Czechia capped a phenomenal performance in Krakow with three kayak cross gold medals on the final day of the International Canoe Federation Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships.
The Czech team underlined their dominance on Polish waters with a one-two-three in the women’s junior kayak cross led by Marketa Stepankova.
There were also kayak cross gold medals for Tereza Kneblova and Marek Petrik to take Czechia’s title tally to 11 for the entire competition.
France’s Ianis Triomphe was the other gold medallists on the last day, triumphing in the men’s U23 kayak cross.
Click here for live startlists and results from Krakow
Kneblova bounced back from the disappointment of her semi-final exit in canoe to win kayak cross gold.
After a 50-second penalty cost her a place in the women’s C1 final on Saturday, Kneblova came out firing in the women’s U23 kayak cross.
Kneblova proved too hot to handle, cruising through the rounds before powering to victory.
She finishes the World Championships with two gold medals having capturing the women’s kayak cross individual title on Tuesday.
While Kneblova forged ahead, Switzerland’s Fia Buetikofer, Italy’s Lucia Pistoni and France’s Camille Castryck jostled for the other podium spots.
Buetikofer managed to wrestle clear for silver as Pistoni overcame Castryck for bronze.
“It’s super special for me,” said Kneblova.
“It’s my last year in the U23 category so I am really grateful that I was able to put down a good race and I won a medal. It’s my first one in this category so I am super happy with that and looking forward to the next races.
“I was disappointed with yesterday but that’s the sport, you have to put it behind you and I’m glad that I did so there is a greater satisfaction after yesterday.
“The plan is that I am leaving in one day to Oklahoma City for the training camp and World Championships. I am really excited about this.”
Triomphe delivered another gold for France as he swept to the men’s U23 kayak cross title.
The Frenchman pulled away from the rest of the field to take gold as Spain’s Miquel Farran sealed silver and Great Britain’s Thomas Mayer saw off Canada’s Alex Baldoni to earn bronze.
“It’s amazing,” said Triomphe.
“I took the race as normal, made a good start and finished pretty well too.
“I am training with the likes of Mathurin Madore, Benjamin Reina and Gael Adisson all year and I think that push me to be better every day.”
The two junior finals ended with gold medals for Czechia as they wrapped up a dominant display in Krakow.
Stepankova clinched the women’s junior kayak cross crown, finishing ahead of Valentyna Kocirova and Lucie Vaculova for a Czech clean sweep on the podium.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Stepankova.
“They were both on the podium in the individual categories. It’s six medals for Valentyna and four for Lucie so I am really happy to be with them. They are the best.”
Petrik secured Czechia’s 11th and final gold in the last race of the event as he emerged victorious from the men’s junior kayak cross final.
The Czech star got the better of Austria’s Max Steinbrenner and Poland’s Marek Kulczycki who finished second and third, respectively.
“I feel amazing, I don’t know what to say,” said Petrik.
“I have been dreaming about this for a long time.
“The results for our team say it for itself. I am so happy that we could win so many medals and I could bring one as well.”
Women’s U23 Kayak Cross
- KNEBLOVA Tereza (CZE)
- BEUTIKOFER Fia (SUI)
- PISTONI Lucia (ITA)
Men’s U23 Kayak Cross
- TRIOMPHE Ianis (FRA)
- FARRAN Miquel (ESP)
- MAYER Thomas (GBR)
Women’s Junior Kayak Cross
- STEPANKOVA Marketa (CZE)
- KOCIROVA Valentyna (CZE)
- VACULOVA Lucie (CZE)
Men’s Junior Kayak Cross
- PETRIK Marek (CZE)
- STEINBRENNER Max (AUT)
- KULCZYCKI Marek (POL)
Full coverage of the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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