Lauriane Nolot and Gian Stragiotti claimed the European titles, while Maximilian Maeder secured the men’s Open title, as a dramatic Medal Series brought the 2026 Türk Telekom Formula Kite Open European Championships to a thrilling conclusion in Akyaka.
Sunshine, flat water and reliable thermal wind provided the stage for the championship decider. Starting at around 15 knots before easing to 11 - 12 knots, the breeze kept everyone racing on 15m kites throughout the afternoon.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Women’s Grand Final: Nolot Claims European Crown in Dramatic Showdown
The women’s Medal Series delivered hard-fought racing from the outset, with China’s Si Wang and Meijing Su advancing from the Quarter-Finals into the Semi-Finals. Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler then produced a strong performance to win, with Wan Li (CHN) placing second to secure the remaining Grand Final places alongside overall regatta leader Jessie Kampman (NED) and Lauriane Nolot (FRA).
With Kampman and Nolot each carrying one win into the Grand Final, the stage was set for an intense showdown.
Drama struck immediately in the first Grand Final race when Nolot received a UFD for an early start. Lengwiler capitalised, charging to victory to claim a win of her own and extend the series. Kampman, despite a strong start, suffered a downwind crash that put her out of contention for the race win. That set up a second race with Kampman, Nolot and Lengwiler each carrying one win.
Race two delivered another dramatic turn. Lengwiler was called UFD at the start, while Nolot made a decisive tactical move to the right after a difficult start. At the front, Kampman led around the bottom mark before becoming tangled with Wan Li, opening the door for Nolot.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Despite shaking legs on the final gybe, Nolot held her nerve to cross the finish line and secure the 2026 European title.
“In the first race I got a UFD - I started too fast, and then it was a battle with Elena,” said Nolot. “For the second race, Jessie, me, and Elena each had a bullet, so whoever won, won the whole regatta. You could see it was full send on the water - we were all pushing to the maximum. My last gybe was horrible because my legs were really shaking, but Elena was pushing just behind me, so it was full send all the way to the finish. I’m super happy to have the title now!”
For Kampman, who dominated the leaderboard throughout the week, the final day offered valuable lessons from an otherwise outstanding championship.
“Even if you nail the whole week, it always comes down to the last day. I’m just taking as many learnings as possible from it.”
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Men’s Grand Final: Stragiotti Takes European Crown as Maeder Wins Open Title
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
The men’s Medal Series began with Qibin Huang (CHN) and Flavio Marx (ITA) advancing from the Quarter-Finals into the Semi-Finals. Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) and Valentin Bontus (AUT) then fought through to join regatta leader Maximilian Maeder (SGP) and second-placed Gian Stragiotti (SUI) in the Grand Final.
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
Maeder delivered a dominant performance, winning the single Grand Final race to secure the men’s Open title and extend his unbeaten run this season - celebrating on his birthday.
Crossing the line right behind him, Stragiotti secured the European Championship title on his own birthday, making it a memorable double birthday celebration for the two training partners.
“Wow, I think both me and Gian had such a great weekend,” said Maeder. “Every event that I competed in this year, I topped it, and I hope I can keep building from this.”
Stragiotti was equally thrilled to claim his European title on their shared birthday.
“It can’t get any better than that - bringing myself on the race course to the fullest!” Stragiotti laughed. “Nice fight with Max - he dominated, but I’m glad to have him as a training partner.”
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
European Championship Podiums
Men
- Gian Andrea Stragiotti (SUI)
- Valentin Bontus (AUT)
- Riccardo Pianosi (ITA)
Women
- Lauriane Nolot (FRA)
- Jessie Kampman (NED)
- Elena Lengwiler (SUI)
Men’s Open winner: Maximilian Maeder (SGP)
© IKA media/Robert Hajduk
