Olympic bump at Formula Kite Worlds

The lure of Olympic glory has drawn the largest fleet in years—studded with all the world’s fastest kiteboard racers—eager to do battle on northern Italy’s spectacular Lake Garda at the 2019 Formula Kite World Championships on May 1 to 5.

A full complement of 87 men and an increased roster of 30 women, many of them novices in the high-octane discipline of kitefoil racing, will take to the track at Campione del Garda in five days of competition.

Last year’s decision to include mixed kiteboard team racing in the line-up for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has encouraged many young athletes from a total of 29 countries to join the fray to hone their skills and race-craft, with nations like Britain, Poland, and France showing impressive commitment.

The Formula Kite Worlds will be decided over four days of fleet racing action, with a clutch of reigning and former world title holders fighting it out at the top of the order. The regatta will crown the world champions after the men do battle in qualifying and finals’ series, while the women fight it out separately in their own series.

The stunning panorama of snow-capped mountains framing the lake’s crystal-clear waters will serve as a fitting tapestry to find the world champions at the event being hosted by Campione Univela.

Defending three-time women’s Formula Kite title holder, the US’s Daniela Moroz, still just 18, will have to see off challenges from her new young rivals as well as seasoned former champions Russia’s Elena Kalinina, Britain’s Steph Bridge, and France’s Alexia Fancelli.

France’s Nico Parlier, the current men’s champion, will be defending his crown against bitter rival and former title holder, Monaco’s Maxime Nocher. Reigning European Formula Kite champion, Britain’s Guy Bridge, will undoubtedly push the pair all the way, while his returning brother, Olly, can never be ruled out in the hunt for podium positions.

Towards mid-regatta, one day will be given over to testing the Mixed Kite event format for the Paris 2024 Olympics. While new to Formula Kite, the concept of a team relay race of one man and one woman promises to be an intriguing and challenging match-up for the world’s best kiteboard foil racers.

Event details – Men’s information – Women’s information

Source: IKA