The U21 European Youth Championships in Torregrande, Sardinia are over and took place from 22.-28.5.23. 44 boys, 19 girls and 27 seniors participated in the competitions. In the results table I finish in 16th place, even after a good first two days.

We have been fighting unusual wind directions all week, which are either quite gusty or on a weaker scale, but they are turning nicely. We have even been lucky enough to be blown out of the water twice due to an approaching storm. And you don’t want that :). All the days were run on the largest size kites, 15 – 23qm.

There were four race days. The fifth day was the final day for the top 10 boys and girls.

For me, this is probably the most unprofitable race I’ve done so far. Strategy and the ability to navigate depending on the wind distribution around the race course really played a major role here.

Due to my short experience with the Formula Kite class and kitesurfing in general, I was unable to keep up with the more experienced riders and make the right choices. But I still had a great time racing with girls of similar age from different nationalities in the first two days, which is invaluable.

I’m leaving after this event definitely more experienced 😉 I also want to congratulate Vojt Kosek for his ever improving performance, which earned him a wonderful 2nd place in his category. Vojta is now the European Junior Vice Champion – a huge congratulations and a historical milestone for Czech kiting.

Full results: https://www.formulakite.org/2023youtheuropeans

Ciao a tutti!

Text: Dominika Braunová