The Formula Kite World Championships have arrived in Portugal for the first time, with Viana do Castelo, just north of Porto, hosting kitefoiling’s biggest event of the year.
A total of 85 athletes from 28 countries are competing, not only for world titles but also for crucial Olympic ranking points as the road to Los Angeles 2028 begins to gather pace.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Mafalda Pires de Lima (POR) carries local hopes
Among the local hopes are Portuguese siblings Mafalda and Tomas Pires de Lima, who grew up sailing these waters and know exactly what the Atlantic can deliver. “Expect big Atlantic swells and some strong currents and great breeze,” explained Mafalda ahead of racing.
In the men’s fleet, all eyes are on Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi. The defending world champion enjoyed a remarkable 2025 campaign, claiming the World, European and Youth world titles. However, the Italian insists he is approaching the week with caution.
“I’m not going into this thinking that I’m world champion and I have to defend the crown,” said Pianosi. “I need to take each race as it comes and then at the end of the week hope to be in front.”
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Max Maeder (SGP) reflecting on three wins from four
Every medallist from last year’s championships in Sardinia has returned, including Singapore’s Max Maeder, the current world silver medallist and France’s Benoit Gomez, who claimed bronze.
In the women’s competition, American star Daniela Moroz is chasing a seventh world title after finishing runner-up last year behind defending champion Jessie Kampman of the Netherlands. France’s Lauriane Nolot, bronze medallist in Sardinia, also arrived in Portugal among the favourites.
Storms delayed the start of competition until mid-afternoon, but once racing got underway the athletes were greeted by spectacular, but punishing, conditions.
Riders described the racecourse as “monstrous” as strong winds, large waves and fierce currents battered the fleets.
Kampman handled the chaos brilliantly in the women’s fleet, opening her title defence with two race wins and a second-place finish to move top of the standings after day one.
Nolot sits close behind after a remarkably consistent day inside the top three throughout.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Lauriane Nolot (FRA) emerges from the shadows
China also made a strong statement in the women’s fleet, fielding five riders and securing nine top-10 finishes between them. Si Wang produced the best Chinese result of the day, ending the opening day third overall.
Great Britain, who struck Olympic gold in Paris with Ellie Aldridge, are introducing a new generation of talent with the reigning champion currently focused on other racing formats. Lily Young impressed immediately, taking second place in the opening race before ending the day fourth overall.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Si Wang (CHN) sits third overall after Day 1
The men’s competition was split into two fleets of 27 riders and produced some of the most dramatic racing of the opening day.
Maeder thrived in the brutal conditions, winning three of the four races in Yellow fleet. Only Olympic champion Valentin Bontus came close to matching the Singaporean, taking victory in the one race Maeder did not win.
In Blue fleet, Gian Stragiotti emerged as the leader thanks to a series of consistently strong performances despite the punishing conditions.
“Wow, it was unbelievable out there,” he said afterwards on the windswept beach. “The wind, the currents, the waves. There were times I just had to go into myself and not think about how fast I was going because it would have been too scary.”
Pianosi improved steadily throughout the day to finish third overall in Blue fleet, just behind Brazil’s Bruno Lobo, who claimed victory in the fleet’s first race.
The opening series continues on Tuesday before the championship builds towards Saturday’s medal series finale.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Cameron Maramenidis (GRE) feels the heat as Gian Stragiotti (SUI) chases
