• Kite
    • Kites
          • Progression Range
            • Catalyst V4Easy, progression focused kite
            • Enduro V5DO IT ALL PERFORMANCE
            • Edge V12Big air, epic hangtime, high energy freeride!
          • All-Round High Performance
            • Enduro V5 Ultra-XDo it All Performance
          • Big Air
            • Vortex Ultra-XINTERMEDIATE TO PRO LEVEL RESPONSIVE BIG AIR PERFORMANCE
          • Wave
            • Reo V7Pure wave riding
            • Reo V7 Ultra-XUltra-light, ultra-responsive wave kite
          • Lightweight Freeride
            • Alpha V3 Ultra-XSuper LIghtweight all-rounder, ready to take you everywhere
          • All-Round Lightwind
            • Zephyr V8 Ultra-XRide more! Huge range from 8 to 20 knots for all styles
          • Trainer Kites
            • Ignition V3Less screen time, more fly time!
            • Uno V2Inflatable trainer kite
          • Foil Kites
            • Hyperlink V4The ultimate crossover foil kite for water and snow
            • Mach1Accessible, high-performance big air foil kite
            • R1 V5Pure Race Performance
          • Custom Kites
    • Control Systems & Harnesses
          • Control Systems
            • Contact Water V5Simple and clean with click-in quick release
            • Compact V5For use with small kites or riders with a short reach
            • Foil Contact Water V5Foil Contact Water V5
            • Foil Race V5Foil Race V5
            • Wakestyle V5Short length with a more compact throw, perfect for freestylers
          • Harnesses
            • Connect Waist V4Super light weight and comfortable
            • Connect Waist Sliding V4Maximum freedom of movement for wave riding
            • Connect Seat V3Ultimate support with comfort
    • Boards
          • Twin Tip
            • Base V3Easy, progression focused board
            • Code V4Freeride for any conditions
            • Torque V4Big Air, Freeride, Freestyle Powerhouse
            • Infinity V3Light wind performance
            • The Plank V2School board
          • Hydrofoil Boards
            • Apex V2Kitefoiling, tow-in, dockstarts
          • Custom twin-tips
          • Hardware
            • Twin Tip Footstraps
            • Multi-Purpose Footstrapskite/surf/wing/foil
            • Fins V2
    • Accessories
          • Essentials
            • Pump V3
            • Kite Leashes
            • Board Leash
            • Twin-tip footstraps
            • Multi-Purpose Footstraps
          • Clothing
            • Classic T-Shirt
            • Inspired T-Shirt
            • Technical T-Shirt
            • Technical long
            • Zip Hoody
            • Ozone Caps
            • Beanie
          • Spares
            • Line Sets and Extensions
          • Protection
            • Exo Impact Vest
            • Exo Helmet
          • Bags
            • Backpack 28L
            • V30 Backpack
            • Twin-Tip Board Bag
            • Travel Gear Bag
            • Travel Board Bag
            • Water kite technical bag
            • Water Kite Compressor Bag
            • Closed Cell Compressor Bag
            • Snowkite Technical Mountain Bag
    • Infozone
          • News
          • Videos
    • Contact
          • Dealers Network
          • School Finder
          • Demo Centres
          • Contact Us
          • Guidance, help, inspiration and product news from the world of Ozone

  • Wing
    • Wings
          • Need Help Choosing Your Wing?
          • Progression Range
            • FlyEasy, progression focused wing (soft handles)
            • FlowTHE do-it-all wing (hard handles)
            • Flux V2FLUID HIGH PERFORMANCE FREERIDING
            • Flux V2 Ultra-XULTIMATE PERFORMANCE FREERIDE WING
          • Parawings
            • Pocket RocketStashable Parawing
          • Double Surface & Ram-Air tech
            • Fusion V2 Ultra-XUltra efficient, super high-performance for smaller foils
          • Lightwind
            • LiteforceEASY POWER AND HANDLING FOR MAXIMUM LIGHTWIND FUN
          • Custom Wings
    • Boards
          • Progression Boards
            • RiseIntermediates and beyond for quick wingfoiling progress
            • PulseLow volume, wing / surf / tow foil cross-over board
    • Harnesses & Protection
          • Harnesses
            • Connect Wing V2
            • Wing Waist Padded Belt V1
          • Protection
            • Exo Impact Vest
            • Exo Helmet
    • Accessories
          • Bags & Transport
            • Wingfoil Board Bag
            • Travel Gear Bag
            • Hydrofoil Kit Bag
            • Backpack 28L
            • V30 Backpack
          • Essentials
            • Pump V3
            • Parawing stash belt
            • Parawing Leash Line
            • Wing Harness Line
            • Multi-Purpose Footstraps
            • Board Leash
            • Wing Leash System
          • Clothing
            • Classic T-Shirt
            • Inspired T-Shirt
            • Technical T-Shirt
            • Zip Hoody
            • Beanie
            • Ozone Caps
    • Infozone
          • News
          • Videos
    • Contact
          • Contact
            • Dealers Network
            • Schools Finder
            • Demo Centres
            • Contact Us
          • Guidance, help, inspiration and product news from the world of Ozone

