Kitesurfing
Andrea Principi and Francesca Maini Are Red Bull Kings of the Air
Red Bull King of the Air 2024 came down to the final three hours of its weather window and it was all worth the wait. Read on for the inside scoop:
Against the odds, Cape Town's legendary Cape Doctor winds roared to life just in time, creating the ultimate stage for one of the most thrilling finishes in the history of Red Bull King of the Air. With every moment optimized through shortened heats and quick turnarounds, Andrea Principi (Italy) defended his Open Division crown, while Francesca Maini (United Kingdom) etched her name in history as the first-ever Women’s Division champion.
Open Division podium at Red Bull King of the Air 2024
© Wayne Reiche / Red Bull Content Pool
As the winds peaked at 40 knots and 2.5 to 3.1-meter swells powered riders to breathtaking heights, the competition transformed into a spectacle of precision and daring. In the Open Division final, Principi delivered a series of heart-stopping maneuvers, including a Contra Loop Back Tornado Board Off scoring 7.18 points, a stylish Doobie Loop Board Off at 6.76 points, and a technical Contra Loop Double Front Roll Rodeo for 6.47 points. His mastery secured him the crown, while Lorenzo Casati (Italy) claimed a close second, and South Africa’s Luca Ceruti became the first local to make the podium.
Andrea Principi wins Red Bull King of The Air 2024
© Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
"Once may be luck, but this feels incredible," said an emotional Principi after the win. "To be honest, I’m not the real winner—my family and my sponsors are. They make this possible, and I owe it all to them."
Red Bull King of the Air 2024 Women's Division Podium
© Wayne Reiche / Red Bull Content Pool
In the historic Women’s Division, Francesca Maini delivered a stunning performance that showcased her technical skill and creative flair. Her Kite Loop Board Off, Boogieloop, and Contra Loop Front Roll scored high marks, securing her place as the first Queen of the Air. Reflecting on her victory, Maini said: "It means so much—I was dreaming about this moment. To my family and my North and Mystic teams, thank you for making this possible."
Francesca Maini
© Wayne Reiche / Red Bull Content Pool
The day epitomized the raw, unpredictable nature of kiteboarding. Sportive Director Sergio Cantagalli captured the sentiment: "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 as champions in every sense."
Lorenzo Casati
© Wayne Reiche / Red Bull Content Pool
Adding to the excitement, Zac Adams won the Mystic Most Extreme Move Of The Day for his daring Kiteloop Rotational Boardflip during round one, setting the tone for the sport’s innovative future.
South African Luca Ceruti
© Paul Ganse / Red Bull Content Pool
With three European qualifiers announced for next year, the main event in Cape Town is set to continue its legacy as the pinnacle of Big Air kiteboarding. For highlights, photos, and more, visit redbullkingoftheair.com.
OPEN DIVISION RESULTS
- Andrea Principi (Italy)
- Lorenzo Casati (Italy)
- Luca Ceruti (South Africa)
WOMEN'S DIVISION RESULTS
- Francesca Maini (United Kingdom)
- Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands)
- Pippa Van Iersel (Netherlands)