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TEAM NEWS: AVA SEGERSTEN TAKES SECOND PLACE IN LEUCATE!

Team News
Wing

27 april 2026 0

The young GONG team recruit makes a strong impression in her very first appearance.

The GWA Wingfoil World Cup made its big return to Leucate during the 29th edition of the Mondial du Vent, marking the start of the 2026 Surf-Freestyle season. With 24 men and 20 women representing 12 nationalities, this opening event brought together a strong field, all eager to showcase their progress over the off-season and set the tone for 2026.

On the GONG side, the team included Malo Guénolé, Bastien Escofet, and reigning world champion Benjamin Castenskiold in the men’s division, and Ava Segersten in the women’s division, kicking off her first season on tour.

Uncertain weather conditions led organizers to adapt the competition format by removing the qualification rounds to maximize the chances of completing the event.

Wing foiler: Ava, GONG team rider, riding the Hyperloop FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM85 mast, and Ypra Freestyle V3 front wing and stabilizer.

GONG riders’ journey in the Men’s division

The men’s competition started directly from round 4, where it quickly became clear that it would be difficult to stand out. Scoring high points was heavily limited by the conditions, and the final differences in each heat came down to small details.

Malo, Bastien, and Benjamin unfortunately couldn’t fully express themselves in these tricky conditions. Despite their commitment, all three were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Benjamin’s early exit was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the event. As the natural favorite and reigning world champion, he arrived in great form after a very solid off-season. However, he couldn’t find his usual rhythm, a reminder that at this level, even the smallest mistake can change the outcome of a heat.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding the Hyperloop FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM85 mast, and Ypra Freestyle V3 front wing and stabilizer.

Ava Segersten, GONG’s standout performer

In the women’s division, Ava Segersten delivered a remarkable performance in Leucate.

After her first participation in Brazil in 2024 was cut short by an injury in her very first heat, Ava approached this season with determination, and it paid off. She delivered an outstanding competition, posting the highest heat score in the semifinals.

From the early rounds, she impressed with her consistency, landing all her tricks. She confirmed her performance in the semifinals with a Front Flip scored 9.17, one of the best tricks of the event, and a total of 23.37 points.

In the final, facing experienced riders, Ava held her nerve and secured an excellent 2nd place, marking a highly promising result early in her career.

Women’s results:
1st – Nia Suardiaz
2nd – Ava Segersten
3rd – Sofia Ginzinger
4th – Manon Dupé

From left to right, Ava Segersten, Nia Suardiaz, Sofia Ginzinger and Manon Dupé.

A promising start to the season

This opening event of the Mondial du Vent sets the tone for the 2026 season: a steadily rising level and a new generation ready to shake up the hierarchy.

For GONG, the highlight is Ava’s outstanding momentum as she kicks off her season in the best possible way, along with a highly motivated men’s team eager to prove their true level at the next stop in Tarifa, from June 24 to 27.

2026