The eagerly-anticipated season opener in the Big Air discipline of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour in France was a banger. Two weeks into the monthlong holding period, sustained Tramontana winds kicked in and the event soared into action in Barcarès. 24 men and 12 women from around the world – including a clutch of new young teenagers – had won coveted places on the Big Air tour. Among the first timers were the young Briton, Max Tullett, 14, and Spain’s Leonardo Casati, also 14 and the brother of Lorenzo. Israel’s Shahar Tsabary and Estonia’s Martin Rahnel, both 15, along with Australia’s Ruben Swart, 16, reflected Big Air’s broad appeal and break-neck evolution.
Reigning world champion, Andrea Principi, was intent on getting the defense of his title off to…