Red Bull Megaloop Returns with an Epic Comeback After Four Years
After a four-year wait, Zandvoort, the Netherlands, played host to the much-awaited return of the Red Bull Megaloop, the world's most extreme kiteboarding event.
Sixteen of the world's best kitesurfers gathered for a day of supercharged action and stormy conditions. As official partners, Mystic was stoked to be kicking into high gear after the call was made.
Team Mystic boasted an impressive lineup of riders, including Jett Bradshaw and Luca Ceruti hailing from South Africa, Marc Jacobs representing New Zealand, and Dutch talents Cohan van Dijk and Giel Vlugt. Notably, all five of them were making their Red Bull Megaloop debut, adding to the excitement of the competition.
Despite code yellow weather, crowds from all corners converged in Zandvoort, their anticipation matching the buzz from the shoreline as storm clouds gathered. With the green light, athletes began pushing their limits, showcasing a range of tricks, from Megaloops to doubles and S-loops.
Mystic rider Cohan van Dijk consistently wowed the audience, securing two of the day's highest scores and earning a well-deserved spot in the Finals. In the end, Italian rider Andrea Principi soared past finalists Liam Whaley, Cohan, and Jeremy Burlando, stirring the crowd and impressing judges with countless rolls and rotations.
It was a day of days for Big Air fans. With athletes ascending to heights of 20+ meters and covering distances of 100+ meters, “go big or go big” seemed to be the collective motto, inspired by Red Bull Megaloop 2023 winner Andrea.
For those who missed the action, be sure to catch the replay and highlights of the Red Bull Megaloop here.
