The classic wind and swell typical of Viana do Castelo delivered sensational kitefoiling conditions for today’s medal series, setting the stage for a fitting finale to the 2026 World Championship. The Atlantic provided just enough bite with strong breeze and shifty winds, proving to be the perfect sailing test for today’s finalists.
Fighting her way through the ranks was Swiss rider Elena Lengwiler, who had a standout performance in today’s racing. Starting the day in 10th position, she battled her way to claim the bronze medal. “I had nothing to lose,” said Lengwiler. “I entered in 10th position, so I had to go all in to win. I tried to make no mistakes, do clean racing and push with everything I had left.” In the semi-finals, she faced a challenge when she wanted to change her kite before the second race but didn’t have time. “I just had to hold onto the 15m; it was a bit difficult!” she added.
After a 1.1 penalty for China’s Wan Li failing to give mark-room in the semi-finals, USA’s Daniela Moroz advanced to the grand-final alongside Lengwiler, joining Lauriane Nolot and Jessie Kampman. With arguably the strongest women’s final lineup to date, the grand-final was set to deliver plenty of action.
The grand-final started strong for Jessie Kampman, but disaster struck when she was pinned out to the corner by Lengwiler and Moroz, forcing her to sail beyond the layline. Kampman crashed on port while reaching back across the course, losing her chance to defend her 2025 World title. Meanwhile, Lauriane Nolot capitalised on the situation, finding her pace and managing to keep Lengwiler and Moroz at bay to secure her third World title. “Man it was crazy, it was so windy. I think I made the right decision to tack when I did, and then it was just about staying in control of my outcome,” said Nolot, beaming after her win.
After a lighter training load last year, Nolot wasn’t sure what to expect this season. “I haven’t trained that much last year, and thought I could be in for a painful year. But this winter I decided to put the work in and I have the feeling it’s working. I knew I had the speed, and I think it paid off. I took the right choices out there. I’m super happy and I’m really proud of myself,” she added.
The men’s competition was equally gripping right from the start of the quarter-finals. Brazil’s Lucas Fonseca put in an outstanding performance, pushing hard in every race. Austria’s Valentin Bontus won the semi-final fight, advancing alongside Fonseca into the grand-final to join Gian Stragiotti and Maximilian Maeder. All riders opted for a port start, with Maeder and Stragiotti cutting their laylines incredibly close at the windward mark.
Maeder later remarked, “That layline for the first mark… I was afraid, I was shaking so badly in my mind, I had to stay stable on my board.” Fonseca and Bontus pushed hard on the front runner Maeder, who acknowledged the challenge: “Hats off to my competitors for pushing me so hard.”
While the battle unfolded at the front, Stragiotti did everything he could to get back into the title fight. After tacking early following the leeward mark, he made significant gains. A strong VMG saw him charge back into second place. Maintaining their positions until the nail-biting end, Maeder clinched his third World Championship title, just ahead of training partner Stragiotti. “It was amazing, we had such tight battles! It was quite windy and really powered on the 15m,” explained Stragiotti, delighted with his silver medal win. “I’m so happy with the whole teamwork side of it. I’m so grateful to have our training group and coach.”
Maeder expressed the emotional significance of his win: “Obviously you can see I’m in tears. It’s simply fantastic. I have trained a lot during the winter with amazing teammates, my brother included. I’ve been trying my very best to make the most out of it.”
Top 3 Women:
1st Lauriane Nolot FRA
2nd Jessie Kampman NED
3rd Elena Lengwiler SUI
Top 3 Men:
1st Maximilian Maeder SGP
2nd Gian Stragiotti SUI
3rd Valentin Bontus AUT
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Text Credits: IKA / Jemima Crathorne
Photo Credits: IKA / Robert Hajduk
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports
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