2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria: Dates, Locations, and What to Expect

2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria – Day 3

5-8 September 2024

Benoit Gomez of France clinched his first race win of the KiteFoil World Series Austria, but Max Maeder of Singapore remains in the lead on the picturesque Lake Traunsee.

The northerly breeze provided perfect conditions on the Austrian lake, presenting kitefoilers with the challenge of selecting the right kite. Croatian Olympic representative Martin Dolenc opted for his 23 square metre Flysurfer, the same kite he showcased at the Paris 2024 Games. However, Dolenc felt slightly overpowered during the race and noted that a smaller kite would have been preferable.

Benni to the Rescue

After the first race, Dolenc received help from Flysurfer designer Benni Boelli, who graciously offered to swap kites. Boelli, who has stepped back into competition after six years, aims to enjoy the racing while testing his latest designs in preparation for the new Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028.

After switching to a 15 sqm Kite, Dolenc experienced significant improvements in performance. He acknowledged feeling faster upwind, yet he still aims to optimize his speed downwind. Maeder, meanwhile, showcased notable speed during downwind, navigating deeper than his competitors.

Elementary, Gomez

The only blip on Maeder’s successful run occurred during race 8 when he started from the second row. Gomez, however, capitalized on his quick start, leading into the windiest side of Lake Traunsee. Feeling confident on his new kite, Gomez has been working on developing a rival kite to challenge Flysurfer’s dominance. His performance on the Element 21 sqm kite, featuring a patented scalloped leading edge, indicated it could compete effectively in the day’s wind conditions ranging from 7 to 11 knots.

Gomez maintained his lead throughout the race, though Maeder closed in on him with a late surge after overtaking Dolenc during the first gybe. Maeder expressed satisfaction with his new gear, indicating collaboration with designers has kept him competitive.

A Format Fit for a Champion’s Comeback

Currently, Dolenc sits in second, with Gomez in third. Young Swiss rider Gian Stragiotti is in fourth, just ahead of Olympic Champion Valentin Bontus. Bontus is working on mastering new equipment while balancing media obligations as one of Austria’s two gold medal winners at Paris 2024. Known for his resilience, Bontus thrives under pressure, so anything can happen on the final day.

Jessie Kampman has dominated the women’s fleet, echoing Maeder’s success in the men’s category. However, her journey hasn’t been without difficulty. She shared her physical struggles after six intense races, contemplating switching to a smaller kite due to challenging conditions. Ultimately, she opted to stick with her larger kite, which proved advantageous at the top mark when competitors struggled to maintain speed.

Girl Just Wants to Have Fun

This marks the first time Kampman has entered the final day wearing the leader’s yellow bib. Based on her stellar performance thus far, she seems poised for victory, yet the medal series format leaves the outcome open. Kampman, however, remains focused on enjoying the experience, viewing the event more as a chance to test equipment and reconnect with fellow riders.

In second place, Swiss rider Lengwiler, along with Israel’s Zukerman and Austria’s Kornelli, all have the potential to challenge Kampman’s lead during the medal series.

Anyone, Yes Anyone, Can Still Win

The final day kicks off with a ‘Golden Ticket’ race for competitors ranked outside the top nine. The winner of this race earns entry into the medal series, creating excitement and the possibility for any rider to claim victory. This innovative format has been successfully tested in the Wingfoil Racing World Cup, and the kitefoiling community eagerly anticipates its debut.

Livestreaming of the racing starts at 1200 hours Austrian time on Sunday.