Young Azzurra, Maddalena Spanu victorious at Defi Wind
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 14 May 05:53 NZST
Maddalena Spanu crosses the finish line at the Defi Wing © Defi Wind Eyes
The Defi Wind event in Gruissan, France, the world's largest gathering dedicated to water sports, drew over 2,000 riders for to the French coast this week.
In the Wing class, which concluded today, Young Azzurra athlete Maddalena Spanu competed against a fleet of around 600 athletes from across the globe, securing the overall win in the women's category. Vaina Picot finished in second place, with Enoha Laurant in third.
"My goal this year is to win the Defi Wing, the only event that I wasn't able to add to my list of achievements last year," Maddalena had affirmed when asked about her goals at the beginning of the 2026 season. She tackled the competition in France with that intention, racing from 11 to 13 May in variable weather conditions. Posting two wins, a second and a third and discarding of another third-place finish as her worst result of the series, Maddalena claimed victory at the Defi Wing, finishing 50th overall in a fleet of 595 participants in the Wing class. The result was made even more extraordinary as she shared the podium with her brother, Nicolò Spanu, winner of the men's category.
"I am absolutely delighted with this win. I have been working towards this result for years now, and to achieve it today alongside my brother Nicolò is an emotion that's hard to put into words." commented the Young Azzurra athlete at the conclusion of the event.
Maddalena's next destination will be Turkey, where she will compete in the WingFoil Racing World Cup leg taking place in Urla from 19-23 May.
The YCCS congratulates Maddalena on an outstanding result.