Some numbers and highlights of Torbole Techno 293 World Championship

by Elena Giolai on 8 Nov 2016 A few days after the conclusion of the Olympic class Techno 293 World Championships, at Circolo Surf Torbole it’s now time to analyze. This week of regattas has certainly been a key focus for the youth windsurfing class and the North Lake Garda, confirming Torbole as the Windsurfing Capital of the world.

Known all over the world as an ideal place for top class windsurfing, Torbole achieved a new record of participation for this Techno 293 World Championship: 474 competitors from 33 nations and - for the first time - from all the five continents, with the Africa participation thanks to the new entry of Egypt. Oman and Austria are other new entries from the outside world.

The nation with the highest number of competitors was obviously Italy with 97 athletes, although the championship was during their school terms. Italy wins two gold and one silver medals, as many as three fourth places which leaved a bad taste in the mouth, as it is normal.

Giorgia Speciale (Circolo SEF Stamura - Ancona), goes down in history, being the first ever athlete going to the podium in all five editions of T293 World Championships she took part. A wonderful gold medal for her, strengthened by the silver one of Enrica Schirru: both the teammates went already to the podium the penultimate race. In the same category, Alessandra Papitto has been distinguished by her thirteenth place overall and two second places in the last two races, with a very strong wind.

The Italian flag waved again for the Techno Plus Men category thanks to the gold medal of Antonino Cangemi. Fourth place for his Italian teammate Daniele Gallo, who goes to the podium in the category Plus Youth. As well as Rosanna Stancampiano, fourth in Plus Women but second Plus Youth.

To be mentioned, the overall fourth place of the bearer of Circolo Surf Torbole: Nicoló Renna. Surfer by background, he dreamt the U-17 podium until the penultimate race: desire of revenge for him for the next RS:X Youth World Championship scheduled the end of June 2017 at Circolo Surf Torbole.

Some numbers also from the other nations: France is the one that won more with three gold, one silver and two bronze medals, among its 57 competitors. One gold and one bronze medal for Great Britain; one silver and one bronze medal for Israel; great job also for Greece, growing upon silver and one bronze medals.

After the two second places in 2013 Championships, Hong Kong is again to the podium with the gold medal in Under 15 girl category. The big Polish team with its 42 athletes, wins a silver medal in Plus Women category. The closing ceremony was still a wonderful big party with national anthems, fluttering flags and lot of smiles.

After 10 years of international races, the Techno 293 World Championship was held for the first time on lake waters. The waters of North Lake Garda, which has amazed for the wonderful wind conditions, in spite of the fall season: from medium-light wind of the early days to the strong north wind (20 knots of Pelèr) of the hard but spectacular last day. So the podium goes to the most persevering athletes, both technical and athletic comprehensive.

Great satisfaction at the Circolo Surf Torbole for such a wonderful event, which has already been considered as “the best Techno 293 World Championship” of the story. Thanks to the tireless work of Race Committee and the whole Circolo Surf Torbole staff, as well as good wind and weather conditions, it has been possible to realize 12 races for each category, for a total of 85 races in all.

Thank also to all the partners who believed in this event and supported the Circolo Surf Torbole in its various activities and initiatives, allowing to organize a Championship which left an unforgettable memory to all the 474 competitors and the hundreds coaches in Torbole. These are the words of Armando Bronzetti, the new President of Circolo Surf Torbole - “I totally agree with the wonderful satisfaction for this World Championship and for all the 2016 races, for the incredible job of the all staff of Circolo Surf Torbole.

Concerning this World Championship, it was really crucial the role of the sport director Andrea Battistel and of the vice president Giovanni Nogler who exemplary coordinated all the on water work in the two race courses. Last but not least, is the satisfaction for the results of Circolo Surf Torbole competitive team led by our coach Dario Pasta. The unavoidable key to organize such an event, is a well-knit staff who face up with passion to new challenges that will be proposed.

These results will make us push forward for 2017 races, among which I would remember the Easter Techno 293 and RS:X meeting, our legendary One Hour and the RS:X Youth World Championship at the end of June. Anyway, Circolo Surf Torbole will be open since the first of March, so we are all waiting for you next year!