Viana do Castelo’s stormy spring weather is beginning to settle, and Day 3 dawned sunny and breezy, with racing taking place in 10–20 knots. As the wind strengthened later in the afternoon, the men opted to drop down from 21m kites to 15m before resuming action for Race 4.
Age is nothing
The women’s competition is looking closer and more intense than ever, underlining the depth of quality in the fleet. At the heart of the battle is Daniela Moroz. The Californian, aiming to add a seventh world title to her extraordinary record, was on fire today, posting a string of strong results that included her first race win of the regatta. “Grandma’s still got it!” she laughed after racing. “This is my tenth Formula Kite Worlds and I’m still winning races!”
Moroz is, in fact, only 25 years old but having claimed her first world title at the age of 15, you can understand her feeling like she’s been around forever. Last year’s world silver medallist has now moved into the top three, although she still has work to do if she is to catch the leading pair - there is a 17-point gap between Moroz and second-placed Laurianne Nolot.
Seven months on from the last World Championships in Sardinia, the top three in Viana do Castelo are the same riders who claimed the medals last September. Defending champion Jessie Kampman of the Netherlands and bronze medallist Nolot are locked in a personal duel for supremacy, with just two points separating them.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Catalina Turienzo (ARG) the Youth World champion
Proving age is not a factor is Switzerland’s fourth-placed Elena Lengwiler and fifth-placed Catalina Turienzo. Nine years separate the pair with the 20-year-old Argentinian, who is also the Youth World Champion, proving she can mix it with the sport’s most experienced riders.
The women now have two more days of competition before the top 10 qualify for the medal series.
Men make the cut
For the men, the focus was firmly on finishing inside the top 25 to secure qualification for the Gold Fleet. Squeezing into the final spot by just two points was Israel’s Carmel Avisar.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Carmel Avisar (ISR) makes it into Gold fleet
At the other end of the standings, Max Maeder continued his dominance of the Yellow Fleet with another flawless day, adding five more victories to his tally. In the Blue Fleet, Swiss rider Gian Stragiotti and Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi continued to trade first and second-place finishes. Defending champion Pianosi appears to have shaken off his sluggish start and has now moved into third overall, just four points behind Stragiotti.
Forecasts for Day 4 predict strong winds throughout the afternoon, likely bringing plenty of chop - conditions in which some riders will thrive, while others may struggle. Racing is scheduled to begin mid-morning, with five races planned for the women’s fleet and four for the men’s Gold and Silver Fleets.
Live Coverage
Live coverage of Day 5 and the Medal Series on Day 6 will be available on the IKA Youtube channel: Kiteclasses
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk - Paul Labordare (FRA) has a soft landing
