iQFoil Youth & Junior European Championships at Circolo Surf Torbole - Day 2
by Elena Giolai 4 Jul 2023 12:26 UTC
1-8 July 2023
The iQFoil Youth & Junior European Championships, an event organized by Circolo Surf Torbole, the International iQFoil Class, and the Italian Sailing Federation, commenced in Torbole, on Garda Trentino.
The championship, set to conclude on Saturday, July 8, will witness the crowning of continental champions in the Youth (under 19) and Junior (Under 17 and Under 15) categories. This edition of the event has shattered records, attracting a staggering 422 participants from 36 nations, marking the largest turnout ever seen in a European championship for a youth Olympic class.
With an eye towards the 2028 Olympics, the impressive number of participants at the Youth & Junior European Championships bodes well for the future of youth windsurfing. The enthusiasm was palpable during the lively and evocative opening ceremony on Sunday evening, which saw over 600 athletes, coaches, and companions parading through the streets of Torbole and along the picturesque lakefront. Among the nations with significant representation were France, Poland, Israel, and Italy. Additionally, several non-European states including Australia, Hong Kong, China, India, Peru, Singapore, the USA, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand and Mexico competed in the 'Open' Championship.
The first day of racing unfolded with favorable winds, allowing most categories to complete two initial course races. However, due to an approaching storm over Lake Garda, racing was temporarily postponed, resulting in a shift in the day's schedule. While the boys' races were canceled for the day, the girls in the under-19 category took advantage of the improved conditions later in the afternoon and completed three additional races. In the under-17 class, the girls also managed to sail two more races, showcasing their determination and skills despite the challenging weather conditions.
Italian competitors showcased their prowess right from the start, demonstrating an extraordinary performance across multiple categories. Among the under-19s, an intense battle ensued, resulting in a tie at the top between Australian talent Harry Joyner and Sardinian windsurfer Federico Alan Piilloni, each securing two victories in their respective heats. Representing the local Circolo Surf Torbole, Leonardo Tomasini and Jacopo Gavioli displayed excellent form, claiming second and third place respectively. In the under-17 Junior category, Israel's Rajuan took the lead with a strong performance (2-1), followed closely by Turkey's Senoi and another Israeli contender, Kifir Gefen, who shared second place. The first Italian representative, Mattia Saoncella from Circolo Surf Torbole, showcased exceptional skills, finishing fifth overall after a victorious debut regatta and a seventh-place finish.
Italian dominance continued in the under-19 youth girls' category, with Carola Colasanto from Tognazzi Marine Village leading the pack after securing an 11th-place finish and three impressive victories. Norwegian competitor Gysler claimed the second position (5-2-2), while Danielle from Israel secured third place. South Tyrolean athlete Linda Oprandi showcased remarkable talent, securing a fifth-place finish and further highlighting Italy's presence in the top positions.
In the under-17 category, Italian windsurfers demonstrated their mettle as Medea Falcioni took the lead, also securing the top position among the under-15 competitors. Falcioni currently holds a slim lead of only two points over Israel's Barel, while another Italian contender, Francesca Maria Salerno, occupies the third spot.
Event website: iqyjeuropeans2023torbole.sailti.com