The 2025 Formula Kite European Championships are set to bring high-stakes competition and fresh challenges as the world's top riders take to the waters of Urla, Türkiye. With the first senior title of the new Olympic quad up for grabs, this championship marks a critical moment in the evolution of the sport.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Giorgia Speciale joins the competition in Turkiye
Shifts in the Landscape
Over the past few months, classic regattas have indicated shifting tides among the sport’s elite. With many top contenders from the previous quad—such as the USA’s Daniela Moroz, and Great Britain’s Ellie Aldridge—stepping back for a break, the door is open for emerging talent to seize the spotlight. Moroz, a five-time world champion, and Aldridge, the Paris 2024 gold medalist and a European podium regular, have dominated the Formula Kite scene, but their absence makes way for new faces to shine.
Additionally, the reduction in kite size—particularly for female athletes—aims to curb rapid weight gain trends in the class. Recent racing at the SOF in Hyères hinted that this adjustment may be yielding positive results, but the European Championships will be a crucial testing ground for its long-term impact.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Valentin Bontus will stay out of the event due to injury
Women’s Competition – Who Will Step Up?
With the participation of Lauriane Nolot, the reigning World and European champion and Paris 2024 silver medalist, expect a fierce battle for the top positions. Nolot's experience and skill will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. Other competitors to watch include Argentina’s Catalina Turienzo, Australia’s Breiana Whitehead, Poland’s Julia Damasiewicz, and Portugal’s Mafalda Pires de Lima, who have all shown promise in recent events. Spain’s Gisela Pulido Borrell, a seasoned competitor, will also be one to watch, alongside Great Britain’s rising talents Ella Geiger and Lily Young.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Lauriane Nolot will try to repeat her 2024 win [FRA]
Men’s Competition – Riccardo Pianosi’s Moment?
Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi, fresh off a strong fourth-place finish at the 2024 Olympic Games, arrives in Türkiye in excellent form after an impressive showing at Hyères. Can he replicate his 2023 European victory? With Austria’s Valentin Bontus sidelined by injury, Pianosi has one less rival to worry about, but France’s Axel Mazella, Singapore’s Maximilian Maeder, and Brazil’s Bruno Lobo are poised to challenge him.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Deuri Corniel [DOM] will be in Urla
Host Venue – Urla and the Pro Sailing Academy
Nestled close to Izmir, Urla is a scenic coastal town renowned for its ideal kiteboarding conditions, offering consistent winds and open waters. The Fenerbahçe Sports Club, in partnership with the Pro Sailing Academy, is hosting this prestigious event at its top-tier facilities. The academy, recognized as a hub for high-performance sailing training, has cultivated a strong reputation for preparing elite athletes. With world-class infrastructure and a commitment to excellence, the venue sets the stage for an unforgettable championship.
As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying competition. Who will rise, who will falter, and who will carve their name into history? The answers will unfold in Urla, Türkiye, from May 11 to 19, 2025.
Results will be updated live, racing will be tracked and the final days will be live streamed on FaceBook and YouTube.
