There is just one month to go until the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Cup gets underway in Szeged, Hungary.
Paddlers from across the world are preparing to head to the Maty-er next month as they begin their journeys towards the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Running from May 16 to 18, the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup will see many of the best paddlers on the planet go head-to-head for glory.
Excitement is growing in Hungary as the Szeged organisers look to put on a show for athletes and spectators.
“We have the privilege of hosting the first international Canoe Sprint event of the upcoming Olympic cycle at the legendary Maty-er,” said Balint Szakacs, Head of the Host Organising Committee and Secretary General of the Hungarian Canoe Federation. #
“We could say that our country is where canoeing enters the starting gate on its journey towards Los Angeles.
“This is an immense source of pride for us, especially since the first competition of a new Olympic cycle is always significant.
“We will witness the stars of the previous Olympic Games – those who achieved immortality in Paris – as well as new contenders, the future champions, many of whom may not yet be on our radar.
“Everyone is eager to win while assessing their competitors.
“I believe we are entering an incredibly exciting Olympic cycle.”
Who is set to feature in Szeged?
With a little more than four weeks to go before the event begins, National Federations are continuing to confirm their entries for Szeged.
Among those poised to fly to Hungary is Brazil’s Isaquias Guimaraes Queiroz, the Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 and silver medallist from Paris 2024 and Rio 2016.
Other Olympic medallists primed to make the trip are Australia’s Pierre van der Westhuyzen and Thomas Green and Cuba’s Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys and Serguey Torres Madrigal while Romania’s two-time world champion Catalin Chirila is another notable name on the list.
What is on the World Cup programme?
An exciting list of races are in store across canoe and kayak in the single, double and four boats.
Action will begin on May 16 with heats and semi-finals before the first medals set to be awarded on May 17 in the men’s C1 500m, men’s K4 500m, women’s K4 500m,
women’s C2 500m, women’s K1 1000m, men’s C1 200m, men’s K1 200m, women’s C1 500m, women’s K1 500m, men’s C1 1000m, men’s K1 1000m, women’s C2 200m and men’s C4 500m.
On May 18, titles will be on the line in the women’s C1 200m, women’s K1 200m, men’s K1 500m, men’s C2 500m, men’s K2 500m, women’s K2 500m, women’s C4 500m, women’s C1 5000m, men’s C1 5000m, women’s K1 5000m and men’s K1 5000m.
“We’re definitely expecting tight and thrilling races, with experienced Olympians going head-to-head with enthusiastic young talents,” said Szakacs.
What’s new at Maty-er?
An LED display screen will make its first showing after being installed at the Hungarian venue while the celebration pontoon has returned.
“Every year, we strive to improve and make the organisation more efficient so that we can meet the needs of athletes and fans at the highest possible level,” said Szakacs.
“As we place great emphasis on sports presentation, we have acquired a new LED display screen with 3.9 resolution.
“This will be the first ICF event where it debuts, allowing fans to follow the events and enjoy sponsor content in even higher quality.
“We’re also bringing back the celebration pontoon, which helps bring athletes closer to the fans, hoping it will once again elevate the standard of the competition.
“Sustainability is also extremely important to us.
“In recent years, we have made efforts to improve in this area at every event.
“This year, we are introducing a token system, where teams can exchange their empty water bottles for tokens, which can then be used to get new bottles.
“The Host Organising Committee will ensure selective collection of the bottles, thereby reducing plastic waste.”
City of Sunshine awaits
“As the Host Organising Committee and the Hungarian Canoe Federation, we are dedicated to welcoming the world’s best kayakers and canoeists to Hungary for another world-class event,” added Szakacs.
“I am confident that the organising team – who has consistently delivered exceptional work over the years – and Maty-ér, recognised as one of the best courses in the world, are fully prepared for this prestigious responsibility.
“We warmly invite everyone to join us in May 2025 in the City of Sunshine for the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup.”
Toshi Furuya, Chair of the ICF Canoe Sprint Committee, said: “It’s always a great joy to bring the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup to Szeged.
“Our Hungarian friends deliver a fantastic event year after year, continually looking to improve and innovate which is why it is so popular with athletes and fans from around the world.
“I’m really excited for the athletes to get this Olympic cycle started as they push forward to LA28 after an incredible Games in Paris last year.”
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