WingFoil - Double Gold for Italy in Istanbul

In an exhilarating finale at the Audi 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Türkiye, Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi and Maddalena Spanu claimed gold medals, showcasing their exceptional skills against a backdrop of challenging conditions on the Bosphorus on August 17, 2025.

The competition culminated with Tomasi’s brilliant performance, where he tactically led the final race, overcoming reigning champion Mathis Ghio and Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki to secure a decisive victory. Tomasi’s strategic early tacks were pivotal, allowing him to maintain a clean lead and finish strong to earn the gold, while Manowiecki snatched silver and Francesco Cappuzzo took bronze, further establishing Italy’s dominance in the sport.

In the women’s category, Spanu, the defending champion, exhibited her mastery by securing her third World Cup title this season. Despite a strong challenge from Vaina Picot of France, who won the first race, Spanu showcased her experience and composure to win the subsequent races, securing her championship with style.

The final day of competition also featured the nail-biting Golden Ticket race, which offered a last chance for riders to qualify for the medal series. Sean Herbert of New Zealand appeared to have clinched victory but was later disqualified due to a starting infringement, allowing Tsz Hei, known as Hugo, from Hong Kong, to seize the opportunity and qualify. Hugo continued to impress, finishing first in the opening medal round.

The event was characterized by its range of weather conditions, testing the adaptability of the riders. The competition concluded with the announcement that the WingFoil Racing World Cup will return to the Fenerbahce Sailing Club in 2026, promising more thrilling action for fans and competitors alike.

Italy’s stellar performance with double gold and a bronze highlights the depth of their talent in wingfoiling, setting a high bar for upcoming events.