Pavlos Kontides misses start of Trofeo Princesa Sofia due to illness

Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides is unable to compete on the first day of the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia in Palma de Mallorca due to food poisoning. The Olympic medalist, who had been recovering from a back injury, missed the first three races, shifting his participation to a training focus. His health status will be re-evaluated on March 31 to determine if he can rejoin the competition. The event, which began on March 30, 2026, hosts approximately 1,100 sailors from 62 countries, with 200 athletes competing in the ILCA 7 class. Other Cypriot athletes participating include Emilios Poeros in the ILCA 7 category, along with Natasa Lappa and Marilena Makri in the women's events. Kontides had previously participated in an exhibition race on March 26, finishing in fourth place.