Nico Parlier is among the leaders at the kiteboarding event ©IKA Formula Kite World Championships

Only one race was possible amid strong winds on the opening day of the 2018 Formula Kite European Championships in Germany.

The Championships are taking place in Warnemuende, a seaside resort and a district of Rostock.

United States' Daniela Moroz won the sole women's race possible today.

She is not eligible to win the European title, but is still eligible to compete in the open format.

Elena Kalinina of Russia was second and Great Britain's Steph Bridge third.

Bridge's son Oliver was among the three heat winners in the corresponding men's event.

Daniela Moroz is the early leader in the women's event ©IKA Formula Kite World Championships
Daniela Moroz is the early leader in the women's event ©IKA Formula Kite World Championships

He holds a share of the lead with French duo Axel Mazella and Nicolas Parlier.

Parlier and Moroz of the United States topped the men’s and women’s standings at last year’s event in Istanbul.

Both Parlier and Moroz went on to claim the world titles later in the year.

The European Championships are due to take place until Friday (July 13).