At the opening of the Lords of Tram GKA Big Air World Cup in Bacares (FRA) reigning world champion Mikaili Sol (USA)putting on an assured performance that saw her advance to the semi-finals in nuking conditions in the south of France.

The 18-year-old multiple world title holder took no prisoners, throwing down massive mega-loops with back rolls as the wind headed towards 50 knots approaching the end of the day in Barcarès. But in a sign that the teenage prodigy may not get things all her own way, France’s Angely Bouillot also advanced up the order to reach the semi-finals, landing some of the best scores of the day.

Several times the veteran Big Air rider—the only woman to compete in the Red Bull King of the Air—landed monster kite-loop board offs. One netted her a 9.0, the highest trick score of a day filled with breath-taking action. Sweden’s Nathalie Lambrecht and new-comer Francesca Maini (GBR) also progressed the semi-finals with strong performances that sent home rivals.