Kitesurf365 – The Megapod: Lords Of Tram Fleet Reaction
Hosts: Adrian Kerr (A), Colin Colin Carroll (B)
Date: March 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the newly released fleet list for the 2026 Lords of Tram event, one of the major competitions in the world of big air kiteboarding. Adrian and Colin give their frank, candid, and occasionally irreverent reactions to the selected riders, note the notable inclusions and omissions, speculate on behind-the-scenes stories, and discuss the mental and physical pressures athletes face. The conversation exudes their signature blend of insider knowledge, banter, and honest concern for the community.

1. Athlete Concerns & Andrea Principe’s Uncertainty

00:00 - 03:25

• The episode opens with concern for Andrea Principe, a three-time Lords of Tram winner, following his recent cryptic behavior and visible stress, including a new face/neck tattoo and rumors of personal struggles.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “We’re concerned.” (B, 00:02)
  • “He’s going to be in 24 fleet.” (A, 00:06)
  • “Is Andrea okay?” (B, 00:35)
  • “I really wish he’s okay, you know, I hope he’s okay.” (A, 02:13)
• Both hosts emphasize that, while fans are speculating, Andrea's wellbeing is paramount and that everyone copes with pressure differently—especially given his recent extreme stunt in Dubai and the subsequent radio silence.
• The pressure to perform instantly is highlighted due to the two-stop world tour format, where a single missed event can jeopardize championship hopes.

2. Fleet List Breakdown: Who’s In, Who’s Out & Controversies

03:25 - 09:42

• Adrian reads out the Lords of Tram 2026 fleet—both men’s and women’s sides.
• Women’s Fleet Includes: Mika Luceau, Francesca Maney, Sara Siddiq, Pippa Van Ursul, and rising stars like Aya Casabova.
• Men’s Fleet Includes: Lorenzo and Leonardo Casati, Andrea Principe, Finn Flugel, Heel Vlute (as wildcard), Jamie Overbeek, Maxwell Dahl, etc.
• Key points:
  • Heel Vlute’s status as a wildcard is controversial:
    • “If you gave the 24 selected men a piece of paper and said write your fleet down ... Heel was going to be in 24 fleets. To put him as a wildcard is kind of crazy.” (A, 05:19)
    • Lords of Tram’s preference for French athletes often influences wildcard spots.
  • Newcomers Maxwell Dahl and Martin Kabushki, both from the World Class Kiteboarding Academy, are praised for being granted big opportunities.
  • Big omissions: Parker Sage, despite a strong King of the Air result, and Max Tallett, another strong performer, are not on the list.
    • “For [Parker] to miss out seems like a massive misstep.” (A, 06:25)
    • “He beat Steno, he beat Steinmull at King of the Year. It was the biggest upset of that day.” (B, 07:29)

3. Inside Stories: Baby Shark’s Comeback & New Kite Moves

09:42 - 12:54

• "Baby Shark" (Athlete not specified by real name), once a major talent, is back with renewed mental focus, fitness, and support from a mental coach:
  • “This was a very different person. Seemed like he’s in a great headspace. ... I just had a great meeting with Baby Shark. It’s like a completely different person.” (A, 09:44)
• Discussion on potential kite sponsors and new gear for returning and current athletes: Nathan Texia moves from Duotone to Elevate; curiosity about what Baby Shark will be riding.

