Porto Pollo Proving Grounds - FPT Sardinia Event Preview

For the first time since 2018, the Freestyle Pro Tour (FPT) returns to Porto Pollo, Sardinia—one of Europe’s most iconic freestyle windsurfing arenas. This long-awaited comeback sets the stage for an explosive showdown between seasoned champions and a rising generation of talent. Following a high-powered start to the season in Cape Town, South Africa, Porto Pollo marks the European debut of the 2025 tour, and the event is shaping up to be a standout event on this year’s calendar.

FREESTYLE RETURNS TO SARDINIA

This year’s event in Porto Pollo runs under the FPT’s Proving Grounds category—an essential part of the tour’s renewed focus on grassroots development. Proving Grounds events give up-and-coming riders an official pathway into the international freestyle scene, presenting the opportunity to gain full tour points while maintaining an open, progressive atmosphere.

With consistent Mistral winds, flat water near the shore and small ramps further out, the conditions are ideal for technical combos on the inside and explosive air and power moves on the chop. The compact layout of the bay makes the action easy to follow from ashore—perfect for both spectators and media.

Beyond its natural setup, Porto Pollo boasts a strong local windsurfing culture and one of the most active junior scenes in Europe. Several of the tour’s most promising youth riders come from the region, and the event will host official U17 and U19 divisions—offering an opportunity for the next generation to share the stage with top national and international names.

ITALY’S FREESTYLE ICON: JACOPO TESTA

Adding prestige to the event is local hero Jacopo Testa (GunSails/We One), a tour veteran known for his smooth style and technical precision. With current overall leader Lennart Neubauer absent from Porto Pollo due to injury, Testa will be sporting the coveted yellow tour leader’s lycra, bringing both pressure and opportunity as he looks to capitalize on Neubauer’s absence and seize the position at the top of the FPT rankings.

STACKED FIELD SET TO CHALLENGE

While Jacopo Testa may lead the rankings heading into Porto Pollo, he’ll face fierce competition from some of the most respected names in the sport. Legends of European freestyle Yentel Caers (JP Australia/NeilPryde) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (GunSails/WeOne) both bring world-class power, experience, and consistency to the table—each more than capable of taking the top step of the podium.

Yet another potential challenger is Manolis Chrysopoulos (JP Australia/NeilPryde), the Greek rider from Prasonisi who impressed with a fourth-place finish at the FPT Cape Town earlier this year. Quickly establishing himself as one of the tour’s most exciting new contenders, he will be one to watch in at this event.

THE WOMEN’S FLEET JOINS THE FRAY

In an exciting last-minute development, the Porto Pollo event will now also feature a women’s fleet, adding extra freestyle firepower to the lineup. All eyes in this competition will be on reigning European Champion Maaike Huvermann (Severne), whose experience and consistency make her the clear favorite going into the event.

But Huvermann won’t have it all her way— riders like Ziva Batis (GunSails) and Bijou Shahmirian (Severne/Starboard) are rising stars hungry to shake up the rankings. Both riders have shown serious progression in recent seasons, with an upset potentially being well on the cards.

RISING STARS IN THE YOUTH & JUNIORS

Porto Pollo has long been a hotspot for young freestyle talent, and this year’s event will once again shine a spotlight on the next generation through the official U17 and U19 divisions. With a strong local scene, the youth categories are expected to be highly competitive—especially with homegrown talents like Ercole Rosso-Chioso (WeOne), Fernando Sotille (WeOne) and Cosmo Pezetti all eager to make their mark on the international stage.

They’ll be joined by Leander Halm (Starboard/Severne), fresh from an intensive training trip to Bonaire and ready to put his newly sharpened skills to the test – poised to be a major contender in the junior ranks this season.

Don’t miss out on any of the freestyle action! Make sure to follow the Freestyle Pro Tour on social media for all the latest updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Buckle up — this is one you won’t want to miss!

Event Schedule

June 5th
• 09:00–10:30 Registration
• 11:00 Skippers Meeting
• 12:00 First Possible Start (FPS)

June 6th
• 09:00 Skippers Meeting

June 7th
• 09:00 Skippers Meeting

June 8th
• 09:00 Skippers Meeting

If conditions are light, we’ll run:

• Super Sessions
• Tow-In
• Foilstyle
• Light Wind Freestyle

Rider Updates
All riders will receive updates about starts, heats, and schedule changes via the Riders WhatsApp Group: VIEW HERE