Francesca Maini, vice World Champion Kitesurf Big Air

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Consistency is key, Francesca proved it once again

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Two years at top

After reaching every final last year, Francesca isn’t slowing down this season. She secured another podium finish, this time at the GKA Lords of Tram in France. Her strong performances in both this event and the previous one in Brazil earned her the Vice World Championship title for the second year in a row.

At the end of 2024, Francesca had already won the Red Bull King of the Air Women’s Division, but she didn’t stop there. The final stage of the GKA World Tour took place in Port Barcarès, where the famous Tramontana wind kicked in during the first two days of the wind window. The wind was so strong that the second heat of the women’s division, featuring Francesca Maini and Nathalie Lambrecht, had to be abandoned.

“The wind picked up during our heat. It was blowing like 60 knots. I was doing a warm up jump and I think it was the biggest jump of my life! It got so strong!”

Francesca Maini

The Event

The women’s division was postponed to the next day, because it was pumping too much on Saturday. On Sunday, the Tramontana wind became slightly more stable, though still very strong.

Barcarès is a different kind of spot compared to those where we’ve seen Francesca excel, like Cape Town or Gran Canaria. Barcarès is a flat-water spot, whereas the others provide waves that riders use as kickers to jump higher. Those big waves are normally where Francesca excels in. So before the event it seemed like this spot might favor other riders who are more used to flat water, but that didn’t matter to Francesca, she just sends it! Wherever. Whenever.

It was a close final. Francesca had a strong start, showcasing her signature Kiteloop Late Backroll, Boogieloop, and Contra Boogie. She landed three of her first four tricks, giving her the confidence to push harder on her final attempts. However, despite her strong performance, she couldn’t surpass Mikaili Sol, who was riding super strong. Just as in Brazil, Mikaili Sol claimed the top spot on the podium.

Francesca claimed second place at Lords of Tram, securing the Vice World Championship title for the second year in a row. Congratulations, Francesca!