The Blues well placed in kitefoil at the French Olympic week

Three weeks after the World Cup round in Palma, the French kitefoilers confirm their position at the highest level of the world hierarchy. After five days of regatta on the Hyères lake, seven of them validated their place in the final phase on Friday (the ten best in the ranking): Lauriane Nolot (1st), Jessie Kampman (3rd), Poema Newland (4th), Axel Mazella (1st), Maxime Nocher (3rd), Théo de Ramecourt (7th) and Benoit Gomez (9th).

In the mixed 470, Camille Lecointre and Jérémie Mion made a good comeback after a difficult start to the competition in the mistral. Sixth overall and qualified for the medal race, they however have little chance of reaching the podium on Saturday. Qualification also for Hippolyte Machetti and Aloïse Retornaz (10th).

The Mourniac-Berthomieu tandem confirms its potential

In Nacra 17, the young duo Tim Mourniac-Lou Berthomieu, 5th in Palma and selected for the Test Even in Marseille (July 9-16), once again demonstrated their potential (9th), especially in strong winds. It goes into the medal race but suffered in unstable light airs.

“When the conditions are firm, the boat sails well and we hold on to the best, says Mourniac. In the four races run in very light and oscillating winds, on the other hand, we lacked bearings and open-mindedness. The goal now is to do the best medal race possible. »

“The important thing in doubles is that you have to stay together, even when it gets complicated, continues Berthomieu. We have to keep talking to each other and not give up. Overall, we made a good start to the season and we are proud to have had the confidence of the federation for the Test Event. »

Finished for Picon-Steyaert

It also happened for Erwan Fischer-Youenn Bertin (10th) in 49er, Louise Cervera in Ilca 6 (ex-Laser) as well as for Fabien Pianazza (4th), Romain Ghio (6th), Colin Hermitant (9th) and Mathis Alexis (10th) on the iqFOil board, a series where the best in the world are missing due to preparation for the European Championship in Greece.

It’s the other way around for Charline Picon-Sarah Steyaert (14th) and Lara Granier-Amélie Riou (19th) in 49er FX. “We are not far from something good, says Picon, the double Olympic medalist in the RS: X board (gold in Rio, silver in Tokyo). We still have a lot of questions and we still have to work on communication to improve tactical cooperation on board. »

After their poor performance in Palma three weeks ago, which cost them qualification for the Test Event on the Marseille water body in July (selection of Lara Granier and Amélie Riou), the Picon-Steyaert duo does not hear not give up in the race to be selected for the Games.

“We are still a young crew, even if we have validated a lot of things technically, observes Steyaert. We still believe in it, we believe in our potential, we will go all the way. Our big target will now be the European Championship in Vilamoura in the fall. »