Kitesurfing Olympic champion Valentin Bontus wins World Cup medal

The Olympic champion moved into the “Grand Final” of the best four racers with a clear victory in the semifinals on Saturday in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. There, after finishing the decisive race in fourth place, the Lower Austrian benefited from a penalty against Lucas Fonseca (BRA) and won bronze. “It feels incredible to be back on the podium after such an injury (torn cruciate ligament; note). It will take me a while to realize everything here,” said Bontus. “To be on the podium at a World Championships in a comeback season is simply ‘ultra’. Our stated goal for this year was the European Championships in the fall. The fact that I can finish like this here means an incredible amount to me.”

The winner comes from Singapore

became world champion Max Maeder from Singapore. It was his third title. Gian Stragiotti from Switzerland came second.

Bontus is now taking a two-week break before further training blocks begin. In the summer, the 25-year-old will train and take part in a regatta in the upcoming Olympic area off Los Angeles for the first time.