Kampman Holds European Championship Lead After Six-Race Day

Jessie Kampman remains at the top of the standings at the European Kitefoil Championships in Akyaka, Turkey after a demanding day of racing in which six races were completed to make up for lost time on the opening day.

Kampman produced a consistent series of results, finishing third, third, third, first, eighth and second. Her eighth-place finish is one of her three discard results, allowing her to maintain her position at the top of the leaderboard.

After 11 races, Kampman leads the championship with 14 points. French Olympic champion Lauriane Nolot and Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler are tied for second on 15 points.

The Dutch rider of Team Allianz described the day as a tough test, with six long races putting considerable strain on the competitors.

“What a tough day of racing,” Kampman said. “Six long races got our legs burning! I had some trouble getting off that start line today. And when you’re in or behind the pack, it’s pretty hard to make your way through. I don’t think the fleet has ever been this tight.”

Despite her difficulties at the starts, Kampman managed to stay remarkably consistent throughout the six races and retained the overall lead.

“Managed to get a consistent day out of it with 3-3-3-1-8-2 and still sitting in 1st!”

With two more days of racing remaining before the finals day, Kampman will look to protect her narrow lead in what is shaping up to be an extremely close European Championship battle.