The first GKA Big Air championship event of 2023, The Lords of Tram, went down in Le Barcarès, France, this past weekend. The winds were pumping as the Tramontana arrived, peaking to extreme speeds, which made for an exciting and heated competition from start to finish. With 36 of the world's very best in Big Air in attendance, the Duotone team knew they had to give it everything they had to come out victorious, and that is precisely what they did.

Reigning GKA Big Air champion Mikaili Sol was a standout throughout the event. Admittedly challenged by the gusty and extreme winds during early round heats, Sol's performance showed expertise and her innate ability to rise to any occasion. She consistently posted 7+ point scores and won most of her heats with a commanding lead. When asked about her win, Mikaili exclaims, "This is very unexpected, but I knew I could achieve it. I came here with zero training whatsoever. Really, I haven't done any big air in about 2.5/3 months. I went out the first day and got the crap scared out of me, but I think I redeemed myself. I had a lot of fun out there and can't wait to do it again in Tarifa." Winning the Lords of Tram, reinforces Mikaili’s #1 position on tour, kicking off the season in the best way possible.

Nathalie Lambrecht joins Mikaili on the podium and takes home an incredible third-place finish for the women's competition and also the best crash award, you shocked us Nathalie! Nathalie pushed her limits and was a serious contender in every heat, executing her tricks with amplitude and confidence.

It was an all-Duotone finale on the men's side of the ladder, with Liam Whaley facing Andrea Principi for an exciting final showdown. While the 2022 big air champ, Andrea, gave a stellar performance and may have had one of the longest jumps to date, traveling 235 meters, Liam would prove unbeatable coming out on top and claiming a very well-deserved win.

Heat by heat, progressively getting better and better, and then in the final, I knew I had to give it my all up against Andrea. He's such a tough competitor, I've lost against him in the last three competitions, so it felt so damn good to beat him today. My gear was working amazingly. Duotone really tuning up my gear and making it work perfectly. So, I couldn't be happier.” Liam moves into leading position on tour as he heads to the next stop at his home spot in Tarifa, Spain.