The Wingfoil Racing World Cup has reached Calabria for the first time, bringing the world’s leading riders to the thermal breezes of Gizzeria for the fourth stop of a season that is gaining momentum. Over the next five days, the beaches of southern Italy will host one of the sport’s fastest-growing international competitions, with reliable afternoon winds and warm Mediterranean waters promising a demanding test of speed and tactical judgement.
At the forefront of the competition is Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup victory after commanding wins in Turkey and Switzerland. “I’m feeling pretty good coming into this event,” said Manowiecki, who is looking forward to the expected breeze of up to 18 knots and waves—conditions he enjoys.
His chief rival is Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo, who closely competed with Manowiecki in Switzerland. Cappuzzo returns to familiar waters, as Sicily is visible from the competition site. He expressed his fondness for the location, having participated in significant competitions there in the past.
The opening day of racing saw Manowiecki end in tenth place overall, amidst four long-distance races for both the men’s and women’s fleets. Although the anticipated 18-knot breeze did not fully materialise, competitors faced winds of around 11-13 knots, keeping the leaderboard dynamic.
Drama unfolded before the men’s fleet even crossed the start line when Italian Ernesto De Amicis experienced an equipment failure minutes before the race. He quickly replaced his wing and managed to finish in the top ten, expressing his satisfaction with the outcome.
The opening race concluded dramatically as New Zealand’s Sean Herbert chased down Italy’s Gregorio Pugliese, who ultimately claimed victory in a photo finish. Young American sailor Kai Mirel also impressed by finishing fourth after leading at the top mark, a position he was not accustomed to.
The women’s fleet showcased intense competition as defending World Cup champion Maddalena Spanu faced off against France’s Vaina Picot, following their dramatic clash in Switzerland. Spanu expressed confidence in the conditions, anticipating a strong challenge from Picot.
Picot set the pace by winning three of the day’s four races, while Spanu secured the final race victory, keeping the competition tightly contested. Italian sailor Charlotte Baruzzi emerged as a notable performer, securing three third-place finishes, solidifying her reputation in the sport.
With four days of racing remaining before the medal series on Sunday, the competition is heating up, leaving fans eager for what’s to come.
Text Credits: IWSA Media
Photo Credits: IWSA Media / Robert Hajduk
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports
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