R1 V5 Makes Strong Debut at Kitefoil World Series Italy

October 8, 2024 / Kite Race

Axel Mazella took an impressive second place, with Connor Bainbridge securing fourth, both showcasing the new Ozone R1 V5. This event in Cagliari, Sardinia saw riders competing for the first time with the newly approved Olympic race kites for the 2028 LA cycle

Axel and Connor finished 6th and 8th respectively at the Paris 2024 Olympics and both recently joined Ozone full time on the R&D team. In this interview, Axel gives us insights into the event that ran in early October 2024, confirming the performance of the new R1 V5 and progress in their personal journeys

Photos: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

How much anticipation was there leading into this event, marking the start of the new Olympic cycle?
Axel: This event kicked off the new Olympic cycle for kite racing, and it was thrilling to finally race with the new gear. The competition level on the water was extremely high, so there was no room for uncertainty. If you won a race, you really earned it!

Were all the top competitors present?
Axel: Yes, most of the best riders were there! We all wanted to race in this event to gauge the current state of the kitefoil racing scene before winter training, helping us choose the right gear to work with.

How much time did you have to adapt to the new equipment after the Olympic campaign? Has restarting been challenging?
Axel: After the Olympics, Connor and I joined the Ozone R&D team as test pilots and assistant designers. Right after the Games, we went to Mauritius to work with Ozone head kite designer, Dominik Zimmermann. We didn’t spend much time on the water immediately after, as we needed a break to recharge.

I started training a few weeks before this event, and I felt like I hadn’t missed a step! Sometimes, taking a break helps you come back stronger and more motivated.

Can you describe the race conditions and did the event provide a good test for the R1 V5?
Axel: We had four days of racing, experiencing everything from light winds of 6 to 12 knots on a 21m kite to strong winds on an 11m kite in over 25 knots. It was the perfect event to test the full range of the R1 V5, except for the 9m, which can handle winds over 35 knots while still keeping you safe.

Where do you think you performed best during the event, and how did the R1 V5 impact your racing?
Axel: After 11 races in the full fleet and the final series, we drew some important conclusions. Initially, we were unsure how we’d stack up against other brands, but the R&D process paid off. The R1 V5 showed a clear performance improvement. We designed it with a new two line set-up (apart from on the 8 and 9m sizes, which remain on 4-lines), which significantly reduces drag. We also worked on the profile to achieve the right balance between stability and depower, which made a big difference on the course.

The R&D process paid off. The R1 V5 showed a clear performance improvement.

Congratulations on your second place finish! With Connor also in the top four, what’s next for you in terms of training and improvement?
Axel: It’s fantastic to have Connor on the team. He made a great comeback in the final series, securing fourth place. There’s always room for improvement, especially as the competition gets tighter. The R1 V5 provides everything you need for racing, allowing you to push your limits in great conditions.

What’s next for you both in terms of R&D work with Ozone? Can you give us any insight into what you’ll be working on?
Axel: We’ve wrapped up the Italy leg of the Kitefoil World Series and are headed back to Mauritius for two more months of R&D work. We’ll be focusing on Ozone’s upcoming product releases, including tube kites, wings, foils, and boards. Stay tuned for what’s next!

Explore the R1V5 here

To read more about Axel Mazella, Connor Bainbridge and the R&D work they do for Ozone:

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