France's Axel Mazella is the joint men's series leader after the first day of the Formula Kite World Championships ©Getty Images

France's Axel Mazella and Slovenia's Toni Vodisek share the men's lead after the first day of competition at the Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, while American five-time world champion Daniela Moroz occupies top spot in the women's standings.

Mazella and Vodisek both won each of their four races in their fleet on the first day on Poetto Beach.

Singapore's young star Maximilian Maeder started well with three wins and a third-place finish to sit third on the standings.

Frenchman Benoit Gomez also recorded a race win, but languishes in 11th place, not competing in the third race.

Defending champion Moroz got off to an ideal start in the women's competition, triumphing in all four races.

France's Lauriane Nolot won three of her four races and finished second in the other to sit just behind Moroz in the series standings.

The Formula Kite class is due to make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, when sailing events are due to be held in Marseille ©Getty Images
The Formula Kite class is due to make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, when sailing events are due to be held in Marseille ©Getty Images

Her compatriot Jessie Kampman in third racked up three second-place finishes, but did not compete in the third race.

Athletes are split into qualifying fleets for the first three days of competition at the Formula Kite World Championships, with finals set to take place from Friday (October 14) to Sunday (October 16).

The Formula Kite kitesurfing class is set to make its Olympic debut in sailing competitions at Paris 2024.

It is billed as "the fastest kind of sailing ever seen in Olympic competition".

Around 150 athletes from 44 nations are competing at the World Championships, which are set to continue tomorrow.