Daniela Moroz going for fifth World title

The world’s fastest kiteboard racers are set to battle for the 2021 Formula Kite World Championships in the inaugural title fight of the Olympic cycle, on the Italian island of Sardinia.

On October 13-17, the biggest kitefoil fleet ever will go head-to-head on the flat waters off Torregrande, marking the start of the countdown to kiteboarding’s Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games.

National teams, larger and in greater numbers than ever, shrugged off the challenges of the pandemic to journey to Sardinia, the first steps in their quest for prized medals. Worldwide interest in kitefoil racing has exploded, transforming the event and the level of competition.

A total of 138 athletes—89 men and 49 women from 34 countries and six continents—will take to the water to battle for the the men’s and women’s world championship titles, contests given more piquancy by the pandemic enforced year’s break.

The reigning women’s champion, the US’s Daniela Moroz, is pumped to get the chance to defend her title. The 20-year-old hopes to make it a remarkable fifth successive crown, such is her dominance.

Different than previously though, this time Moroz is part of a US team of six athletes who have the support of two coaches and a physio, reflecting how the stakes have been raised by kiteboarding’s Olympic inclusion.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said Moroz. “I really want to make it five titles. But it’s a big field of girls and it’s so competitive. There are lots of new countries who have built up their teams, with so many new faces. It’s great for our sport. I feel super good, super prepared. But I definitely feel the pressure. It’ll be cool to see how the competition plays out.”

Race details – Entry list (Men / Women) – Facebook