A world-class fleet of 92 sailors - 56 men and 36 women - has gathered on Türkiye’s south coast for the 2026 Türk Telekom Formula Kite European Championships at Akyaka Kite Beach.
Representing 28 nations across four continents, the athletes are set for high-speed competition from 7 to 12 September. With Open and European honours at stake, the championship represents an important test on the road towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Shifting Tides and Rising Stars
Major regattas throughout the 2026 season have highlighted a changing competitive landscape. While established champions remain at the top, a new generation of talented athletes is rapidly closing the gap.
Fresh from the recent Youth World Championships, where China’s Qibin Huang claimed the men’s title, several emerging athletes have arrived in Akyaka ready to challenge the senior fleet. Switzerland’s Gian Stragiotti, who led for much of the Youth Worlds, is among the young contenders looking to make an impact.
Looking ahead to this week’s event, Stragiotti said: “The last Youth event was great preparation for the Europeans. I showed I could lead the fleet, and even though it didn’t work out at the end, that’s part of the game. I analyzed what happened, took the lesson, and I know what to do differently. My goal this week is to win the European title. I think it’s possible because I’ve seen I can do it - I just need to put my stuff together, be myself on the race course, and execute.”
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Chinese Squad Embraces High-Level Test
China has fielded a strong squad of 11 athletes, including seven women, looking to test themselves against one of the strongest international fleets of the season.
China’s Jingyue Chen highlighted the strategy behind their strong presence as part of the country’s long-term Olympic campaign: “Racing against the Europeans is the ultimate test because they are at the highest level. In China we say, ‘You have to know each other so you can beat each other.’ Everything we do here is about training for the Olympics, learning from the fleet, pushing our limits, and gaining that high-level experience.”
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Women’s Fleet - High-Stakes Rivalries
Reigning European Champion Lauriane Nolot of France leads a strong women’s fleet. Her tactical aggression and high-speed consistency make her a constant force on the water, but she faces an immediate challenge from Dutch standout Jessie Kampman.
The pair last met in a dramatic World Championship showdown in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where Kampman dominated the Opening Series before a final-day crash opened the door for Nolot to claim gold.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
The women’s fleet also features an ambitious group of rising stars eager to challenge the established contenders. Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler is among the top names to watch after producing one of the standout performances of the season at the World Championships in Portugal, climbing all the way from 10th position in the Medal Series to claim the bronze medal.
Local fans will have plenty to cheer for as Turkish Olympian Derin Atakan competes on her home waters. Fresh from a silver medal at the Youth Worlds, Atakan will aim to use her deep knowledge of Akyaka’s thermal wind conditions to mount a strong challenge against the leading contenders.
“Akyaka is just a perfect spot for riding,” said Atakan. “The water is so clean, and the thermal wind builds up reliably around midday and stays stable all day long - it’s perfect for the girls to get out on the 15-meter kite. The flat water and stunning mountain backdrop make for amazing racing conditions.”
For Atakan, competing at her home venue carries deep personal meaning.
“Having a major regatta here is a dream come true. I’ve been coming here to train since I was six years old, so I feel deeply connected to this water. My main focus this week is to stay relaxed, enjoy every moment, and have fun racing on home waters.”
Men’s Division - Battle of the Champions
In the men’s fleet, reigning European Champion Riccardo Pianosi of Italy has arrived in Türkiye determined to defend his title against a strong group of European contenders, including Austria’s Olympic gold medallist Valentin Bontus.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Following a long recovery from an injury, Bontus enters the event fully focused on his main objective of the season:
“The Europeans is my peak event this season after my injury, so we focused entirely on getting fully ready for this week. The goal is always to fight with everyone at the top and be in the top 10 - maybe I can even get my name on the European Champion board. Everyone is pushing hard, but I’m fully ready and going all in.”
Also in the mix is Singapore’s Max Maeder, the multiple World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist, who returns to full-fleet competition after sitting out the Youth Worlds. Maeder will challenge for overall honours in the Open classification, and his presence adds further intensity to an already highly competitive fleet.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Host Venue - Akyaka Kite Beach
Set beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop, Akyaka Kite Beach is a world-renowned kiteboarding venue, famous for its reliable side-onshore thermal breeze and flat turquoise water.
The venue offers a striking contrast to the heavy Atlantic swell experienced at earlier regattas this season.
While no racing was possible on Monday’s opening day as the wind failed to settle into suitable racing conditions, the outlook for the remainder of the championship is encouraging. Akyaka’s renowned thermal breeze is expected to return over the coming days, setting the stage for fast, high-quality racing through to Saturday’s Medal Series.
Follow the championship through IKA’s official social media channels, with daily updates, race highlights and results available at kiteclasses.org.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
