The 2025 Formula Kite World Championship begins on 28 September at Poetto Beach, in Quartu Sant’Elena (Sardinia), under the auspices of the International Kiteboarding Association -IKA-, the International Sailing Federation -World Sailing- and the Italian Sailing Federation -FIV-. Considered the most relevant event on the international calendar outside of the Olympic Games, the championship will bring together the elite of the fastest discipline in the International Olympic Committee -IOC- program. After the conclusion of the Olympic cycle at Paris 2024, this World Championship will serve to measure the progress of national teams and the impact of the latest technological innovations applied to equipment.

The introduction of new kite designs and next-generation foil packages has transformed the competitive dynamic. National federations are closely monitoring how their athletes adapt to the changes, fully aware that technological integration is now a decisive factor in consolidating high-performance programs for the upcoming Olympic cycle.

Innovation and strategy in Formula Kite

In recent months, manufacturers and teams have intensified their collaboration in the development of more efficient equipment. French rider Benoit Gomez, involved in the evolution of the Element kites, exemplifies the direct link between technological research and high-level performance. Flysurfer, dominant in the last Olympic cycle, now faces growing competition in an environment where innovation dictates hierarchy.

For federation coaches, this World Championship will provide a unique opportunity for comparative analysis. Race performance will help evaluate the effectiveness of equipment choices and their integration into training routines, setting the course for future Olympic programs.

Olympic champion returns

British rider Ellie Aldridge, Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, returns to the highest level of competition after focusing part of her season on the SailGP circuit. Facing her will be Lauriane Nolot, defending World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, who makes her comeback after a recovery period strengthened by an intense physical preparation program.

The line-up also includes established names such as Jessie Kampman, now competing under the Netherlands flag, and six-time World Champion Daniela Moroz, alongside rising talent such as Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler. Federations from Spain, Australia, Poland and Thailand have also entered strong contenders, underlining the growing global reach of the discipline.

Vodisek and Maeder lead the men’s fleet

In the men’s fleet, Olympic Champion Valentin Bontus of Austria remains sidelined due to injury. The spotlight turns to Olympic silver medallist Toni Vodisek of Slovenia, and Singaporean Max Maeder, reigning World Champion and bronze medallist at Paris 2024. Their rivalry has defined the discipline in recent years.

British rider Sam Dickinson, who has recorded speeds exceeding 35 knots on downwind reaches, has attracted the attention of coaches and rivals alike for his rapid progress. Alongside him, Italian Riccardo Pianosi and Swiss Gian Stragiotti represent an emerging generation aiming to consolidate their status among the elite. For national federations, the performance of these younger athletes will be a key reference point in the renewal of their Olympic squads.

The competition will take place from 30 September to 5 October at Poetto Beach. Beyond individual results, the event will establish the new international hierarchy of Formula Kite and confirm the level of integration of the latest technological innovations into the equipment. For federations, the IKA, World Sailing, and the IOC, the analysis of this World Championship will be decisive in shaping preparation strategies and strengthening high-performance structures for the next Olympic cycle.