The final International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup event of the season will take place in Montreal, Canada this weekend.
As athletes from 64 nations flock to the city for four days of endless action, rivalries, and unfolding stories between July 9 and 12.
The iconic Olympic Basin at Parc Jean-Drapeau will play host 50 years since the Olympic Games dazzled at the same venue.
Click here for the live start lists and results from Montreal
Here are our five things to look out for this weekend.
Star studded line up heads for home waters in Canada
Canada will field an impressive 31-athlete squad in Montreal, with a host of world-class talent set to race on home waters. Leading the team is reigning Olympic champion Katie Vincent, joined by Paralympian Erica Scarff and two-time world champion Connor Fitzpatrick. The next generation of Canadian paddlers will also be looking to make their mark at the senior level following standout performances at last weekend's Junior and U23 World Championships in Halifax. Fresh off her gold medal, Toshka Besharah will be aiming to carry her momentum into Montreal, while Eric Chouinard and Peter Bradley also arrive with confidence after impressive displays. From canoe and kayak to Paracanoe, Team Canada promises plenty of thrilling racing as excitement builds and the countdown to the opening day continues.
Pimenta and Pedersen set for deciding kayak crown showdown
Portugal's Fernando Pimenta and Denmark's Mads Pedersen have been the standout rivals in the men's kayak 5000m throughout this World Cup season. The pair have shared the top two spots at both Szeged and Brandenburg, each claiming one gold and one silver. Pimenta struck first in Szeged, producing a commanding performance to take gold ahead of Pedersen. The Dane responded in Brandenburg, turning the tables on his rival to claim victory and level the head-to-head record. With the final World Cup of the season fast approaching, both athletes will be determined to seize the advantage before the World Championships. Expect another thrilling battle that could go right down to the finish line.
Great Britain's Paracanoe stars target another golden weekend
Great Britain’s Paracanoe team arrives in Canada full of confidence after an outstanding showing at the last Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup in Brandenburg. Charlotte Henshaw, Hope Gordon and Emma Wiggs all claimed gold, helping the team secure an impressive seven Paracanoe medals overall. Henshaw was the standout performer, leaving Brandenburg with two gold medals as she builds momentum heading into the final World Cup of the season. Now, all three champions return to the start line with their sights set on defending their titles on Canadian waters. With proven winners and fierce competition across the Paracanoe programme, expect plenty of high-quality racing throughout the weekend.
Hungary looks to continue winning momentum
The Hungarian squad arrive in Montreal riding a wave of success after a dominant display at last week's Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, where its athletes topped the medal table with 11 gold medals on Canadian waters. That winning form has been evident throughout the senior World Cup season. At the opening World Cup in Szeged, Hungary collected an impressive 15 medals, including three golds, before building on that performance with seven gold medals in Brandenburg. With the final World Cup of the season serving as the last major test before the World Championships, the European powerhouse will be determined to maintain its momentum and reinforce its status as one of the sport's leading nations heading into a crucial six-week stretch.
Jack Wallace chasing medals in two Paralympic sports
One of the most intriguing stories in Montreal belongs to Jack Wallace, who continues his pursuit of success across two Paralympic sports. The New Jersey native has already enjoyed an outstanding career in sled hockey winning gold with the United States at three Paralympic Winter Games. In 2019, Wallace set his sights on becoming a dual-sport Paralympian by taking up Paracanoe. Now competing in the men's KL3 200m, the 28-year-old returns to international action after missing the previous World Cup in Brandenburg. With the World Championships in Poznan just weeks away, Montreal offers Wallace an important opportunity to build momentum. He will also be looking to strengthen his case as he continues his journey towards competing on home waters at the next Paralympic Games.
Related links
