On Sunday, 8th February, the opening World Cup in Hong Kong delivered another brutally demanding day of racing, with shifting winds challenging the world’s best riders. The long-distance Golden Ticket race offered a final chance for those who hadn’t qualified for the medal series, and Italy’s Ernesto De Amicis excelled, clinching victory and his chance for glory.
The women’s competition showcased emerging talent unsettling the established norms, as China’s Yinuo Dong triumphed in the quarter-finals, alongside local favourite Claire Tse Tain Yu. The semi-finals featured seasoned riders like Spain’s Iset Segura and defending World Cup champion Maddalena Spanu. However, a significant wind shift caught them off-guard. Dong and Tse capitalised on the mistake, advancing to the final.
The final was a dramatic showdown between two 16-year-olds: Youth World Champion Yana Li and France’s Vaina Picot, who had dominated the qualifying rounds. Li established a strong lead, yet Picot closed the gap towards the finish. Remarkably, both competitors dropped off their foils shortly before the finish line, but Li was quick to recover, securing a spectacular victory.
In the men’s medal series, thrilling action included hard-fought overtakes and splashdowns. Italy’s Gregorio Pugliese advanced after narrowly qualifying for the races. Defending champion Mathis Ghio showcased a tactical masterclass, leading into the finals where he faced Alessandro Tomasi in an exciting France versus Italy match-up. Tomasi capitalised on a splashdown by Proust to seize control and ultimately claim his third World Cup victory.
The Hong Kong World Cup proved a compelling season opener, highlighting fresh talents and fearless newcomers who posed serious challenges to the sport’s established stars.
Text Credits: IWSA media
Photo Credits: IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
Video Credits: IWSA media
To keep up to date with 2026 Wingfoil Racing World Cup, please visit wingfoilracing.com
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