Titouan Castryck raised hopes of a second gold for hosts France in Canoe Slalom after topping the standings in the men’s kayak heats at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

With excitement among French fans still high after Nicolas Gestin’s sensational gold in the men’s canoe yesterday, Castryck ensured there was more reason for the home crowd to cheer in searing heat today. 

The 19-year-old, a double junior world champion, has already tasted success at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium having achieved K1 gold when it hosted the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup last October. 

The Frenchman was in impressive form today, posting the quickest time in both runs with 83.71 followed by 80.09. 

“It is really nice to put down two clean runs,” said Castryck.  

“I do take inspiration from Nicolas (Gestin) but it’s a different discipline.  

“Yesterday it was a really nice moment to cheer him on and have him on the podium.  

“He won but it is not done for us.  

“Of course, it helps that we are training here for a long time. It makes a lot of difference.  

“But other guys have been practicing here a lot.  

“It is really good to race at home as it makes a big difference.”   

Czechia’s Jiri Prskavec, the reigning Olympic champion in the event, looked in fine fettle as he bids to retain his crown, registering 83.74 for second. 

After a shaky start in the first run when he touched an early gate, Italy’s Giovanni de Gennaro posted a time of 85.34 in the second to place third. 

Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke picked up a 50-second penalty in the opening run after missing gate six. 

It meant there was extra pressure on the second run, but the Rio 2016 gold medallist handled it with ease, ranking fourth with 85.62. 

“Relief, probably the biggest word,” said Clarke.  

“Obviously, I know I'm fully capable of making the semi-final, but knowing you can and doing it are two different things, especially with the pressure from the crowd, the media.  

"More importantly, internally. All the training and hard work has gone into this.  

“But yeah, just to tick the box, get the job done.  

“Not our finest hour, but more than enough to qualify through today, so that's all that matters.” 

The top six also featured Australia’s Timothy Anderson and Switzerland’s Martin Dougoud as they advanced to the semi-finals.