2026 WingFoil Racing World Cup Hong Kong - Day 1
by IWSA Media 6 Feb 04:07 AEDT
2026 WingFoil Racing World Cup Hong Kong - Day 1 © IWSA Media
A day of firsts marked the launch of the 2026 Wingfoil Racing World Cup season as Hong Kong, China hosted a World Cup series event for the very first time.
Fifty-three of the world's leading athletes took to the waters off Stanley Main Beach on the south-east coast of Hong Kong Island, delivering an action-packed opening day in lively breeze.
Global field and strong regional presence
The men's fleet features 41 riders from 10 countries, while 13 women from seven nations contest the women's title. East Asia is strongly represented across both fleets, with three athletes from Singapore, three from Japan, one from Chinese Taipei and no fewer than 21 local riders flying the flag for Hong Kong, China.
With a €10,000 prize pot on offer and valuable early World Cup ranking points at stake, the importance of a fast start was clear. Every event contributes to the overall standings, and after the off-season pause, momentum is already a key theme.
Conditions on day one saw a brisk breeze of around 13 knots outside the bay, forecast to fade later in the afternoon. As a result, racing began early at 10am, with four long-distance races completed over a 3-nautical-mile course for the men and 2.4 nautical miles for the women.
Men's fleet: champions and challengers
In the men's competition, all eyes are once again on Mathis Ghio of France. The four-time World Cup Champion has won the series every year since its introduction in 2022 and arrives in Hong Kong full of confidence after sealing the 2025 title with an event to spare, alongside World and European crowns. While Ghio did not dominate outright on day one, his status as the benchmark remains unquestioned.
Manowiecki shines on his birthday
Poland's Kamil Manowiecki enjoyed a standout opening day, celebrating his 24th birthday with three podium finishes, including victory in Race 2. Manowiecki arrived in Hong Kong three weeks early to test new equipment from sponsor PPC and looked immediately comfortable on the local waters. After finishing second overall in the 2025 World Cup standings behind Ghio and winning the season finale in Brazil, the Pole appears well placed to mount a serious title challenge.
Multiple winners underline depth
Italy's Alessandro Tomasi was another day-one winner, taking Race 3. The 22-year-old, who finished third overall last season, continues to impress with his consistency and attacking style. Compatriot Francesco Cappuzzo completed the winners' list by claiming the fourth men's race, underlining the depth and competitiveness of the fleet, with four different riders winning on the opening day.
Local interest is high, with Hong Kong riders Hugo Chow Tsz Hei and Rafeek Kikabhoy both targeting strong results on home waters. Chow is the reigning Asian Champion and has already recorded a top-eight finish at World Cup level, while Kikabhoy is a two-time Asian Champion from 2023 and 2024.
Women's fleet ignited by young talent
The women's competition was electrified by a dominant performance from 16-year-old French rider Vaïna Picot, who won three of the four races despite still recovering from a bad bout of shingles. The Guadeloupe native admitted to feeling exhausted but showed the confidence that built steadily through 2025, culminating in a silver medal at the season-ending event in Jericoacoara, Brazil. Her early form suggests she could be a genuine threat to the reigning champion.
Defending World Cup holder Maddalena Spanu remains the clear favourite for a third title, despite managing an ongoing thyroid issue. The 19-year-old Sardinian looked fit as she launched into the new season and secured three top-three finishes on day one, including a race win. Managing her energy levels over the course of the event will be key.
It was also a great day for Chinese riders Liu Yi Xiao and Yana Li who both pushed hard and ended the day in the top 5 overall.
After racing Hong Kong gave riders and their support teams a warm welcome with a very traditional Opening Ceremony.
Official results here