FreeFly-Slalom winners crowned at GWA Wingfoil World Cup Fuerteventura
by Wingfoil World Tour 3 Aug 23:37 NZST
28 July - 2 August 2025
Following the conclusion of the Surf-Slalom discipline, attention turned to the FreeFly-Slalom for the final days of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Fuerteventura 2025.
A total of 22 men and 15 women were ready to take on the course at the second FreeFly-Slalom event of the 2025 season. With only three FreeFly-Slalom events scheduled for the year and no discards allowed, every heat mattered—raising the pressure for all competitors.
Over the course of three days, seven qualification eliminations were completed under variable wind conditions, which were slightly lighter than usual for Fuerteventura. At the end of those rounds, the top 8 men and 6 women earned their spots in the finals.
Women's Final
In the women's elimination, Nia Suardiaz and Kylie Belloeuvre advanced directly to the main final. Meanwhile, Mar de Arce, Bowien van der Linden, Viola Lippitsch, and Manon Dupe had to battle it out in Heat 1 for a chance to join them.
Mar de Arce dominated Heat 1, taking a clear win to secure her place in the final. Van der Linden, Dupe, and Lippitsch moved on to Heat 2 for a last shot. There, Lippitsch showed determination and speed, holding off her rivals to claim the final spot in the main event.
The four female finalists—Nia Suardiaz, Kylie Belloeuvre, Mar de Arce, and Viola Lippitsch—blasted off the start line. Kylie took the early lead, rounding the first mark in front. However, a tactical error allowed Nia to seize the advantage. Once in front, Suardiaz entered the pump section with confidence and extended her lead. Belloeuvre pushed hard to close the gap but couldn't match the reigning World Champion's pace. Nia Suardiaz crossed the line in first place, securing another impressive victory.
Final Results - Women's FreeFly-Slalom
1st - Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
2nd - Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)
3rd - Mar de Arce (ESP)
4th - Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
Men's Final
On the men's side, 8 riders advanced to the final stage. Francesco Cappuzzo and Bastien Escofet qualified directly to the main final, while Romain Ghio, Riccardo Zorzi, and Sebastian Zorzi began their campaign in the quarterfinals. Julien Rattotti and Alessandro Tomasi entered at the semi-final stage.
Heat 1 saw early drama as Riccardo Zorzi was disqualified due to a course error, giving Gollito Estredo the chance to move into the semi-finals. The remaining three athletes had one more shot in Heat 2. There, Riccardo Zorzi made an impressive comeback, overtaking Ghio with a bold move that paid off and earned him a place in the semis.
In Semi-Final Heat 3, Rattotti and Zorzi fought fiercely, with Rattotti just holding the edge to advance. Zorzi then secured victory in Heat 4 to grab the final spot in the main final, eliminating both Estredo and Tomasi.
The main final featured Francesco Cappuzzo, Bastien Escofet, Julien Rattotti, and Riccardo Zorzi. Cappuzzo and Escofet—teammates—had a powerful start, quickly gaining a lead. Behind them, Rattotti and Zorzi battled for position. Cappuzzo maintained a commanding lead through the pump section and crossed the finish line unchallenged. Escofet secured second, with Rattotti edging out Zorzi for third.
Final Results - Men's FreeFly-Slalom
1st - Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
2nd - Bastien Escofet (FRA)
3rd - Julien Rattotti (FRA)
4th - Riccardo Zorzi (ITA)
With that, the 37th edition of the Fuerteventura World Cup comes to a thrilling close. The GWA looks forward to returning next year to the windy shores of Sotavento for more action, excitement, and elite wingfoil competition.