Eight races in perfect conditions Lina Eržen dominates the women’s fleet
Thousands of spectators witness high-speed foiling action at Ordinger Beach.
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 per day 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 men’s elimination produced an extraordinary result. Following a series of disqualifications, only three riders remained in the final classification. Dutch competitor Bjarne van der Weg (NED-2024) claimed victory ahead of Keno Recke (GER-10) and Sem Strosma (NED-450).
Germany’s Fabian Wolf then took the third elimination ahead of Amado Vrieswijk, Bob van de Burgt (NED-737), John Soukos (GRE-198) and Noah Vinther (DEN-7777) to move into the overall lead.
Vrieswijk responded immediately, winning both the fourth and fifth eliminations. Alexis Mathis (FRA-997), John Soukos, Noah Vinther, Fabian Wolf, Bob van de Burgt and Sem Strosma filled the remaining top positions as the leaderboard tightened.
Vrieswijk Takes the Overall Lead
After five races, the discard system came into effect, removing each rider’s two worst scores. This played perfectly into Vrieswijk’s hands, allowing his two opening setbacks to be dropped while both race victories counted in full.
The Bonaire rider now leads the championship with 3.4 points, ahead of Fabian Wolf on 5.7 and John Soukos on 7.7. Bob van de Burgt and Noah Vinther complete the top five, leaving the European title wide open heading into the final weekend.
Lina Eržen on Course for the European Title
In the women’s fleet, Lina Eržen continued her outstanding form despite constant pressure from Norwegian sisters Tuva and Helle Oppedal.
With 10 victories from 11 races, the Slovenian leads the standings on 5.6 points after discards, ahead of Tuva Oppedal (16.0) and Helle Oppedal (21.7), putting her in a commanding position heading into the final day.
Thousands Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
Thousands of spectators lined Ordinger Beach to watch the foiling action, while the California Windsurf Cup offered a full festival experience ashore.
Visitors enjoyed yoga sessions, skimboarding, the Vanlife Expo, family activities, a wide range of food stalls, and evening entertainment as athletes and fans celebrated together after racing.
Action-Packed Final Weekend Ahead
The IFCA Foiling European Championship continues through Sunday, with favourable forecasts promising more spectacular racing. Fin Slalom could also feature on Saturday before the Foiling champions are crowned during Sunday’s official prize-giving ceremony.
With €40,000 in prize money at stake, all eyes are on the battle at the top. Can Amado Vrieswijk hold onto the lead, or will Fabian Wolf or John Soukos produce one final charge for the European crown?
