Slovenia, Czechia and France once again grabbed the limelight as the 2024 International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Championships concluded in Sabero, Spain.
The last day started with Czechia’s Marie Nemcova triumphing in the women’s kayak sprint final in 42.79.
Kristina Novosadova joined her compatriot in second, clocking 43.22 with Slovenian Ana Steblaj taking the final podium spot.
The men’s kayak sprint saw a Slovenian one-two. Anze Urankar took gold in 37.58 with countryman Nejc Znidarcic right behind in 37.81.
Maxence Barough made it another memorable day in Spain for France, taking bronze in 37.91.
The three countries were having a spectacular World Championships, with Czechia climbing to the top of the podium in the men’s canoe sprint final thanks to Matej Vanek, who cruised to finish in 42.39.
Nicolas Sauteur added to his and France’s tally in Sabero by grabbing the silver in 43.03 and Ondrej Rolenc of Czechia took bronze in 43.47.
Laura Fontaine and Elsa Gaubert ensured a French double in the women’s canoe sprint final, taking first and second place in 46.76 and 48.34, respectively.
Anna Retkova bagged bronze for Czechia in 48.35.
The podium spots in the men’s and women’s canoe double sprint finals was simply not up for grabs, as the French almost did a clean-sweep.
Apart from Switzerland’s Mona Clavadetscher and Hannah Mueller taking silver in 47.75 in the women’s canoe double sprint, all medals were claimed by French stars.
The men’s title went to Correntin Combe and Clement Monjanel, as the duo extended their great run of form by finishing in 41.82.
Clara Gaubert and Elsa Gaubert crossed the line first in 47.25.
The team sprint races three nations win titles, with Czechia going home with two gold medals in the women’s K1X3 sprint and men’s C1X3 sprint.
The men’s K1X3 sprint gold medal went to Slovenia, finishing in 39.81 and the French were top in the women’s C1X3 sprint and men’s C2X3 sprint finals.
Photos by Pete Atkinson
Related links
