All FLYSURFER podium in the Women’s and Men’s division

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

The 2026 Kite Foil World Championships in Viana do Castelo delivered everything the sport could ask for: powerful Atlantic conditions, high-pressure racing, dramatic finals, and ultimately a historic result for FLYSURFER athletes. With strong winds, rolling swell, and tactical racing throughout the week, the Portuguese venue once again proved why it is considered one of the premier locations for kitefoiling competitions. In the end, FLYSURFER riders stood on top of the world, claiming complete podium sweeps in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Complete control in the men’s fleet

The men’s final turned into an unforgettable showcase of teamwork, performance, and determination. Maximilian Maeder secured his third World Championship title after an intense battle against fellow FLYSURFER athletes Gian Stragiotti and Valentin Bontus. From the very beginning of the event, the level in the fleet was incredibly high. Every race demanded precision, consistency, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

Leading into the championship, Maximilian Maeder and his team had already invested months of focused preparation.

“Leading up to the World Championships, our team had put in so much effort during the training blocks preparing for it. So of course the tension was high and that stayed throughout the whole competition”, Maeder explained.

The Singaporean rider showed remarkable consistency all week and especially dominated the opening Gold fleet races, building confidence with every victory.

“With each passing day of managing to perform well, especially the first gold fleet day with all wins, the feeling of gratification about the winter work grew.”

The medal series delivered maximum drama. Tight tactical decisions, difficult laylines, and pressure-packed mark roundings kept the title fight open until the very last moments. Despite the tension, Maeder remained focused on execution.

“The day of the finals specifically, we stuck to our process and focused on the job we had in front of us rather than inventing something new.”

After a nerve-racking opening race cancellation and an extremely close first lap in the deciding race, Maeder finally created the gap he needed.

“Once I rounded that M2 in first, I just sailed to bring it home and was absolutely elated by the finish of the final race.”

Crossing the finish line, emotions took over.

“I was super emotional of course and with how 2025 went it felt so good to fight and win the World Title for the third time.”

Right behind him, Swiss rider Gian Stragiotti delivered one of the strongest performances of his career to secure the silver medal, while Austria’s Valentin Bontus completed the all FLYSURFER podium with bronze.

For Bontus, the result carried even more meaning after recovering from injury earlier in the season.

“It was a really challenging and tough week considering the conditions out on the water and also the tight battles we had,” said Bontus. “For me in general it was already super to make it into the top 10 after my injury last year. Even more, I was stoked to fight it out against Max and Gian in the final and really push to the maximum during the racing.”

The constantly changing conditions throughout the week tested every aspect of racing performance.

“We had everything throughout from light and wavy to strong and wavy and also strong and flat on the last day,” Bontus added. “Super stoked about the bronze medal and even more happy to show that I’m back on track after my injury.”

Women’s fleet equally dominated

The women’s division was no less impressive. Lauriane Nolot claimed another World Championship title after an outstanding week of racing, ahead of Jessie Kampman and Elena Lengwiler completing yet another full FLYSURFER podium sweep.

The final delivered high intensity from the opening moments, with tactical positioning and extreme speed differences creating dramatic racing scenarios. Nolot managed to stay composed under pressure and found the right balance between aggression and control to secure the title.

Lengwiler produced one of the comeback stories of the championship, climbing through the rankings with fearless racing to earn bronze, while Kampman once again demonstrated her consistency at the very highest level.

A historic result for FLYSURFER

Sweeping every podium position in both divisions underlines the incredible level of the FLYSURFER international athlete team. Across all conditions from light wind strategy races to fully powered finals the athletes demonstrated the performance, control, and confidence required to dominate at the highest level of the sport.

The 2026 World Championships will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone event for FLYSURFER and its riders: six podium spots, two World Champions, and a complete statement on the world stage.