Red Bull King of the Air 2020: Cape Town event report – Red Bull

It was a ‘day of days’ at Kite Beach in Cape Town, with the world’s finest big air kiteboard specialists pushing the limits. When the final siren went after 34 heats and some seven hours of competition, Hawaiian Jesse Richman ascended to the top step. His second victory since first winning Red Bull King of the Air in 2013.

“This feels incredible!” said a characteristically ecstatic Richman. “This is magical and it is amazing to have my new born daughter here and share it with this crowd.”

Cape Town’s Kite Beach hosts Red Bull King of the Air 2020.

The Cape Doctor was in the house all day long

© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool

Richman was runner up to three-time champ, Kevin Langeree in 2019 and learnt from that and other previous podium visits. “I’ve had really good heats leading up to the finals in many years and usually kind of cracked in the final, having peaked too early,” the Hawaiian added. Ironically it was Richman who halted the defending champ’s run in the quarter finals this year.

This year I adjusted a few things and was really confident in my plan and my strategy. It was really cool to see it play out

Jesse Richman

Sportive Director Sergio Cantagalli echoed Richman’s sentiments on the day. “We managed to score the perfect day. It was arguably the best day we were going to get during the weather window. It is very unusual that we could start so early on in the day and have consistent conditions throughout.”

Eventual winner Jesse Richman competes at Red Bull King of the Air 2020.

Jesse Richman

© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool