2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria: A Premier Event for Kiteboarding Enthusiasts
2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria – Day 2
5-8 September 2024
Highlights
- Six back-to-back races in light winds on Lake Traunsee.
- Singapore’s Max Maeder dominates by winning all six heats with new generation equipment.
- Jessie Kampman returns after a break, leading the women’s standings.
- Martin Dolenc performs well with an older generation kite.
- Live streaming of races on Saturday and Sunday.
Max Maeder showcased his remarkable talent on day two of the KiteFoil World Series Austria, winning six races just days before his 18th birthday. Competing in light winds on Lake Traunsee, the teenager from Singapore noted, “Winning six races back-to-back definitely puts a smile on my face.” He credited his success to strategic positioning on the start line.
With new equipment allowed in the Formula Kite competition leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Maeder used the latest Flysurfer 21 square metre kite, coupled with the R6 version of the Levitaz foil and mast. He expressed delight in using this advanced gear: “It feels wonderful to be on this new equipment, which is more efficient and easier to ride.”
Martin Dolenc, Maeder’s training partner, used the V4 foil from Chubanga while still flying the 23 square metre V2 Flysurfer kite. Dolenc remarked on Maeder’s incredible speed upwind, despite having the advantage in the very light wind conditions.
Young Swiss rider Gian Stragiotti, already a Formula Kite Youth World Champion, is showing considerable improvement. He expressed his satisfaction with his performance but acknowledged mistakes in choosing the race course and starting strategy.
Local hero and new Olympic Champion, Valentin Bontus, currently sits in eighth place overall. He is eager to adapt to the new equipment as the event progresses.
Jessie Kampman made a strong return to competition, leading the women’s standings and placing 10th overall in the combined fleet. “It’s really nice to be back on the race course, especially here,” she said, describing the enjoyable atmosphere among competitors as they reconnect.
Joining Kampman in the women’s standings are Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler and Israel’s Gal Zukerman, who currently sit in second and third, respectively.
The races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will be livestreamed from the picturesque southern shore of Lake Traunsee, promising exciting competition to conclude the KiteFoil World Series Austria.
Results Men
1. Maximilian Maeder SGP 5,0p
2. Martin Dolenc CRO 12,0p
3. Gian Stragiotti SUI 20,0p
Results Women
1. Jessie Kampman FRA 45,0p
2. Elena Lengwiler SUI 55,0p
3. Gal Zukerman ISR 71,0p
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.