Francesco Cappuzzo wins world title in WingFoil

Sicilian rider Francesco Cappuzzo won the world title in the finals of the FreeFly-Slalom Copa Kitley GWA WingFoil World Cup 2023 fought in Brazil.

At the time of the celebration, he stood on the podium with a huge smile, his eyes shining with happiness, and the sun-baked skin of someone who trains every day to conquer something great. And so it was for Francesco Cappuzzo, the one who for everyone is the true Italian “waterman,” who last November 24 won the title of WingFoil World Champion.

Impeccable technique and perseverance as a true champion

A success that came in the final of the FreeFly-Slalom Copa Kitley GWA WingFoil World Cup 2023 that was staged in Cauipe Lagoon, Brazil, Nov. 21-24. During four days of non-stop racing Francesco Cappuzzo managed to get the better of Frenchmen Titouan Galea and Bastien Escofet, also potential candidates for the world crown. The Sicilian athlete, one of the most talented riders on the world tour, demonstrated impeccable technique, steady nerves and unmatched consistency throughout the competition. In five elimination rounds, Cappuzzo scored three 2nd places and two 5th places, including one to be discarded. And in the end it was he who lifted the prestigious trophy aloft.

“Right now I am overjoyed,” Cappuzzo said after the race, “the world title is my icing on the cake. It has been three years since I finished second in this circuit dedicated to WingFoil Freefly-Slalom. Before the final I was tied on points with Galea and both of us were playing for everything. This time, however, I came out in front.”

The FreeFly-Slalom, the discipline that enhances WingFoil

In WingFoil, Freefly-Slalom is a speed discipline in which a maximum of 12 athletes compete on a multi-stage course. The fastest wins, but during racing there are other elements as well: you have to make triangles, gybes and ride any waves, as well as in light breezes being able to “pump” the foil to get it into a glide. It is an exciting and ever-evolving format that allows the full competitive spectacle of a young but already world-renowned sport like WingFoil to be expressed.

A talent who grew up imitating his dad Antonio

Francesco Cappuzzo’s is the story of a Sicilian boy who literally grew up in seawater: “My dad Antonio has always been my idol and my inspiration,” Francesco says, “when I was little he would put me in the water by any means. When there were waves we would surf, when there was wind we would windsurf, then came kitesurfing and finally wingfoil. At first I started for fun, then I started doing the first competitions, I started winning, and I got the desire to go on in practically every discipline.” And with this latest world success, there are now 15 titles Cappuzzo has won in Italy and abroad. A truly enviable talent and versatility. Bravo Francesco!