2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships in Torregrande, Italy - Day 3

Pianossi soaring to one of his three race wins on day 3 - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

Yes, the top two in both the women's and men's fleets dropped the hammer today extending their leads with some sick passes in the buttery flat seas. But the intensity among the six or so riders floating around 10th place in each group was seen on their faces as they hit the shore.

The complex series format favors those inside the top 10, first through ninth, who have various chances to qualify for the quarterfinals through the finals on Sunday. Tenth through thirty-ninth in the men's and tenth through sixteenth will race together in a massive fleet and one woman and one man will get the "Golden Ticket," a last chance to get into the qualifying rounds.

Tight battles to get in the top 9 - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

It can't be understated: those on the bubble are desperate to get into ninth place or below.

"I managed to stay in the top ten in the first two races so I am happy," said Jakub Jurkowski (POL) who sits in thirteenth place. "Of course I have to focus on my race but the cards are open. I can still fight for the top 10 places and I can still have some pretty good races in the finals."

Pianossi all smiles after his best day yet at this event - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

Channeling Disappointment

Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) and Lisa Caval (FRA) dominated their respective fleets today when patchy breezes caused huge caps in the chasing packs. The Italian was visibly disappointed with his day yesterday that left him in third. He ground out a 1,1,3,1 today to hit the shore breathing heavy but with a relieved smile.

"I set the bar better for the kite and I was feeling better today," said Pianosi who had some growing pains at the beginning of the series, tuning up a new kite and foil. "The wind changed direction a lot. It also was not so easy with the new foil, last week I broke my foil at the world series but by the end it was good."

Stragiotti sits consistently in third place at the end of day 3 - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

We can't stop talking about Max Meader of Singapore. He's still winning but the smoother conditions have opened the door for Pianosi to come within striking distance. Reigning youth world champion Gian Stragiotti of Switzerland has been perfectly consistent, starting cleaner than the rest and sits one point behind the Italian.

Bruised but not beaten - Caval dominated day 3 - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

Blowing Past Injury

Caval began the day limping into the medical tent with a wrapped up right ankle looking for more supplies to help secure the injury. She twisted her foot during a crash in the first race yesterday.

With some serious grit, she overcame the nagging issue to finally break the deadlock with Darin Atakan (TUR) with a 3,1,2,2 and ended one point ahead of the Turk.

"Yesterday my ankle was a bit warm but today it was really hurting me," said Caval. "The last race was really sketchy, I started five seconds after everyone, I crashed once on the upwind and I was really angry with myself. I really gave my best and I finished second."

Good things come in small packages: 14-year-old Jankowska leads the U17 girls - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

Polish Power

Standing tall as leader of the U17 women's fleet, the diminutive Karolina Jankowska (POL) has been dropping some low scores on her way to the weekend's qualifying series, sitting in seventh place.

"For me it's new to be in the top group, I'm so happy I can't believe it," said Jankowska. "I'm pretty good with the 19 meter kite, so because of this and also I don't have anything to lose. So I give 110 percent of myself."

Wind powered in Torregrande - 2024 Formula Kite Youth European Championships - photo © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

It's impossible to tell who's going to fly through to the qualifiers in either fleet. But one thing we know is that it's crazy tight at the top and with many ways to get to the finals. At this point, anyone can win the European title.

It just may be those hungry riders fighting through the day who will be the ones with nothing to lose on Sunday.

The weekend's racing will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Results Men:

Results Women: