Youth and Masters' Kitefoil World Championships in Gizzeria - Overall
by International Kiteboarding Association 30 Jun 11:51 PDT
27-30 June 2024
Polish Power in Gizzeria - 2024 Youth and Masters' Kitefoil World Championships © IKA media/ Robert Hajduk
For over a decade, Calabria's consistent winds and favourable weather have made it a preferred destination for high-calibre sailing events and this year is no exception. With three world championships back-to-back, the kiteboarding world is enjoying spectacular racing in excellent conditions.
Luca Valentini of Hang Loose Beach, expressed his delight at hosting the events. "We have been at the forefront of kite racing since 2011, and it's an honor to continue this tradition by hosting these World Championships. The conditions this year are impeccable, and the athletes' performances are nothing short of inspiring".
First to go was the Youth and Masters' Worlds, which attracted competitors from across the globe. The event delivered glamour conditions, with flat, warm water and consistent thermic winds of 11-15 knots, providing the perfect stage for high-octane racing. Plenty of racing on the first two days, established a patern of performances. On the third day the wind decided not to play ball, leading to only one race for the Masters' being raced, and giving the opportunity to Frenchman Jean Romain Morel to break the domination of Turkish rider Ejder Ginyol.
On the final day of the competition, as they were waiting for the wind to establish, a collaborative spirit emerged, with riders engaging in discussions and exchanging insights on enhancing their performance, reflecting the class' atmosphere. Maybe this sharing of ideas raised the level, because for the first time Ginyol faced stiff competition and wasn't leading throughout the entirety of each race. Eventually though, he managed to win all of the day's races. As the defending champion, Ginyol has not only retained his title but, a year older this year, he also earned the Grand Masters' title. Reflecting on his victory, Ginyol shared, "I think I deserved to take the title. I am happy to show the world who is the king of the masters. My competition pushed me, congratulations to everyone."
Behind him, Morel and Dane Grand Master James Johnesen completed the podium, with Argentina's Raul Federico Aguilar claiming Grand Masters' bronze.
Latvia's Aija Ambrassa took the Women's title convincingly, in what bronze medalist Claire Durand from France described as a really fun event. Ambrasa, who has been winning titles in expression diciplines in the past, won the first KiteFoil title for Latvia.
And, although for some the competition is an oportunity for a holiday with family and friends, for Monika Zizlavska who earned the silver medal this week, it is the means to balance the stress of a successful career. 8 years ago, the Czech doctor suffered a total burnout at her work in the hospital. She took time off and went kiting. One thing led to another and she found herself campaigning for the Olympics. That dream was not meant to materialize for Paris 2024 and Monika is back to her work, but she is able to harmonically blend her professional life with the joy of kiteboarding.
On the oposite age spectrum, the A's YouthFoil class saw Italian Julio Houze and Frenchman Shasha Lethuillier lead the pack convincingly. However, the real drama unfolded just behind him, where a fierce and close contest for the brozne medal ensued between Poles Jakub Balewicz and Marcel Stepniewski. The later finished ahead of Balewicz in the last race but that was not enough to get ahead in the final standing and had to settle for fourth, while his compatriot completed the podium.
In the girls, another Polish entry, Karolina Jankowska, defended her title with remarkable performances. Although she is already on her third year of international competition, she is still the youngest girl in the fleet, and was 2nd in the mixed U15 [under 15 years old] category.
Colombian Jean Paul Liechti Villegas, the youngest competitor of the event, at just 12 years old, not only showcased exceptional talent and determination but also clinched the title in the U15 category, proving that there's no age when it comes to passion and skill in kiteboarding.
Now the kitefoiling community looks forward to the upcoming Formula Kite Youth World Championship from July 3 to July 7 at the same venue.
Results YouthFoil Boys
1. Julio Houze ITA GOLD
2. Sasha Lethuillier FRA SILVER
3. Jakub Balewicz POL BRONZE
Results YouthFoil Girls
1. Karolina Jankowska POL GOLD
2. Tylia Louber FRA SILVER
3. Argyro Krotsis GRE BRONZE
Results Masters Men
1. Ejder Ginyol TUR GOLD
2. Jean Romain Morel FRA SILVER
3. James Johnsen DEN BRONZE
Results Masters Women
1. Aija Ambrasa LAT GOLD
2. Monika Zizlavska CZE SILVER
3. Claire Durand FRA BRONZE
More info at www.kiteclasses.org.