Wan Li and Pianosi reign supreme at the Hyères 2025 Olympic Week Formula Kite
The Hyères 2025 Olympic Week in the Formula Kite class was a vibrant and talented event. We saw the confirmation of young talents like Riccardo Pianosi and the consistency of figures like Wan Li. The strong presence of the Chinese team in both categories underscores its continued growth in the world of Olympic kitefoiling. The performance of local Lauriane Nolot was also a highlight for the French fans. An excellent prelude to the upcoming challenges of the Kitefoil or Formula Kite season!
Regarding the Spanish Formula Kite fleet's participation in the Hyères 2025 Olympic Week, while they did not achieve podium finishes, several sailors performed well in a highly competitive international fleet. In the men's category, Alejandro Climent was the highest-ranked Spaniard, remaining in the upper middle of the standings. Youngsters Carlos and Jacobo Espí also participated, gaining valuable experience in an event of this magnitude. In the women's category, Spain was not directly represented in the fight for medals, but Spain's participation in Hyères underscores the ongoing effort to strengthen kitefoiling at the national level and continue developing talent for future international competitions.
The battle for the women's gold medal was intense until the very end. Despite a solid start by Britain's Lily Young , who led the early stages, China's Wan Li 's consistency and strategy led her to the eventual victory.
- 🥇 Wan Li (CHN)
- 🥈 Jingyue Chen (CHN) - Showed great consistency throughout the week and won one of the Grand Final heats, securing silver.
- 🥉 Lauriane Nolot (FRA) - Despite a more modest start, the local heroine managed to climb the rankings and secure bronze in the Grand Final, bringing joy to the French public.
- 4th Lily Young (GBR)
- Other highlights: Poland's Izabela Satrjan finished in a creditable position within the top 5, demonstrating the high competitiveness of the women's fleet.
In the men's category, the duel between young Singaporean talent Maximilian Maeder and Italian Riccardo Pianosi was the highlight. While Maeder dominated his group in the early stages, Pianosi demonstrated impressive solidity, especially in the finals.
- 🥇 Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) - The Italian showed his composure and skill in the conditions of Hyères, taking gold after a strong performance in the Medal Race.
- 🥈 Maximilian Maeder (SGP) - Despite an excellent start, Maeder was unable to hold on to his lead in the closing stages, taking home a valuable silver medal.
- 🥉 Gian Stragiotti (SUI) - The Swiss rider completed the men's podium, showing great consistency throughout the championship.
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