Daniela Moroz wins sixth World title

Daniela Moroz (USA) won her sixth consecutive Formula Kite World title at the 2022 Championship held October 11-16 in Cagliari, Italy. One hundred fifty riders from 44 countries competed in men’s and women’s divisions, with Toni Vodisek (SLO) taking the men’s title.

After qualifying races advanced the top riders to the Gold Fleet, it was then the focus to finish in the top ten to advance to the Medal Race Series. As the top qualifiers, both Moroz and Vodisek had an easier route to the title, needing to win just one more race for the crown (see format).

Moroz made it look easy as she foiled to victory in the one and only race in the women’s final. Vodisek (SLO) crashed out of his first finals race, with Max Maeder (SGP) pulling all square for race two. This time Maeder crashed and Vodisek seized his chance, winning the world title with the 16-year-old Maeder in second and Axel Mazella (FRA) moved to third after defending world champion and Theo de Ramecourt (FRA) was disqualified for starting too soon.

Poetto Beach saved its best for last, with strong onshore winds and challenging waves for the finale. Combined with the past six days which produced all kinds of conditions, the battle for the men’s and women’s world titles were a true test of all-round ability.

Out of the start in the first race of the final, the two stand-out performers of 2022 leapt out to an early lead. Lauriane Nolot (FRA) took a narrow advantage ahead of Moroz on the approach to the windward mark, but then a Nolot crash gave Moroz a lead she would extend until the finish. Victory to Moroz, silver for Nolot and bronze for Ellie Aldridge (GBR).

“Those were great conditions today, I felt pretty comfortable in the waves,” Moroz said. “I’ve had to work harder than ever this year and the level is going to keep on going up. I’m super happy to have won here.”

After an unbroken five-year streak of victories in all events came to an end earlier this year, Moroz’s sheen of invincibility was broken. Nolot has become a real threat to the American’s strong grip on the top of the fleet, so for Moroz this was a sweet victory to be back on top for the biggest event of the year.

Details: https://www.formulakite.org/2022worlds