilliant start and gave the competition no chance. Julien Rattotti from France surprised everyone with a strong race to catch up and secured second place ahead of his compatriot Escofet. Alessandro Tomasi from Italy completed the podium in fourth place.
Suardiaz defends women's title
Spain's Nia Suardiaz came out on top in the women's field. The 2023 and 2024 world champion proved her worth, after she had already triumphed in the freestyle discipline a few days agoShe also showed her class in the FreeFly slalom and claimed her first victory of the new season. In a thrilling final run, she initially had to let the Frenchwoman Kylie Belloeuvre, who got off to the best start, go. But Suardiaz skilfully countered, took the lead up to the second mark and never relinquished it until the finish. Belloeuvre secured second place ahead of the Spaniard Mar de Arce. Austria's Viola Lippitsch, who had qualified for the final with a strong performance, finished in fourth place.
The 2025 wingfoil season got off to a promising start with this brilliant start in Leucate-La Franqui. Francesco Cappuzzo and Nia Suardiaz have impressively underlined their ambitions to defend the title. However, the strong performances of their rivals give hope for an exciting season in which there could still be a few surprises. The next stages of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup will show whether the dominance of the defending champions will continue or whether other athletes can turn the tide. The slalom racers will continue on the Costa Brava at the end of June.
Results of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Leucate - FreeFly Slalom
Gentlemen:
- Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
- Julien Rattotti (FRA)
- Bastien Escofet (FRA)
- Alessandro Tomasi (ITA)
Ladies:
- Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
- Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)
- Mar de Arce (ESP)
- Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
Manuel Vogel
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