  • Race
    • Kites & Wings
          • Race Kites
            • R1 V5Pure Race Performance
            • Edge RaceInflatable race kite & official U21 Youth Foil kite
          • Race Wings
            • Fusion V2 Ultra-XHighly efficient double surface design with ram air tech
            • FluxSingle surface design with stiff, lightweight air frame
    • Control Systems & Harnesses
          • Kite control systems
            • Race V5Ultimate kite racing control system
            • Foil Race V5
          • Kite Harnesses
            • Connect Seat V3
          • Wing Harnesses
            • Connect Wing V2
    • Accessories
          • Essentials
            • Exo Impact Vest
            • Exo Helmet
            • Line Sets and Extensions
            • R1 V4 Tuning Kit
            • Pump V3
          • Bags & Transport
            • Closed Cell Compressor Bag
            • Travel Gear Bag
            • Water kite technical bag
            • Water Kite Compressor Bag
            • Backpack 28L
            • V30 Backpack
          • Clothing
            • Zip Hoody
            • Classic T-Shirt
            • Inspired T-Shirt
            • Technical T-Shirt
            • Technical long
            • Ozone Caps
            • Beanie
    • Infozone
          • We Race
            • Racing MNA
            • R1 Pit Stop
          • News
          • Videos
    • Contact
          • Demo Centres
          • Get Racing
            • Dealers Network
          • Guidance, help, inspiration and product news from the world of Ozone

  • Snow
    • Snowkites
          • Snow Progression Range
            • Explore V3Accessible performance single-surface snowkite
            • Hyperlink V4The ultimate crossover foil kite for water and snow
          • High Performance
            • EXPExploration & expeditions - expert high performance
          • Trainer Kites
            • Ignition V3
          • Custom KitesDesign your own custom kite
    • Control Systems & Harnesses
          • Control Systems
            • Contact Snow V5Click-in quick release & brake handle
            • Snow EXP V5Lightweight, designed specifically for use with EXP
          • Snowkite Harnesses
            • Connect Snow V4Lightweight yet very supportive and strong
            • Connect Snow Backcountry V4Clean, simple and lightweight
    • Accessories
          • Essentials
            • Exo Helmet
            • Line Sets and Extensions
            • Air connect heated gloves
            • Kite Leashes
          • Bags & Transport
            • Closed Cell Compressor Bag
            • Travel Gear Bag
            • Backpack 28L
            • V30 Backpack
            • Water Kite Compressor Bag
            • Snowkite Technical Mountain Bag
          • Clothing
            • Classic T-Shirt
            • Inspired T-Shirt
            • Technical T-Shirt
            • Technical long
            • Zip Hoody
            • Air connect heated gloves
            • Beanie
            • Ozone Caps
    • Infozone
          • News
          • Videos
          • Depower Manual
    • Contact
          • Contact
            • Demo Centres
            • Dealers Network
            • Schools Finder
            • Contact Us
          • Guidance, help, inspiration and product news from the world of Ozone

  • More Ozone
    • Product Support
          • Waterkites Manual
          • Spare Parts
          • Depower Manual
          • Previous Models
    • 3D Printables
    • Contact
          • Dealers
          • Schools
          • Demo Centres
          • Contact Us
          • Ozone Ambassador Programme
          • Guidance, help, inspiration and product news from the world of Ozone

    • My Ozone
          • Product Registration
    • About Ozone
          • Environmental Pledges
          • Our FactoryThe beating heart of Ozone
          • Design InsightsBorn Light, Ultra-X, Aluula and More
          • Custom KitesMake a statement on our kites, twin-tips or wings!
          • TeamGet to know the Ozone family
Mathis Ghio

Ozone Double at Defi & Formula Wing Europeans

June 5, 2025 / Kite Wing

Newly-launched FusionV2 Ultra-X wing helps push Ozone to the top of the rankings in two epic European wing competitions at the start of the season.

