Maddalena Spanu wins WingFoil Racing World Cup in Switzerland
Federico Pilloni and Cesare Barabino selected by FIV to represent Italy at the Mediterranean Games
Porto Cervo, 20 June 2026. The Young Azzurra team continues to deliver excellent results on the international stage. Maddalena Spanu claimed today at the WingFoil Racing World Cup in Switzerland, while Federico Pilloni and Cesare Barabino, following their excellent results throughout the 2026 season, have been selected by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) to represent Italy at the Mediterranean Games, in the iQFOiL and ILCA 7 classes respectively.
The week of racing in Silvaplana, Switzerland, where the third leg of the WingFoil Racing World Cup took place, unfolded in challenging weather conditions. The opening days saw no racing due to the absence of wind, with light winds then gradually building over the following two days, allowing a total of 15 races to be held, across both long course and short race formats. Maddalena Spanu made consistency the key to her success, finishing with three wins, seven second-place finishes and two thirds – after discarding her worst score – to take second place in the provisional overall standings, which secured her direct entry to the final alongside France’s Vaina Picot, who topped the leaderboard.
After a lengthy wait to compete in the Medal Race, the final got underway at around 4.30 p.m. in a very light and unstable breeze. China’s Yana Li led off the starting line, followed by Picot, with Maddalena in third. Approaching the leeward gate, Picot came off her foil, allowing Maddalena to move into second place, hot on the heels of Li. Just before the finish line, Yana Li also fell, allowing the Young Azzurra sailor to seize victory.
“The wait for the Medal Race was long, and required a very high level of concentration. I went out determined, as always, to give my best. I’ve been working hard to improve my performance in light winds, so today was a real test. Vaina and Yana’s falls were unexpected. I managed to stay calm, trying to execute every manoeuvre perfectly to avoid falling myself. When I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t believe it – I was absolutely thrilled.” commented Maddalena Spanu.
The selection of Federico Pilloni and Cesare Barabino, both athletes from the YCCS Young Azzurra programme, is a source of great pride for the Club and marks an important milestone in their sporting careers.
The Mediterranean Games, scheduled from 21 August to 3 September 2026, are a multi-sport event reserved for nations in the Mediterranean basin and recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1952. Modelled on the Olympic Games, the event aims to promote sport and foster cooperation among Mediterranean nations.
“I’m extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Mediterranean Games representing Italy. It will be my first experience at a major multi-sport event, and wearing the national jersey in such a prestigious setting is a source of great pride. At the same time, I feel a great sense of responsibility: events like this go beyond the individual level, because you have the honour of representing your country. Contributing to the Italian team’s results is a privilege and a special motivation.” said Federico Pilloni.
Cesare Barabino added: “Being selected by the Italian Sailing Federation to represent Italy at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto is a great honour and a significant responsibility. Taking part in such a prestigious event represents a significant milestone in my career – a sort of culmination of the work I’ve put in over the years, the sacrifices I’ve made and the progress I’ve achieved. My aim following the World Cup in Kiel – which starts today and runs until 24 June – will be to focus fully on my preparations for the Games, which begin on 27 August, concentrating on every technical and physical detail to ensure I arrive at the Mediterranean Games in the best possible form.”
The YCCS congratulates all the athletes in the Young Azzurra programme – Maddalena, Federico and Cesare – for their impressive results and achievements under the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda burgee.
For further information or interview requests, please contact the YCCS Press Office.
Contacts
YCCS Press Office
Marialisa Panu/Giuliano Luzzatto
Tel. +39 345 7938513 - +39 348 5966160
pressoffice@yccs.it
www.yccs.com
