iQFOiL U23 World Championships 2026 in Puck, Poland - Day 5
by iQFOiL Class Association 2 Oct 17:31 BST
26 September - 3 October 2026
Maya Gysler and Stanislaw Trepczynski shine on the penultimate day as the top ten Men and Women secure their places in Saturday's Medal Series
The top ten Men and Women who will fight for the iQFOiL U23 World Championship titles are now confirmed after a penultimate day in Puck that started in light winds before developing into another excellent afternoon of Course Racing on the Bay.
The day began with lighter conditions and one Slalom race for the Women, before the breeze strengthened and allowed the Race Committee to switch formats. Course Racing returned, providing ideal conditions for the final battle to secure positions in Saturday's Medal Series.
In the Women's fleet, Maya Gysler (NOR) made a determined push to secure a direct ticket to the Grand Final. The Norwegian produced an outstanding day, taking three race wins and a second place to confirm her place among the top two after qualification.
Aimee Bright (NZL) remains at the top of the standings after leading throughout the week. Bright and Gysler will therefore both advance directly to Saturday's Grand Final, carrying their advantage from an impressive five days of qualification.
Further back, Lina Erzen (SLO) also enjoyed a strong day, adding a race win as the fight for the Medal Series intensified.
The final place in the Women's top ten provided late drama. Aleksandra Wasiewicz (POL)had looked well placed to make the cut, but a broken mast forced her to miss the final race. Sophia Meyer (GER) seized the opportunity, moving ahead to claim tenth place and the final ticket into Saturday's Quarter Final.
The Men's fleet also produced a standout home performance. Stanislaw Trepczynski (POL) scored three race wins to secure his place in the top five and a direct passage into the Semi Final, giving the Polish supporters plenty to celebrate ahead of the championship finale.
Compatriot Maciej Dabek (POL) made another significant move, gaining five placesduring the day and overtaking Igor Lewinski (POL) to break into the top ten and secure a place in the Medal Series.
At the very top, however, it remains an Italian affair. Federico Alan Pilloni (ITA)completes the Qualification Series in first place, with Leonardo Tomasini (ITA) second. After five days at the front of the fleet, the Italian duo will now both advance directly to the Grand Final.
Everything is now set for Saturday's Medal Series, when the top ten Men and Women will return to the Bay of Puck for one final battle and the 2026 iQFOiL U23 World Champions will be crowned.