MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS TO WORLD CHAMPION MATTEO IACHINO, GOLD MEDALIST BOBBI-LYNN DE JONG AND BRONZE MEDALISTS KIT DE JONG AND MACIEK RUTKOWSKI!
FUERTEVENTURA DELIVERED THE CHAOS. TEAM NEILPRYDE DELIVERED THE HAMMER.
The 2026 PWA Grand Slam at Sotavento wasn't just a windsurfing event – it was a gladiator pit. With relentless 40 knot gusts, a terrifying 50 knot finale and the infamous "Downwind of Death" course which tested the sailors' physical and mental strength to the breaking point. And when the spray settled, Team NeilPryde stood tallest, walking away with not one, not two, but three major podium conquests.
🏆 MATTEO IACHINO – SLALOM X WORLD CHAMPION
Our italian teamrider just did it. Matteo Iachino entered the final day as the man to beat and he left as the undisputed king of Slalom X. With multiple elimination wins under his belt and the reigning champion breathing down his neck, Iachino kept his cool in the nuclear winds, executed flawless gybes and powered past the competition on the deadly obstacle jump. This is his maiden Slalom X world title – a crowning moment years in the making.
🥇 BOBBI-LYNN DE JONG – SLALOM X GOLD MEDALIST UNDER 55 KG
At just 16 years old, Bobbi-Lynn De Jong didn't just compete – she conquered. Racing against the world's elite women in Slalom X, the young Dutch phenom consistently locked down second place finishes in the eliminations, showing ice cold composure that belied her age. But her crowning glory came in the under 55 kg category, where she dominated the field and became the winner and 4th place overall. This isn't just a glimpse of the future – this is the future, arriving right now. Watch out, world.
🥉 KIT DE JONG - SLALOM X BRONZE MEDALIST UNDER 55 KG
Kit De Jong secured an impressive third place at the PWA Slalom X in Fuerteventura. Battling tough winds and choppy seas, the young windsurfer delivered a strong performance to claim her first podium at the event. Following her dominant win at the PWA Youth Slalom World Cup, De Jong continues to prove herself as a rising star on the world stage.
🥉 MACIEK RUTKOWSKI – SLALOM X BRONZE MEDALIST
Maciek Rutkowski proved he belongs among the absolute best. With his first elimination win of the week and a string of top three finishes, the Polish powerhouse fought tooth and nail in every single race. After giving his fans one heck of a rollercoaster ride last week with many lows followed by highs his relentless speed, tactical brilliance and sheer grit earned him a deserved third place overall in the Slalom X standings. A bronze at this level is a statement – and Rutkowski made it loud and clear.
Nico Prien also delivered a rock solid performance, consistently placing in the top ranks and securing his spot in the later stages – further proof that the NeilPryde squad runs deep with talent. Adding to that strong team showing, Diederik Leemans fought his way to an impressive 5th place in the Slalom X under 80 kg category, demonstrating both speed and tactical skill against a highly competitive field.
In the most extreme conditions on the planet, our riders didn't just survive – they dominated. They showed incredible heart and skill in some of the most challenging conditions on the world tour and we are immensely proud of their achievements.
We are bursting with pride for:
• Matteo Iachino – World Champion, Slalom X
• Bobbi-Lynn De Jong – Gold Medalist, Slalom X (Under 55 kg)
• Kit De Jong – Bronze Medalist, Slalom X (Under 55 kg)
• Maciek Rutkowski – Bronze Medalist, Slalom X
• Diederik Leemans – 5th, Slalom X (Under 80 kg)
• Nico Prien – 5th, Slalom X
You made history. You made us proud. And you made it clear: Team NeilPryde is the squad to beat.
