2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Türkiye
Maeder and Nolot are crowned Kings of Europe
Hello foilers, SUELTALABARRA family 💨 The winds of Urla, Turkey, witnessed an epic battle that culminated with the crowning of the new European Formula Kite monarchs. After five intense days of qualifying, the drama unfolded in the eagerly awaited Medal Series, where every heat was a final and the title hung in the balance.
Domination in the qualifiers and excitement in the finals:
Over five days of qualifying, we saw solid and consistent performances. Italy's Riccardo Pianosi demonstrated impressive speed in the men's fleet, while France's Lauriane Nolot and Britain's Lily Young set the pace in the women's category, securing a direct ticket to the Grand Final thanks to their leadership.
The Medal Series format added an extra dose of excitement. Riders ranked third through eighth had to battle their way through the quarterfinals and semifinals, where any mistake could mean the end of their European dream.
In the women's category, France's Lysa Caval staged a spectacular comeback, winning the final day of qualifying and advancing strongly to the finals. Poland's Izabela Satrjan and local hero Derin Atakan also demonstrated great consistency, securing their places in the semifinals. Argentina's Catalina Turienzo and Spain's Gisela Pulido Borrell fought tirelessly to advance to the finals.
In the men's event, young Singaporean prodigy Maximilian Maeder had to work hard to snatch the second spot directly into the Grand Final from Greek Cameron Maramenides. Frenchman Benoit Gomez also showed great strength, securing his place in the semifinals alongside Swiss Gian Andrea Stragiotti and Czech Vojtech Koska. The surprise result was Poland's Jan Marciniak, who climbed the rankings on the final day to reach the finals.
A big hug to Alejandro Climent and wishing him a speedy recovery after explaining to us in an Instagram post that he was injured.
Unfortunately no racing today for safety reasons.
That means I couldn't be able to fight for the Gold this time, a strong hit that put me away from my goal this time.
It is what it is, time to look ahead and keep giving it my all!!
The grand finale
The decisive day arrived, and the tension on and off the water was palpable. In the Women's Grand Final , world champion Lauriane Nolot demonstrated her mettle and experience, securing victory and the European title. Britain's Lily Young, despite an excellent week, had to settle for silver after a thrilling battle. France's Lysa Caval completed a memorable podium finish after her stunning comeback.
Women's Final Results (Medal Series):
🥇 Lauriane Nolot (FRA)
🥈 Lily Young (GBR)
🥉 Lysa Caval (FRA)
4th Catalina Turienzo (ARG)
In the men's Grand Final , young Maximilian Maeder gave no one a chance. With impeccable strategy and astonishing speed, he took European gold. Italian Riccardo Pianosi, who had dominated the qualifying rounds, had to settle for silver in a hard-fought final. Swiss Gian Andrea Stragiotti completed the men's podium.
Men's Final Results (Medal Series):
🥇 Maximilian Maeder (SGP)
🥈 Riccardo Pianosi (ITA)
🥉 Gian Andrea Stragiotti (SUI)
4th Cameron Maramenides (GRE)
New riders shining in Europe:
These European Championships marked the beginning of a new Olympic cycle and confirmed the emergence of a new generation of talent in the world of Formula Kite. The absence of some veteran figures opened the door for young athletes like Maeder and Young herself to demonstrate their potential on the continental stage.
From SUELTALABARRA.com we congratulate the new European champions, Maximilian Maeder and Lauriane Nolot, as well as all the riders who put on an exciting show on the waters of Urla.
The future of Formula Kite is bright, and the 2025 season promises even more excitement! We'll be watching every race, heat, medal series, or whatever it's called! 💨🏆
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