Lauriane Nolot and Gian Stragiotti claimed the European titles, while Maximilian Maeder secured the men’s Open title, as a dramatic Medal Series brought the 2026 Türk Telekom Formula Kite Open European Championships to a thrilling conclusion in Akyaka.
The women’s Medal Series delivered hard-fought racing from the outset, with China’s Si Wang and Meijing Su advancing from the Quarter-Finals into the Semi-Finals. Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler then produced a strong performance to win, with Wan Li (CHN) placing second to secure the remaining Grand Final places alongside overall regatta leader Jessie Kampman (NED) and Lauriane Nolot (FRA).
Lengwiler charging to victory to claim a win of her own and extend the series with a second race with Kampman, Nolot and Lengwiler each carrying one win. Kampman led around the bottom mark before becoming tangled with Wan Li, opening the door for Nolot. Despite shaking legs on the final gybe, Nolot held her nerve to cross the finish line and secure the 2026 European title.
The men’s Medal Series began with Qibin Huang (CHN) and Flavio Marx (ITA) advancing from the Quarter-Finals into the Semi-Finals. Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) and Valentin Bontus (AUT) then fought through to join regatta leader Maximilian Maeder (SGP) and second-placed Gian Stragiotti (SUI) in the Grand Final.
Maeder delivered a dominant performance, winning the single Grand Final race to secure the men’s Open title and extend his unbeaten run this season – celebrating on his birthday.
Crossing the line right behind him, Stragiotti secured the European Championship title on his own birthday, making it a memorable double birthday celebration for the two training partners.
2026 Formula Kite European Championship Podiums
Men
1st Gian Andrea Stragiotti (SUI)
2nd Valentin Bontus (AUT)
3rd Riccardo Pianosi (ITA)
Women
1st Lauriane Nolot (FRA)
2nd Jessie Kampman (NED)
3rd Elena Lengwiler (SUI)
Men’s Open winner: Maximilian Maeder (SGP)