Meanwhile, in the hands of Ozone R&D team rider, Axel Mazella, the Vortex Ultra-X kite delivered further evidence of what a potent multi-functional weapon it has become in the Defi Kite races

DEFI WING AND KITE
May 2025

The Fusion V2 Ultra-X (patented) high-performance double-surface wing with ram-air tech took the top spots among 600 riders at the Défi Wing event in Gruissan, France, as well as heading the order at the IWSA Formula Wing European Championships in Turkey.

Mathis Ghio the overall victor in both.

Fusion V2 Ultra-X

DEFI WING AND KITE
May 2025
The Fusion V2 Ultra-X (patented) high-performance double-surface wing wi

In addition, Ozone capped a successful run when it came out top in the Défi Kite event, where R&D team rider, France’s Axel Mazella, won out over 300 pro and amateur athletes using R1V5 and Vortex Ultra-X kites, with another Ozone rider, Nell de Jaham finishing second.

Axel also took runner-up spot in the Defi Wing overall, an incredible demonstration of all-round consistency… and love of speed!

We couldn’t be more pleased with how it all went, with several of Ozone sales and marketing team members taking part and loving the event atmosphere and super busy, challenging race distances. Next year, you should come!

In addition, Ozone capped a successful run when it came out top in the Défi Kite event, where R&amp
In addition, Ozone capped a successful run when it came out top in the Défi Kite event, where R&amp

OZONE DELIGHT AT DEFI WING

France’s Mathis Ghio landed the overall win over three days of intense long-distance racing at Défi Wing when the pace and versatility of the Ozone FusionV2 Ultra-X came into its own.

Of the seven races, some as long as 50kms with 10kms reaching legs, Ghio won three and came second twice to take victory in the event that is celebration of wingfoiling’s inclusivity with over 600 competitors.

OZONE DELIGHT AT DEFI WING
France’s Mathis Ghio landed the overall win over three days of inte
OZONE DELIGHT AT DEFI WING
France’s Mathis Ghio landed the overall win over three days of inte

“I loved that race,” said Ghio, after crossing the line.

“Fifty kilometres, crossing back on one another with 600 on the water, it’s so good. Finishing like this is so good. I had a decent lead in the end. [But] we had tight battles and I managed to increase my speed and take the advantage.

“The Ozone team riders have been pushing this week. We have made the top four in almost every single race.”

“I loved that race,” said Ghio, after crossing the line.
“Fifty kilometres, crossi

Five of the top ten men at the finish competed on the FusionV2 Ultra-X. Olympic kitefoiler, Axel Mazella, was able to take the second podium place at Défi Wing with a win and a clutch of second and third places.

Ozone team rider Kamil Manowiecki, of Poland, secured fifth place overall after a strong week in the long-distance format with a packed course that was a new experience for him.

“It’s my first Défi experience,” said Manowiecki.

“So many wingfoilers. I’ve never seen such a start. It’s definitely the only one in history. We had so many tough races. The toughest is to be in the middle of the mix; to avoid the others at the mark roundings. You have to be careful, and have fun. Because that’s what the event is about.”

Fifteen-year-old Baptiste Loire, from France, also riding FusionV2 Ultra-X wings, was a new sensation as he won the U16 division and landed seventh place overall.


OZONE’S DEFI WING OVERALL RESULTS:

1 Mathis Ghio (Fusion V2 Ultra-X)
2 Axel Mazella (Fusion V2 Ultra-X)

Five of the top ten men at the finish competed on the FusionV2 Ultra-X. Olympic kitefoiler, Axel Maz
Five of the top ten men at the finish competed on the FusionV2 Ultra-X. Olympic kitefoiler, Axel Maz

OZONE DOUBLES UP AT DEFI KITE

Ozone team rider Axel Mazella doubled up on his success on home waters where he beat off the stiff challenge of 300 riders over five races to take the overall win at Défi Kite.

