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Axel Mazella and Connor Bainbridge join Ozone R&D team full time

Olympians Axel Mazella and Connor Bainbridge Join Ozone R&D team full time

October 6, 2024 / Kite Race Wing

Two of the fastest hydrofoil kite racers on the planet make the transition from team and test riders to full time R&D specialists

In the world of watersports, innovation and skill go hand in hand. Frenchman Axel Mazella, 26 (pictured above on the right), and Brit Connor Bainbridge, 30, both competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and bring a wealth of experience and passion to their new roles in the Ozone R&D and design teams, where they’ll be applying their knowledge across a range of our products

STATS & RECORDS

AXEL MAZELLA (FRA)
4 x European Champion
3 x Kite Foil World Series Cup Champion
1 x World Vice Champion
6th place at the 2024 Olympic Games

CONNOR BAINBRIDGE (GBR)
8th place at the 2024 Paris Olympics
3rd at the 2024 European Championships
2nd at the 2023 Olympic Test Event

STATS & RECORDS
AXEL MAZELLA (FRA)
4 x European Champion
3 x Kite Foil World Series Cup Champion

Q: When did you first start kiting?
Axel: In 2010. My first kite was the Ozone Edge.

Connor: 2012, when kitesurfing threatened to replace windsurfing in the Olympics (for six months – it’s a long and complicated story!).

Q: You achieved so much in making it to the Olympics—can you tell us a bit about your experience there?
Axel: The experience was great, emotionally intense with both good and bad moments! I never felt as much support as I did from my family, friends and supporters. It was also really impressive to be in Paris for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Connor: It was a crazy week, with not many races in light winds, but overall, an incredible experience—one I will never forget. The Olympics really is the greatest show on Earth, and it was amazing to be a part of it! I learned so much about myself and the sport, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves from here.

Q: When did you first start kiting?
Axel: In 2010. My first kite was the Ozone Edge.
Connor: 2012, w

Q: What experience do you have in working with product development so far?
Axel: As a kite racer, I’ve always been close to designers from different brands. I joined the Ozone Racing team in 2018 and was involved in the R1V4 project with Nicolas Parlier. I also worked on various products during a short period in 2022 and 2023 with the R&D team here in Mauritius.

Connor: I have worked with other kite and windsurf brands, helping develop equipment. I’ve also created my own custom board brand, where I design and develop all the products.

Q: What is your new position at Ozone, and what will it involve?
Axel: For the past few years, the R&D team needed help because there were so many products to develop at once. That’s why Connor and I joined—to assist with every project, including kites, wings, foils, boards and more.

Connor: As Axel says, we’ll be involved in so much, which is brilliant!

Q: What experience do you have in working with product development so far?
Axel: As a kite racer, I

Q: What do you think it takes to be a good product tester or development team rider? Can you give us some insights?
Axel: I must admit, it requires certain skills! It’s important to trust your feelings while testing gear, be a keen observer and pay attention to every little detail. Of course, you also need to be comfortable with software.

Connor: The “feel” on the water across a variety of products is crucial for testing. But translating that feeling into design parameters and understanding what the end user wants is a real juggling act.

Q: What do you think it takes to be a good product tester or development team rider? Can you give us

Q: What are you most looking forward to about the position?
Axel: I know the R&D guys, and they’re such nice people. I’m really excited to work together as a team and achieve big things!

Connor: I’m looking forward to being involved in the wider range of Ozone products, beyond just the R1V5. The Ozone range is so amazing, and there are so many opportunities across different disciplines. The current team is already innovating, and I’m excited to be part of the future.

Q: What made you believe in working for Ozone?
Axel: I wanted to join Ozone because watersports are my passion, and this is a dream job for me. I also like Ozone’s philosophy and the way they approach product releases and customers. The brand has made big progress in the kite and wing industry, and I’m excited about what the future holds!

Connor: Ozone’s racing pedigree initially drew me to the team, especially to be part of the R1V5 project. Now, as part of the design team, I can push my skills and imagination into other areas, which is really exciting.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about the position?
Axel: I know the R&D guys, and they

Images on this page include IKA Racing media images from the KFWC event at Sardinia in Italy, where Axel Mazella took second with Connor in fourth.


The event saw riders competing for the first time with the newly approved Olympic race kites for the 2028 LA cycle, with a strong first performance by the Ozone R1 V5.

Read More Here 

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