From April 5 to 10, the Mondial du Vent will take place in Leucate in the Aude. Several disciplines are expected on site for this event which exists since 1997.
Like every year, there will be a lot of people in the water for the Mondial du Vent 2023. This event will welcome the best international wingfoil and windsurf athletes for the 26th edition of this unmissable event in the world of board sports. While waiting to discover the only French stage of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, the kitefoilers and the freestyle windsurfing demonstrations, let's go back over the history of the MDV with the key dates of the event.
1997
The world's best windsurfers met for the first time on the La Franqui spot for a speed event. It took place in Dantesque conditions that fascinated the public as much as the competitors.
1998
The following year, in 1998, kitesurfing made its first appearance with Raphaël Salles and Laurent Ness, invited by the Leucate municipality, which immediately sensed the potential of this new sport.
2003
It was at La Franqui that the first world kitesurfing speed records were set. But the show also takes to the skies, with Big Air events in which kitesurfers use the full power of their kites to fly as high and as long as possible.
2010
In 2010, Mondial du Vent innovates with a unique event, pitting windsurfers and kitesurfers against each other in a 500-meter speed run. With a perfect orientation for this kind of event, the public can cheer on and admire the athletes as they pass close to the beach.
2017
Le Mondial du Vent was also the only French leg of the Freestyle Kitesurfing World Cup for a decade. In fact, it was during the 2017 edition that Brazilian Carlos Mario scored a 10-point Heart Attack 7 (triple rotation with bar passage in the back) in the final seconds of his final, securing him victory.
2019
Leucate organizes a foil competition, in kitesurf and windsurf. A precursor event since the kitefoil discipline will become Olympic a few times later. The world's best Nicolas Parlier, Axel Mazella and Poema Newland, on their way to 2024, were present.
2021
In 2021, the first stage of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup is organized, despite the health situation. A daring and successful bet! Boldness and innovation are the keys to this unmissable event with international influence.
2024
Leucate has been designated as the official kitefoil preparation center for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. La Franqui will therefore be in the wings of beautiful sports preparations in the years to come.