The Wingfoil Racing World Cup has kicked-off a new season by making history. The five
days of action are taking place in Dakhla, Morocco – the first timeWingfoil Racing has
taken place in Africa. The region, in the south-east of the country, sees the desert meet the
Atlantic ocean. The warm breezes are strong and consistent making the area a
watersports paradise.
43 athletes from 14 countries are competing in Dakhla.10 women and 33 men are
battling it out for world ranking points and a share of the €15,000 prize pot. 2025 is a big
year for Wingfoil Racing with Formula Wing European and World Championships
taking place, and the World Cup series is the perfect preparation allowing athletes to test
their skills, fitness and equipment against the best in the sport.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk: Mathis Ghio [FRA] racing
Three-times WingFoil Racing world champion Mathis Ghio of France is targeting his
fourth title in a row and has worked hard on his training through the winter break but
admits the fleet is getting tougher, “It’s always more exciting every year because we’re
looking at a better level of athlete and better performing equipment. We’re seeing a lot of
new faces on the tour, a lot of youngsters also so that’s a great thing for the sport” The 22
year old spent the winter training in his home city Marseille in order to get ahead with his
engineering studies but now he’s back in racing mode and excited to get the season
underway, “I’m looking forward to racing here in Dakhla to find out who worked the hardest
over the winter, who worked most on improving their equipment”.
Ghio has been training with Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzoand tips the 27 year old from
Palermo as a strong contender for the World Cup series crown come thefinal event in
Brazil in December. However, both riders will be wary of Poland’s blonde sensation
Kamil Manowiecki who missed out on the title last year by just 4 points.
The opening day saw the Women’s long distance race won by Italy’s Maddalena Maria
Spanu, one of the favourites for the overall title. Behind her, a dramatic fight was
unfolding for second place. Greek youngster Emilia Kosti, sitting second collided with a
mark and saw Spain’s Iset Segura Santaeularia speed past her to claim second place.
Back on shore Emilia hadn’t lost her sense of humour, “I’m trying to hide” she said ducking
behind her wing before confirming, “Actually the racing was great fun”.
There was lots of drama before the Men’s race had even started. Romain Ghio fell during
warm-up and was hit by Czech Stepan Benes. The Frenchman returned to shore with a
smashed wing and had to borrow another one from a fellow competitor. “The wing was
only 6m so I was very slow. I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow because the forecast is light.
I’m hoping a friend can lend me a bigger wing.” Despite the mishap, Romain finished 11th
in the fleet of 33 riders.
The Moroccan fans had plenty to cheer with four local riders battling hard in both the
mens’ and womens’ races.
Thursday sees 8 short track races planned with a forecast for light breeze.
RESULTS MEN
Kamil Manowiecki POL
Julien Rattotti FRA
Mathis Ghio FRA
Francesco Cappuzzo ITA
Bastien Escofet FRA
Oscar Leclair FRA
Mateo Dussarps FRA
Luca Franchi ITA
Alessandro Jose Tomasi ITA
Ernesto De Amicis ITA
RESULTS WOMEN
Maddalena Maria Spanu ITA
Iset Segura Santaeularia ESP
Emilia Kosti GRE
Anais Mai Desjardins FRA
Karolina Kluszczynska POL
Vaina Picot FRA
Katarzyna Trautman POL
Charlotte Baruzzi ITA
Cindy Robert-Mauron SUI
Aabir Ouabou MAR
MORE INFO AND FULL RESULTS
Text Credits: IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
Photo Credits: IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
Video Credits: IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
To keep up to date with 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Morocco, please
visit wingfoilracing.com or follow on:
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