The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are fast approaching and new disciplines are being added to the programme, such as iQFOil, the new windsurfing event that will be used by athletes at the Marina de Marseille, the Olympic sailing venue for the Paris 2024 Games. A few days ago, the official authorities unveiled the programme for the iQFOil, a competition that will take place between Sunday 28 July and Friday 2 August.
The iQFOil is a format that differs from the old Olympic format, the RS:X, in that the daggerboard is replaced by a foil. The foil is an element that allows the board to fly out of the water, increasing its speed and making it more agile. Unlike the RS:X, the iQFOil has no daggerboard, making it more compact and faster.
The iQFOil is an evolving discipline and many RS:X athletes have made the transition to this new Olympic format. The Netherlands has strong competition, especially in the men's event. Luuc van Opzeeland, Huig-Jan Tak and Kiran Badloe will be challenging for the Olympic title in Paris 2024. For France, Nicolas Goyard, the 2021 World Champion, will also be a competitor to watch.
On the women's side, France's Hélène Noesmoen, the 2021 World Champion, is a name to watch for Paris 2024. Britain's Islay Watson and the Netherlands' Lilian de Geus will also be serious contenders. The iQFOil 2023 World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands in August will be the first iQFOil qualifying event for Paris 2024. The 2023/24 Continental Qualifiers will be the qualifying events, while the last chance competition for some nations will take place in Hyères, France from 18-27 April 2024.
As far as the official programme of the Olympic Games itself is concerned, the races in slalom or course race format will take place over a total of three days (28 to 30 July). After a rest day, 1 August will be dedicated exclusively to the Marathon. The next day, Friday 2 August, the medal races will be held for the 10 best women and men.
iQFOil Programme Olympic Games Paris 2024
Sunday 28th July
11:00-19:00: iQFOil men - Slalom or Racing Races
11:00-19:00: iQFOil women - Slalom or Racing Races
Monday 29th July
11:00-19:00: iQFOil men - Slalom or Racing races
11:00-19:00: iQFOil women - Slalom or Racing races
Tuesday 30th July
11:00-19:00: iQFOil men - Slalom or Racing races
11:00-19:00: iQFOil women - Slalom or Racing races
Thursday 1 August
11:00-19:00: iQFOil men - Marathon
11:00-19:00: iQFOil Women - Marathon
Friday, August 2nd
11:00-19:00: iQFOil men - Medal race
11:00-19:00: iQFOil women - Medal race
Source: Olympic Games of Paris 2024
Photos: Sailing Energy