The winners of the FreeFly-Slalom were crowned on the final day in Fuerteventura
Nia Suardiaz takes victory in the women’s FreeFly-Slalom category
Francesco Cappuzzo adds another victory to the men’s collection
GWA Wingfoil World Cup Fuerteventura | July 28-August 2, 2025 | Playa de Sotavento
After the conclusion of the Surf Slalom discipline, attention shifted to the FreeFly Slalom for the final days of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Fuerteventura 2025.
A total of 22 men and 15 women were ready to take to the field for the second FreeFly Slalom event of the 2025 season. With only three FreeFly Slalom events scheduled for the year and no discards allowed, every heat was important, increasing the pressure on all competitors.
Over the course of three days, seven qualifying heats were completed in variable wind conditions, slightly lighter than usual on Fuerteventura. At the conclusion of these rounds, the top 8 men and top 6 women earned a spot in the final.
Women’s final
In the women’s final, Nia Suardiaz and Kylie Belloeuvre advanced directly to the main final. Meanwhile, Mar de Arce, Bowien van der Linden, Viola Lippitsch, and Manon Dupe had to battle in the first heat for a chance to join them.
Mar de Arce dominated the first heat, taking a clear victory that secured her spot in the final. Van der Linden, Dupe, and Lippitsch advanced to the second heat for one last attempt. There, Lippitsch showed determination and speed, holding off her rivals and clinching the final spot in the main event.
The four finalists—Nia Suardiaz, Kylie Belloeuvre, Mar de Arce, and Viola Lippitsch—got off to a flying start. Kylie took the lead early, rounding the first mark in the lead. However, a tactical error allowed Nia to take the lead. Once in the lead, Suardiaz entered the pump section with confidence and widened her lead. Belloeuvre pushed hard to close the gap, but was unable to keep pace with the reigning world champion. Nia Suardiaz crossed the finish line first, securing another impressive victory.
Final Results – Women’s FreeFly-Slalom
1st – Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
2nd – Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)
3rd – Mar de Arce (ESP)
4th – Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
Men’s final
In the men’s race, eight riders qualified for the final stage. Francesco Cappuzzo and Bastien Escofet qualified directly for the main final, while Romain Ghio, Riccardo Zorzi, and Sebastian Zorzi began their run in the quarterfinals. Julien Rattotti and Alessandro Tomasi advanced to the semifinals.
The first heat got off to a thrilling start, with Riccardo Zorzi disqualified for a mistake on the course, giving Gollito Estredo the chance to advance to the semifinals. The three remaining athletes had another chance in the second heat. There, Riccardo Zorzi mounted an impressive comeback, overtaking Ghio with a bold move that paid off and earned him a spot in the semifinals.
In the third heat of the semifinal, Rattotti and Zorzi battled it out, with Rattotti gaining the advantage to advance. Zorzi then secured victory in the fourth heat, securing the last spot in the main final, eliminating both Estredo and Tomasi.
The main final pitted Francesco Cappuzzo, Bastien Escofet, Julien Rattotti, and Riccardo Zorzi against each other. Teammates Cappuzzo and Escofet got off to a strong start, quickly gaining the lead. Behind them, Rattotti and Zorzi battled for position. Cappuzzo maintained a substantial lead in the pump section and crossed the finish line unchallenged. Escofet secured second place, with Rattotti edging out Zorzi for third.
Final Results – Men’s FreeFly-Slalom
1st – Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
2nd – Bastien Escofet (FRA)
3rd – Julien Rattotti (FRA)
4th – Riccardo Zorzi (ITA)
