Young Azzurra, Federico Pilloni claims bronze at iQFOiL European Championships

It has been a busy week for the athletes in the YCCS Young Azzurra programme, taking part in key events on their respective sporting calendars. Today saw the conclusion of the iQFOiL European Championships, held in Portimão, Portugal, where Federico Pilloni secured third place overall in the iQFOiL European Championships and claimed the title of European Under-23 Champion. Maddalena Spanu took home another excellent result, finishing on the second step of the podium at the WingFoil Racing World Cup leg in Turkey. Meanwhile, in Croatia, Cesare Barabino finished 16th overall at the ILCA 7 European Championship yesterday.

Federico Pilloni’s week in Portimão, in a fleet of 117 competitors, was marked by top performances, determination and grit from start to finish. Strong results in the initial qualifiers and finals secured him direct entry to the semi-final, which featured three general recalls. In the final restart, a penalty meant Freddy started 5 seconds behind the fleet, a gap he managed nonetheless to close, crossing the line in second place to qualify for the Grand Final. It proved to be a thrilling conclusion, which saw the Young Azzurra athlete leave his rivals in his wake as he rounded the first windward mark at the head of the fleet. On the next leg, Luuc Van Opzeeland inched into the lead, with Freddy hot on his heels right to the finish line. Federico Pilloni went on to take bronze overall at the iQFOiL European Championships behind Johan Søe in second and winner Luuc Van Opzeeland - also 2026 European Champion and a bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics. This third-place finish among the seniors also earned Freddy the title of European Under-23 Champion.

"It was an exciting final, hard-fought to the very end, and I gave it my all. Taking bronze at the Senior European Championships and the European Under-23 Champion title is something that makes me immensely proud of my journey up to this point. This result gives me even more motivation to keep working and striving to do even better. I want to thank everyone who supports me every day: my family, my club, the Italian Sailing Federation, my coaches, and my friends and teammates. Today’s result brings me immense joy that I’ll carry with me for a long time.” commented Federico Pilloni.

In different waters but equally determined to do her best, as the iQFOiL European Championship final drew to a close, Maddalena Spanu was preparing for the final Medal Race of the WingFoil Racing World Cup in Turkey. After 18 races held, including long-distance and short races, Maddalena arrived at the final in second place in the provisional standings. Light winds and a shaky start made the final race a tough one, but Maddalena was able to remain focused and secure second place overall. First place went to France’s Vaina Picot, with Yana Li completing the podium in third.

“It’s been a very intense week and I’m satisfied with the result. Vaina and I battled hard throughout - always just two points apart. Today, on the final day of the event, the start compromised the outcome of the race, but beyond that I’m taking away several positives and just as many areas to work on to raise the bar even higher. Now I’m focusing on the next leg, which will be in a month’s time in Silvaplana.” reflected Maddalena Spanu.

A third strong result came from Cesare Barabino, who wrapped up the ILCA 7 European Championship yesterday in Croatia. Excellent race results – including a third and a fifth place in the qualifying rounds – saw him gain a place in the Gold Fleet and finish in 16th place overall.

The YCCS congratulates all the Young Azzurra athletes – Federico, Maddalena and Cesare – on their excellent results.