4. Women's Event Preview: Favorites, Underdogs & Rivalries

11:54 - 15:38

• Mika Luceau is the overwhelming favorite, returning despite a previous lack of motivation:
  • “She didn’t want it any of the other times. Just came up and turned up and thrashed everyone. She’s so good.” (B, 11:54)
• Pre-selected heavyweights: Mika, Francesca, Alicia, Sara S, Pippa.
• Emphasis on the venue (Lords of Tram) rewarding riders who are “fearless”—Lana Herman and Sara Siddiq lauded for their style in high-stress, high-wind conditions.
• Pippa Van Ursul—a three-time Lords of Tram winner on new kites—should not be underestimated.
  • “You kind of can’t ever write off Zara Hoogenrad or Natalie Lambert, can you? ... Will it be a king’s curse we’ve seen ... multiple times now?” (B, 13:57)

5. Men’s Event Preview: Rivalries, Redemption Arcs & Rider Mindsets

15:38 - 21:31

• Discussion of pre-selected men—Lorenzo and Leonardo Casati, Andrea Principe, Finn Flugel, Heel Vlute, Kim Overkirk, Shahar Sabri, Zach Adams, Stino Steenmore, Yoshi San Ferreira, Timo Boasma.
• Rising stars: Finn Flugel, now freestyle world champion, is under special scrutiny as a “future star”—pressure is on for him to focus fully on big air.
• The Heel vs Shahar debate: Both seen as top prospects for “cause’s number one guy”—but success may hinge on extreme wind conditions.
• Redemptive stories: Josh Gillet returns after a scary semifinal crash last year; Hugo Wiggersworth is looking for redemption after sitting out King of the Air.
• Newcomers Maxwell Dahl and Martin Kabushki get advice on handling the jump to major league competition.

6. Notable Omitted Riders & Selection Transparency

06:25, 08:02, 08:15

• Parker Sage’s exclusion remains a sore spot, given his proven capabilities. Adrian is actively trying to find out if Sage is on the reserve list for Lords of Tram.
• Some suspicion is voiced over possible politics or sponsor ties (“conspiracy between Reading and the GKA”), but there’s no concrete evidence.
• Similarly, Max Tallett’s exclusion is dubbed disappointing after winning key qualifiers.

7. Tech Talk: Prototypes & Kite Innovation

22:45 - 24:36

• Jeremy Bellando’s new V2 kite is discussed:
  • “Nine rounds of prototype ... but this was tested with nine rounds of prototype finishing at Cold Hawaii, which was a real sort of accomplishment for that team between him and Jeremy.” (A, 22:53)
• The kite’s notable features: faster but smoother looping, a 7-point bridle system, and positive market feedback.
• “I really like Jeremy’s approach to it ... everything Jeremy said, he said all these changes guys, it still feels like that great, solid kite.” (A, 24:04)

8. Closing & Next Episode Teasers

25:00

• Adrian is trying to get Andrea Principe for an interview about his Dubai jump and mental state.
• Upcoming interviews teased: Nick Jacobsen and Lewis Kren.
• “Lots of awesome stuff coming up on the podcast.” (A, 25:00)

Memorable Quotes

• “We’re concerned.” (B, 00:02)
• “Is Andrea okay?” (B, 00:35)
• “To put him as a wildcard is kind of crazy.” (A, 05:19)
• “For [Parker] to miss out seems like a massive misstep.” (A, 06:25)
• “She’s so good. She just came up and turned up and thrashed everyone.” (B, 11:54)
• “This place rewards toughness.” (A, 14:32)
• “These guys are really proud of that kite and it’s great to see young riders getting in and working hard with designers.” (A, 24:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Athlete concerns & Andrea Principe: 00:00–03:25
• Fleet list read-out & reactions: 04:22–09:42
• Baby Shark comeback & kite sponsor talk: 09:42–12:54
• Women’s even preview & rivalries: 11:54–15:38
• Men’s event, rising stars & redemption: 15:38–21:31
• Omitted riders & selection puzzles: 06:25, 08:02, 08:15
• Gear/tech segment: 22:45–24:36
• Outro and next guests: 25:00

Summary

This Megapod episode is a perfect window into the drama, gossip, camaraderie, and honest opinions powering the kiteboarding world. Whether you’re curious about who's hot, who's missing, or simply want the best intel on gear evolution and psychological endurance in the sport, Adrian and Colin have you covered—with their trademark irreverence and deep respect for the riders.