September 28, Torre dell’Orso (Puglia): Corsica’s François Medori, Italy’s Davide Di Maio and Spain’s Ian Traba Arce emerged as the new UIM-ABP Offshore Aquabike World Champions, sealing victories in the Runabout GP1, GP2 and GP3 categories after an action-packed weekend on the Adriatic coast.
The Grand Prix of Puglia attracted 23 riders competing across four Motos in three classes. Medori was unstoppable in GP1, winning all four races to secure the world title. Traba Arce was equally dominant in GP3, also completing a clean sweep, while GP2 delivered a closer battle. There, Di Maio and Matthias Giraldo traded heat wins, but it was Di Maio who ultimately came out on top in the overall standings.
Podium Results
- GP1: Behind champion Medori, Mathis Vincendeau and Alain Tarzia completed the podium.
- GP2: Giraldo secured second place ahead of Cyril Destro.
- GP3: Juri Tiozzo and Ezio Lucchese joined Traba Arce on the rostrum.
The closing ceremony took place in the stunning amphitheatre of Torre dell’Orso, where riders and teams praised both the challenging race conditions and the warm hospitality of the Puglian hosts.
Moto 4: Final Showdown
Heading into the last Moto, Medori held an 11-point advantage in GP1, Giraldo’s GP2 lead over Di Maio had narrowed to just three points, and Traba Arce enjoyed a nine-point cushion in GP3.
Medori managed his race carefully, staying close to the GP2 leaders while keeping his Kawasaki in safe condition. Di Maio led early in GP2, with Destro and Giraldo giving chase, while Traba Arce controlled GP3 ahead of Tiozzo and Lucchese. By mid-race, Medori surged past Di Maio and never looked back.
In the end, Medori, Di Maio, and Traba Arce all clinched victory in their final heats — sealing their world titles in style.
Medori reflected:
“The racing was really tough — four Motos of one and a half hours each. I’ve lost many titles in the past, so I knew consistency was key. My team, Easy Rider, worked incredibly hard and gave me a perfect ski. This championship means a lot to us.”
Moto 3: Setting the Stage
Earlier on Sunday, Moto 3 saw Medori, Di Maio, and Traba Arce all extend their title bids. Medori attacked from the start, building an early lead in GP1 before a refuelling strategy briefly dropped him behind Vincendeau. He quickly regained control and went on to secure his third straight win of the weekend, also setting the fastest lap.
Despite battling fatigue, Medori admitted:
“I was exhausted, but winning Moto 3 allowed me to control the strategy for the last race. Still, anything can happen in offshore racing, so focus was essential.”
In GP2, Di Maio kept his title hopes alive with victory over Giraldo, while Traba Arce extended his unbeaten run in GP3.
With perfect performances from Medori and Traba Arce, and a determined comeback from Di Maio, the Grand Prix of Puglia delivered thrilling racing and crowned three deserving champions.
Photo by H2O Racing – Mike Magnin