At just 18 years old, Cypriot rider Mike Michaelides has etched his name at the pinnacle of MotoSurf. Racing under SeaWolf Watersports / Force8Sports with bike number #22, he has had a breakout season in 2025, culminating in a dramatic and hard-fought victory at the Macao Grand Prix, where he defended the title he claimed the previous year.
Based in Limassol, Cyprus, he competes for the SeaWolf Watersports / Force8Sports team.
He competes in the Stock-R Merlin Plus category.
His emergence on the MotoSurf world stage has drawn attention not only in Cyprus but internationally, as he becomes a symbol of youthful promise in this fast-growing watersport.
The 2025 MotoSurf World Championship Campaign
Mike’s 2025 season has been defined by consistency, grit, and rising maturity. The championship schedule features five major GP events: Fujairah (UAE), Turkey (Cesme), Italy (Manfredonia), Croatia (Zadar), and the final in Macao, China.
Over the course of the year, Mike stood on the podium four times, making his campaign one of the most successful in recent MotoSurf history for a young athlete.
Here’s a breakdown of his 2025 podium finishes:
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Turkish GP (Çeşme) – 2nd place
The second place in Turkey demonstrated early that he was a serious contender for the overall title. -
Italian GP (Manfredonia) – 3rd place
Manfredonia hosted a competitive field, and Mike’s third place there reinforced his consistency. -
Croatian GP (Zadar) – 2nd place
At the Falkensteiner Resorts in Zadar, a key round of the world championship, Mike delivered a strong performance.
According to the UIM, he battled through a challenging final and secured second in the Merlin Plus Stock R class
Greek sports reporting highlighted his “spectacular and combative” ride, noting how he started from third in the final and pushed hard to finish just one second shy of first. -
Macao GP – The Defining Moment
The climax of Mike’s 2025 campaign came in Macao, China, from 21-23 November, at Hac Sa Beach.
At this Grand Prix, which doubles as the season finale. Mike secured the world champion title, defending the crown he had won in Macao the year before. His win represents not just a personal triumph but a landmark achievement for Cyprus in the global MotoSurf community.
Why the Macao Win Matters
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Symbolic Weight: Macao has become more than just a race; it’s a showcase event. The 2025 edition, staged at Hac Sa Beach, saw top riders from across the globe.
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Title Defence: Defending a title is never easy, especially for a young athlete facing pressure, seasoned competitors, and challenging conditions. Mike’s victory underlined his mental resilience.
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Momentum for the Future: Securing his world championship in such a high-profile location elevates his status in MotoSurf and brings visibility to Cypriot watersports.
Mike and his team have publicly expressed deep gratitude to Mantovani Plotin Travel for their sponsorship role. Their support was instrumental in financing his participation at the highest level, allowing him to travel, compete, and focus on performance. For a young athlete from a small country, such backing is vital, both for his personal trajectory and for the broader growth of competitive MotoSurf in Cyprus. Mike is also thankful for his clubs, SeaWolf Watersports and Force Eight Sports, and of course, his family.
Mike Michaelides’ 2025 MotoSurf season is a compelling story of youth, talent, and determination. From podiums in Turkey, Italy, and Croatia to the crowning achievement in Macao, he has not only defended his title but solidified himself as a world-class athlete. His journey, backed by SeaWolf Watersports & Force8Sports, and generous sponsors like Mantovani Plotin Travel, is a powerful narrative for Cypriot sports and for the fast-evolving world of motorised surfboard racing.
