Ellie Aldridge said her international rivals have “something to watch out for” as she was crowned European kitefoil champion on home waters.
The British Sailing Team’s Aldridge rounded off a stellar season with victory at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth, a key result with the Paris 2024 Olympics less than a year away.
The win came off the back of silver medals at the Paris 2024 test event in July and the Sailing World Championships in August.
Aldridge dominated the 41-strong women’s fleet over four days of high-octane racing off Eastney Beach, sealing victory despite an unforced crash just metres from the finish line.
“Winning the European Championships in the UK is an absolute dream,” said Aldridge, from Poole, Dorset.
I didn’t make it easy for myself with the crash right at the end of the first race of the finals, but I got back up, got back into it and won the next race to take the title.
“When I crossed the line I was just so relieved. I’ve never actually won an event in this format before so I’m super happy.”
After a solid performance all week, Lily Young went into the final solidly in third but fell foul of the Formula Kite class’s scoring format and had to settle for fourth overall.
Nevertheless, Young said she was proud of her achievements this year, which included winning bronze at the World Championships last month.
“I’m pretty disappointed with losing third place today but I’m happy with my week overall,” said Young, from Weymouth, Dorset.
“It sucks not to come away with a medal but it is how it is in this kind of racing – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I’ve sailed a great regatta though, probably the best all season, and I’m really happy with that.”
No comments:
Post a Comment