Formula Kite Youth and Masters Worlds 2014 - Day five

by Icarus Sailing Media on 19 May 2014 Formula Kite Youth and Masters Worlds 2014 - Welcome to the ultimate medal and champion crowning day at the 2014 Kiteboard Youth and Masters World Championships. A dramatic change in atmosphere today, as clouds moved in to dominate the skyline and brought in big waves and a breeze of over 20 knots. You could feel the suspense in the air here at Poetto beach this morning, as the world’s top 10 riders in the Youth and Masters fleets prepared themselves for the four medal races which would decide the World Champion.

Ahead of the riders getting onto the track to start, some heartfelt words of 'good luck and ride safe' were extended by the Race Committee. In the Youth feel, Maxime Nocher had a five point margin and had been the strongest rider all week, so just needed to sail safe and protect his lead. The Masters fleet was wider open, so it was an all or nothing gamble for those who took a more risky approach to racing, as they attacked at the front of the fleet.

In the Masters fleet, Tomek Janiak from Poland went into the day carrying a six point deficit to leading rider Wilson Veloso from Brazil. Tomek started strong, taking the first race win, following up with a second place and then two more wins. But with Wilson right behind him, finishing in second and claiming the other race win, Tomek’s impressive scoreline just wasn’t enough to get past the Brazilian. So Wilson walked away with gold, Tomek silver, just four points behind, and securing the bronze medal was Spain’s Pedro Garijo Velasco, who sailed a conservative four races to finish in third, fifth, third, fourth and claim bronze with an eight point margin. Stunning racing.

In the Youth Worlds fleet, the air was alive with tension as the world’s best youth sailors went head to head in the final showdown. Maxime Nocher from France had the advantage, sitting in first overall, five points ahead of Poland’s Maks Zakowski. Except for some unforeseen disaster, the gold and silver medals would be decided between these two riders.

Maks attacked first, unleashing some awesome power to take the first race win. Mak’s win seemed to ignite Maxime’s determination to claim gold, and he won the next three races back to back, scuppering any hope for Maks to stand on top of the podium. Gold to Maxime, silver to Maks and third to Spain’s Florian Trittel. The top girl was Russia’s Elena Kalinina, who finished in 10th overall, and also claimed the Under 18 title. Axel Mazella from France secured the boys under 18 title.

Five days of racing for the cream of youth and masters kiteboarding here in Cagliari, Italy was a real showcase of the excitement and thrill of kiteboard racing. The Kiteboard Youth and Masters World Championships enjoyed a perfect combination of shoreside hospitality, organization and weather conditions – yet again sealing Poetto Beach as a venue of choice for kiteboarders. The event was also a unique opportunity for the future stars of the sport to mingle and gain tips from the masters riders, who have quite a few years of experience on them. A great exchange of skills. Some great racing and great memories.

The Kiteboard Youth and Masters World Championships 2014 wrapped up with a fun filled medal ceremony. Lots of applause and celebrations. The riders also emphasized their thanks to the Organizers for a superbly organized Championship. See you next year!

2014 Formula Kite Youth and Masters World Championships - Overall final

Youth U 18 Men

Axel Mazella (France)
Theo De Ramecourt (France)
Martin Dolenc (Croatia)

Youth U 18 Women

Elena Kalinina (Russia)
Anastasia Akopova (Russia)

Youth U21 Men And Overall

Maxime Nocher (France)
Maks Zakowski (Poland)
Florian Trittel (Spain)

Grand Masters

Adam Vance (Canada)
Enrico Tonon (Italy)
Miguel Villar (Spain)

Masters Women

Astrid Berz (Suisse)
Ariane Imbert (France)
Kathrin Borgwardt (Germany)

Masters Men And Overall

Wilson Veloso (Brazil)
Tomek Janiak (Poland)
Pedro Garijo Velasco (Spain)