GWA Wingfoil Race Class European Championships 2022

Mathis Ghio and Nia Suardiaz hold on to their leads to take the titles!

The wind kicked in on the final day of the GWA Wingfoil Race Class European Championships at Kritika Beach in Rhodes. Still, yesterday, the thermal winds did2 indeed kick in at 2pm allowing further elimination races and a final result: crowning two new European Champions, Mathis Ghio and Nia Suardiaz.

Women’s Open Class

Paula Novotna (CZE) and Nia Suardiaz (ESP) had been neck and neck all event long and Sunday threw up yet another close race between these two leading female wing racers.

Four very entertaining eliminations were completed on the final day (Sunday) with leads changing hands in each race, often with the winner only emerging on the final blast for the line.

We have seen some exceptional riding from the women this week, and the ongoing battle between Nia and Paula added a whole new dimension to it all.

“I’m so happy to win here in Greece,” said Nia. “I really hope to be able to come back here again to compete next year.”

Women's Open Class

1st Nia Suardiaz (ESP)

2nd Paula Novotna (CZE)

3rd Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)

Men’s Open Class

We have seen some very tight races in Rhodes, and the men have pushed through all conditions to give a spectacular show.

Luca Franchi and Francesco Cappuzzo put up brave performances throughout the week, but couldn’t rein in the lead Mathis Ghio had built up. Even though he finished second in the final race, once the evet discard was counted with no further races possible, the Frenchman had his first GWA Wingfoil Race Class European title.