IFCA Foiling European Championships in St. Peter-Ording - Day 3
by IFCA 18 Jul 05:08 BST
IFCA Foiling European Championships in St. Peter-Ording - Day 3 © IFCA
Spectacular racing, an intense battle for the title and foiling action at its very best: Day three of the IFCA Foiling European Championship at the California Windsurf Cup St. Peter-Ording delivered ideal conditions for an exceptional day of competition.
With winds ranging from 10 to 16 knots, the men completed four further eliminations, while the women contested an impressive eight races - the maximum possible programme for both fleets.
After three days of racing, the men have now completed five eliminations, while the women already have eleven races on the scoreboard. Amado Vrieswijk (NB-20), from the Caribbean island of Bonaire, is the new leader in the men's European Championship standings. Two consecutive race wins saw him move ahead of Kiel-based German Fabian Wolf (GER-404). In the women's fleet, Slovenia's Lina Eržen (SLO-51) remains firmly in control.
High-Speed Foiling Spectacle on the North Sea
The second elimination of the men's competition produced an extraordinary result. Following a large number of disqualifications, only three riders remained in the final classification. Dutch competitor Bjarne van der Weg (NED-2024) claimed victory ahead of Germany's Keno Recke (GER-10) and fellow Dutchman Sem Strosma (NED-450).
Fabian Wolf then made a major statement in the third elimination. The German won the race ahead of Amado Vrieswijk, Bob van de Burgt (NED-737), John Soukos (GRE-198) and Noah Vinther (DEN-7777), temporarily moving into the overall lead of the European Championship.
Vrieswijk responded in emphatic fashion. In the fourth elimination, the Bonaire athlete crossed the line ahead of French rider Alexis Mathis (FRA-997) and Greece's John Soukos. Fabian Wolf finished fourth, followed by Matthijs Pos (NED-318). By this stage, a thrilling three-way battle between Vrieswijk, Wolf and Soukos was beginning to emerge at the top of the standings.
Vrieswijk proved unstoppable again in the fifth elimination. He secured his second consecutive victory of the day, finishing ahead of Noah Vinther, Fabian Wolf, Bob van de Burgt and Sem Strosma.
Vrieswijk capitalises on the Discard System
After five races, each rider discards their two worst results. This worked perfectly in Vrieswijk's favour. His setbacks from the first two races were removed from his score, while his two victories at the end of the day counted in full.
With 3.4 points, Vrieswijk now leads the IFCA Foiling European Championship standings after three days of competition. Fabian Wolf follows in second place with 5.7 points. The reigning Formula Windsurfing World Champion has so far scored a first, a second and a third place.
Opening-race winner John Soukos of Greece has slipped to third overall with 7.7 points. Dutch rider Bob van de Burgt and Denmark's Noah Vinther complete the top five, both on 12.0 points.
The battle for the European title therefore remains wide open ahead of the decisive final weekend.
Lina Eržen on course for the European Title
In the women's fleet, Slovenia's Lina Eržen and Norwegian sisters Tuva Oppedal (NOR-29) and Helle Oppedal (NOR-39) produced a series of exciting battles on the North Sea. Yet no matter how much pressure her rivals applied, Eržen repeatedly found a way to come out on top.
With ten victories from eleven races, the Slovenian is dominating the European Championship. After the discard results have been applied, she leads the standings with the perfect score of 5.6 points.
Tuva Oppedal sits in second place with 16.0 points, while her sister Helle Oppedal is third on 21.7 points. Heading into the final races, Eržen is in a commanding position to be crowned Foiling European Champion on Sunday.
Thousands of fans celebrate the Windsurfing Elite
Thousands of spectators followed the racing from the water's edge at Ordinger Beach. The foils appeared to fly almost silently above the North Sea as the international windsurfing elite fought for every position around the demanding race course.
The festival atmosphere continued on shore. The California Windsurf Cup combines world-class foiling and windsurfing competition with a wide-ranging programme of activities for the whole family.
Visitors were able to get active during free yoga sessions presented by LVM Versicherung, as well as take part in skimboarding activities. The Vanlife-Expo showcased the active outdoor lifestyle and featured the latest vehicles from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The LVM Family World offered an extensive programme of interactive activities and entertainment for younger visitors. Meanwhile, the food court provided a varied selection of street food and event catering.
Once the final race had finished, the food court was transformed into a party zone. With popular DJs providing the soundtrack, fans, guests and athletes were able to celebrate together late into the night.
Action-packed final weekend ahead
The IFCA Foiling European Championship continues at the California Windsurf Cup in St. Peter-Ording until Sunday, 19 July. The wind forecast promises more spectacular windsurfing action throughout the final weekend.
Further sporting highlights are expected on Saturday, with racing in the second discipline, Fin Slalom, also a possibility. Sunday is set to bring more decisive races in the championship discipline of foiling.
At 5:00 pm on Sunday, the 2026 Foiling European Champions will be crowned during the official prize-giving ceremony on the event stage. The ceremony will also determine how the total prize money of €40,000 will be distributed among the most successful athletes.
Until then, one question remains: Can Amado Vrieswijk defend his newly claimed lead, or will Fabian Wolf and John Soukos mount one final challenge in the battle for the European crown?