In the hydrofoil division, Mazella was riding the Ozone R1V5 Olympic-registered foil kites and the Ozone Vortex in smaller sizes, when the wind gusted to 40 knots. He took four wins from five.

OZONE DOUBLES UP AT DEFI KITE
Ozone team rider Axel Mazella doubled up on his success on home waters
OZONE DOUBLES UP AT DEFI KITE
Ozone team rider Axel Mazella doubled up on his success on home waters

“That’s the most difficult thing in Défi Kite—300 people on the startline,” said Mazella.

“It’s never happened in any kite event. [Often] I crossed the buoy in first position and then on the way back you have to cross 299 riders coming towards you. It’s a really nice picture I have in my head because all of these kites, multiple colours in the sky, and you slalom around them. So it’s a good feeling.”

Ozone’s French distributor, Julien Kerneur, got the third place overall in the Twin-tip division, after displaying superb kite and riding skills to negotaiate his way through the crowds on port tack, tight along the shoreline in the busy, but flatter, waters.

OZONE’S DEFI KITE OVERALL RESULTS: 
1 Axel Mazella (R1V5 and Vortex Ultra-X)
2 Nell de Jahamm (R1V5)

“That’s the most difficult thing in Défi Kite—300 people on the startline,” sai
“That’s the most difficult thing in Défi Kite—300 people on the startline,” sai

AXEL MAZELLA

DEFI KITE WINNER
DEFI WING RUNNER-UP

Inspiring all-rounder & fundamental part of Ozone’s full time R&D team.

AXEL MAZELLA
DEFI KITE WINNER
DEFI WING RUNNER-UP
Inspiring all-rounder & fundamental part of Oz
AXEL MAZELLA
DEFI KITE WINNER
DEFI WING RUNNER-UP
Inspiring all-rounder & fundamental part of Oz

OZONE SOARS AT FORMULA WING EUROPEANS

Just a week earlier, at the Formula Wing European Championships, in Urla, Turkey, Mathis Ghio and Kamil Manowiecki, riding FusionV2 Ultra-X wings, took gold and silver respectively.

The French and Polish team-mates were neck-and-neck throughout the qualifying series of races that featured long-distance and more traditional windward-leeward courses.

OZONE SOARS AT FORMULA WING EUROPEANS
Just a week earlier, at the Formula Wing European Championship
OZONE SOARS AT FORMULA WING EUROPEANS
Just a week earlier, at the Formula Wing European Championship

Ghio’s performances across the week gave him direct entry to the grand final in pole position with two “match-points”, needing only one win for victory overall. Manowiecki was just behind, starting with one “match-point”.

In a thriller, Ghio took the race win by a narrow margin, to give him the European title for the second successive year. Manowiecki was just behind the Frenchman to take second place.

In the women’s contest, Greece’s Emilia Kosti, also riding FusionV2 Ultra-X wings, led the fleet for much of the week and entered the grand final in pole position. But she was just pipped for the title and took silver.

FORMULA WING EUROPEANS

MEN
1 Mathis Ghio (FRA) Ozone Fusion V2 Ultra-X
2 Kamil Manowiecki (POL) Fusion V2 Ultra-X

WOMEN
2 Emilia Kosti (GRE) Fusion V2 Ultra-X

Ghio’s performances across the week gave him direct entry to the grand final in pole position

We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the Défi athletes!

Mass participation, the challenging long distances, and the spirit of the organisation make this thing the stand out event that it is.

The 23rd edition of the Défi event with 2,200 competitors across wing, kite and windsurf was one for the history books. Congratulations to all the athletes who joined this unique celebration wind and watersports. See you there next year!

Defi kite results

Defi wing results

 

Words: Ian MacKinnon
Defi photos: JM Cornu and Louis McHugh
Formula Wing European photos: IWSA Media

We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the Défi athletes!
Mass participation, the cha
We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the Défi athletes!
Mass participation, the cha

Newsletter

Click here to sign up

Subscribe to our newsletter

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our privacy policy page

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Subscribe
Please wait while we submit your email
We are not able to submit this email, please try again later
Done

Find a dealer

  • Ozone Kites Privacy Policy
  • About Ozone
  • Product Registration
  • Ozone Team
  • Imprint
  • Disclaimer

More Ozone

© 2025 OZONE | All rights reserved

These products are manufactured by either Ozone Kites Ltd, or Ozone Kitesurf Ltd

Manage Cookie Consent

To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}