Red Bull King of the Air 2024 Recap: Maini Wins First Women’s Division, Plus Open Division Highlights
History has been made – a proud moment for team Mystic. Read our Red Bull King of the Air 2024 recap.
Francesca Maini: Making History in the Women’s Division
This past Sunday, December 8th, 2024, our very own Francesca Maini won the first-ever Women’s Division of Red Bull King of the Air. Competing at Cape Town’s Kite Beach in challenging conditions, including 4-meter swells and strong winds, Francesca brought her signature energy and smart strategy to the finals. She was the only female rider to land board-offs, securing an 8.54 impression score and the crown.
Mystic Team Rider Nathalie Lambrecht was knocked out on Day One, leaving Francesca to represent the team in the 13-minute Women’s final. The competition was intense, with Pippa van Iersel starting strong with a Kite Loop Back Roll and Zara Hoogenraad following with a Boogie Loop and a Late Back Roll. Despite an early missed landing, Francesca regained her composure to deliver a game-changing megaloop board-off, scoring 7.10 and clinching the crown by over 2.4 points.
Francesca’s victory is not just a personal milestone but also a defining moment for women in Big Air kiteboarding on the global stage. A huge congratulations to all the women who kicked off the first-ever Women’s Division for Red Bull King of the Air, making this edition truly unforgettable.
Women's Division Results
Francesca Maini (United Kingdom)
Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands)
Pippa Van Iersel (Netherlands)
"I'm so stoked, I got the crown. I said it was coming home, and it's coming home. Thank you so much.”
- Francesca Maini
Open Division: High Stakes and a Legendary Finale
The Open Division brought its own share of standout performances, with riders pushing their limits over two intense days of competition. Day One, on December 1st, was marked by light winds (18–22 knots) and minimal kickers, resulting in extended standby periods. Despite the challenging conditions, a few heats managed to run:
- Zac Adams wowed the crowds with a Kiteloop Rotational Boardflip, earning the Mystic Most Extreme Move Award.
- Mystic riders Cohan van Dijk and Lorenzo Casati advanced with consistent performances, while Marc Jacobs faced foil rider Charles Brodel in a close heat but was flagged out.
With no improvement in conditions for the rest of the week, anticipation built for the final weekend.
“Just finished my heat in round one, I got second. I tried to beat Jamie (Overbeek) on the unhooked side, but I didn’t get the win. I’m in round two now, so let’s hope for some more wind.”
- Cohan Van Dijk
Day Two kicked off on December 8th, after a period of uncertain winds that kept riders and organizers on edge. Despite the wait, the conditions delivered 3-meter-long-period swells, described as “mouthwatering” by commentators. With heats shortened to 8 minutes, the action continued in the late afternoon:
- Cohan delivered a consistent performance in Round Two but was eliminated in Round Three after a kite crash against local rider Luca Ceruti, who became the first South African to reach a Red Bull King of the Air final.
- Marc Jacobs, a former champion, showcased his experience as he advanced to the Semi-finals to face defending titleholder Andrea Principi. In a highly competitive heat, Marc delivered a strong performance with varied tricks but ultimately fell short as Andrea secured his place in the finals.
As the sun set on Kite Beach, the Open Division Final brought together Andrea Principi, Luca Ceruti, and Lorenzo Casati. Andrea defended his title with jaw-dropping moves, including a Contra Loop Back Tornado Board Off, claiming his second King of the Air crown.
Open Division Results
1. Andrea Principi (Italy)
2. Lorenzo Casati (Italy)
3. Luca Ceruti (South Africa)
"This was kiteboarding at its most raw and authentic. Holding out for the perfect moment allowed us to witness a truly unforgettable finale. Andrea and Francesca proved themselves champions in every sense."
- Sergio Cantagalli, Red Bull King of the Air Sportive Director
Final Reflections
The 2024 Red Bull King of the Air was a testament to athletic creativity and raw talent. Francesca Maini’s historic win in the first-ever Women’s Division marked a turning point for kiteboarding, inspiring a new generation of riders to redefine what’s possible. Meanwhile, Andrea Principi’s title defense showcased the pinnacle of Big Air kiteboarding, proving why Red Bull King of the Air is still the sport’s most prestigious event.
Relive the action of Red Bull King of the Air 2024 by watching the full event recap here.
