2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria: Ultimate Championship for Kite Foiling Enthusiasts
2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria – Overall
5-8 September 2024
Max Maeder clinched another championship title while Jessie Kampman fought hard for her first victory at a KiteFoil World Series event.
Over two days of steady winds, 12 massed-start fleet races entertained competitors. The medal series day on Lake Traunsee concluded with an exhilarating finale featuring a four-rider competition at the KiteFoil World Series Austria.
The medal series format saw the top 10 competitors battle their way to the final four. A new twist known as the ‘Golden Ticket’ race allowed all male riders outside the top nine to compete for the 10th spot. Jan Koszowski from Poland sprinted ahead right from the start, winning the Golden Ticket with enthusiasm.
Jan’s Golden Ticket
Though Koszowski did not advance past the repechage stage, the ‘Golden Ticket’ race was well-received by competitors, providing a last chance to clinch victory on the final day of the regatta.
Benoit Gomez from France and Florian Gruber from Germany fought their way through the semi-finals to join Maeder and Martin Dolenc from Croatia in the finale. However, Maeder, a 17-year-old from Singapore, surged ahead by the first mark and maintained his lead effortlessly.
Maeder Back on Form
Returning to competition after winning a bronze medal at the Olympics, Maeder displayed a commanding performance. He expressed satisfaction with his return to the water following a 25-day break. “I feel refreshed and it’s good to be back,” shared Maeder, who is looking forward to celebrating his upcoming 18th birthday in Singapore.
Maeder experimented with new equipment for the first time in high-level competition, utilizing the smaller 21 sqm Flysurfer V3 kite paired with the R6 edition of the Levitaz foil and mast. He noted the advantages of the new gear for better efficiency and higher average VMG speeds compared to older models.
Dolenc, Maeder’s training partner, also used the new Flysurfer kite on the V4 version of the gold-medal-winning Chubanga foil package. Gomez was pleased with the recent performance of his co-designed Element kite, emphasizing that they are on the right track with their equipment.
Kampman’s Complicated Path to Gold
In contrast to Maeder, Kampman faced a challenging route to her gold medal. Despite dominating earlier in the regatta, she struggled to find her best form in the finals. After Lengwiler’s victory put her on match point, Zukerman’s victory in the next race further complicated the contest. In the third final race, Zukerman faltered during a crucial tack, enabling Kampman to secure the win she needed to clinch gold.
Subdued but Successful
Though Kampman captured her first KiteFoil World Series title, she expressed mixed feelings about her performance: “I wasn’t really happy with my performance today… but I’m really happy with how I sailed the rest of the week.” She also announced her intention to pursue another Olympic campaign while balancing her aspirations of utilizing her law degree alongside kiting over the next two years.
Behind Kampman, Lengwiler earned the silver medal while Zukerman secured bronze, highlighting a diverse range of equipment on the podium.
Post-Olympic Hangover
Valentin Bontus, the Olympic Champion, finished seventh in his home waters as he continues to adjust to new equipment and managing his growing fame. Over time, he aims to refocus on competitive performance and challenge the leading kitefoilers, including Maeder.
Excitement continues in the kitefoiling community as the circuit heads to Cagliari for the KiteFoil World Series Sardinia in early October.
Results Men
- 1. Maximilian Maeder – SGP – GOLD
- 2. Martin Dolenc – CRO – SILVER
- 3. Benoit Gomez – FRA – BRONZE
Results Women
- 1. Jessie Kampman – FRA – GOLD
- 2. Elena Lengwiler – SUI – SILVER
- 3. Gal Zukerman – ISR – BRONZE
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.