After yesterday’s stormy conditions, Day Two of the Formula Wing World Championships brought a completely different vibe, with light and unstable winds testing riders off the beach at Viana do Castelo.
There was early excitement as competitors launched right on schedule, hopeful the breeze would strengthen as the day progressed. Although the wind never fully arrived, race officials managed to complete two men’s races before conditions deteriorated further.
Yellow Fleet drama for Pianosi
Defending world champion Riccardo Pianosi endured a frustrating day in the Yellow Fleet. The Italian crossed the finish line in first place, only to discover he had been disqualified for an early start.
The setback leaves Pianosi down in 11th overall, although the championship remains in its early stages and the Italian is unlikely to panic having often spoken about his approach of taking each race as it comes.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Riccardo Pianosi (ITA)
Pianosi’s disqualification handed victory to Germany’s Jannis Maus, who has consistently featured among the front-runners throughout the opening stages of the regatta. Maus has rarely finished outside the top five in Yellow Fleet and is growing in confidence as the week progresses.
Swiss rider Gian Stragiotti, who opened the competition in dominant fashion, finished third in the race. Crucially, the result can be discarded, allowing him to maintain second place in the overall standings.
Maeder in complete control
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Max Maeder (SGP) out in front
Blue Fleet’s only race of the day belonged emphatically to Singapore’s Max Maeder. The 2025 world silver medallist produced a commanding display, crossing the line a full minute ahead of the chasing pack.
The victory means the 19-year-old has now won four of his five races at this year’s championship and already looks firmly in control of his fleet.
Behind Maeder, the battle for the remaining top-five places was intense. Britain’s Sam Dickinson and Brazilian Lucas Fonseca fought for position throughout the race, with Dickinson eventually edging ahead by just four seconds.
Women’s racing abandoned
Race officials made every effort to complete a women’s fleet race, but the increasingly light conditions ultimately forced abandonment for the day.
Defending women’s world champion Jessie Kampman of the Netherlands remains overall leader after her superb opening day performance, which included two race victories.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Sam Dickinson (GBR) wins a close battle for second
