The International Canoe Federation is set to deliver an exciting Canoe Marathon World Cup in Bazhong, with prize money on offer across individual and team events.
Competition will take place from May 23 to 24, with athletes given a two-day training window before racing begins.
Prize money will be distributed across all categories, with individual race winners earning €375 (RMB 3,000) and relay team victors receiving €600 (RMB 4,800), contributing to a total pot of €3,600 (RMB 28,900).
Ukraine will field a strong line-up, led by nine-time world champion Liudmyla Babak and world silver medallist Olena Tsyhankova.
Joining them in Bazhong is an impressive Hungarian team, featuring reigning world champion Giada Bragato, rising talent Lili Sara Matkovics and women’s U23 gold medallist Panna Csepe.
In the men’s events, Great Britain’s European champion James Russell will compete alongside Denmark’s two-time U23 world champion Phillip Knudsen.
Racing will unfold on the Ba River, along the South Section of Yanyangchu Avenue in Bazhou District, providing a scenic and competitive setting for international paddlers.
The event programme features a mix of junior and senior races, alongside a mixed relay, offering opportunities across multiple age groups and disciplines.
Junior men and women will compete in both canoe and kayak over short and long distances, covering 3.4km and 16km respectively.
Senior athletes will also race in K1 and C1 categories. Short-distance events will match the junior course at 3.4km, while long-distance races will extend to 19km for men and 16km for women.
The mixed relay will see competitors take on a 4.6km course in K1, adding a dynamic team element to the competition schedule.
With a varied race programme and prize money on the line, Bazhong is set to host a competitive and engaging stop on the canoe marathon calendar.
“The introduction of prize money is an important step forward. It recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of our athletes, while raising the profile and value of marathon canoeing worldwide,” said Ruud Heijselaar, ICF Canoe Marathon Committee Chair.
“Prize money is not only a reward - it is an investment in the future of our discipline.
“Bazhong has shown great ambition and commitment in hosting this World Cup, and for that we are deeply grateful. When strong organisers, committed federations, and outstanding athletes come together, our sport moves forward.
“This event is more than a competition - it is a statement that marathon canoeing has a bright and ambitious future.”
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