Nathalie and Francesca both have a very aggressive and powerful riding style. An experienced performer, the Swedish powerhouse, Nathalie, makes a comeback from injury after a blinding start to the season, while Francesca has been flying through the podiums this year.
Brand Director Mike Raper says: “It’s brilliant to see Nathalie and Fran chasing the opportunity to compete in their own women's division - it's about time there was a new Queen of the Air, and we’re all excited to see who will take the crown. Both women have had stellar performances this season, with Nathalie at the very start of the season before injury, and Fran as the season progressed. We can't wait to see these two fierce competitors take up the battle to become Queen.”
Nathalie’s aggressive riding style backed by competition experience clearly impressed the judges at Full Power Tarifa back in May. She put down a dominant heat in 35+ knots, throwing down technical kite loops and sticking her landings cleanly and consistently. This podium was followed in July by a 2nd at the GKA Lords of Tram, where she landed the highest score with a 9.10 for a kite-loop board-off in her Round 2 heat. A knee injury saw Nathalie spend the rest of the season focussing on targeted rehab to get her back into a strong position. She has been on top of the world since Red Bull confirmed she has the honour to be part of King of the Air.
“Little-me would have maybe not believed it…especially since her dream had everything to do with freestyle. But honestly starting Big Air in 2022 has brought me on one of the most amazing journeys yet,” says Nathalie. “I still love both disciplines so much, however the excitement to be part of this event goes beyond anything I have felt this far in my career. To the big air women before me - thank you for paving the way- to the big air women here now - thank you and keep pushing and to the next generation of big air women - you got this 🪽🪽”
Britain’s Francesca Maini started the season with a 4th at Lords of Tram, where she racked one of the bigger trick scores, 7.70 for a Kite-loop Front-roll in the womens final. Francesca closed her season with a 2nd at the Qatar Airways GKA Big Air Kite World Championships Gran Canaria in July, putting her in 2nd position overall for the 2024 GKA World Tour. The 2025 GKA season opener in Jericoacoara saw her claim 4th in the TwinTip Big Air and 3rd in Hydrofoil Big Air.
“It's about time there was a new Queen of the Air... we can't wait to see these two fierce competitors take up the battle”
- Brand Director, Mike Raper
Red Bull King of the Air has been synonymous for years with extreme sports excellence, advancing talent, skill and technology in Big Air kiteboarding, the inclusion of a women’s category for 2024 brings a deeper level of inclusivity to the event, celebrating the sport’s growth and offering female athletes a world-class stage. Sports Director Sergio Cantagelli said “We are incredibly proud to launch the women’s division this year. This is a long-awaited moment, and its thrilling to see these remarkable athletes take to the skies. They are ready to inspire a new generation.”
Women’s Division Red Bull King of the Air 2024 (in alphabetical order):
Angely Bouillot (France)
Jasmine Cho (USA)
Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands)
Nathalie Lambrecht (Sweden)
Francesca Maini (United Kingdom)
Pippa van Iersel (Netherlands)
Tune in with North to see the women of North in action at Red Bull King of the Air here
