Czechia, Slovenia, Italy and France were among the nations that started the sprint heats in fine fashion at the 2024 International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Championships in Sabero.
The women’s kayak sprint saw Slovenian Ana Steblaj take the spot, with an impressive timing of 42.96 in heat two. Italy’s multiple world champion Giulia Foreman was the second fastest, clocking 43.25 in heat one.
Klara Vankova ensured Czechia’s name appeared among the quickest, setting 43.28 while Lisa Lebouc did well for France in 43.36 to make it among the 15 qualified for the next round.
In the men’s kayak sprint heats, Anze Urankar joined Steblaj as the fastest, with the multiple world champion setting 38.08.
Augustin Reoboul, a world downhill team silver medallist for France, was the second best as he posted a timing of 38.14.
Joining the duo were Czechiea’s Vojtech Matejicek in 38.16 as the third fastest and Maxence Barough in 38.71 as the fourth fastest.
A junior world silver medallist, Matej Vanek was sensational in the men’s canoe sprint heats as the Czech man crossed the line in 42.71.
Nicolas Sauteur continued his superb run in Sabero by being the second fastest as he set 43.11.
French compatriot Charles Ferrion was behind Sauteur on 43.50 while Italian Tommaso Mapelli finished top in heat two, clocking 43.82.
Laura Fontaine of France has been enjoying her time in Spain, adding to her good performances with a timing of 47.58 in the women’s canoe sprint heats.
Czech duo Marie Nemcova with 48.60 and Ana Retkova with 48.88 and Italian star Cecilia Panato also stood out with 49.12.
The French were again at the top of their game, topping both the men’s and women’s canoe double sprint heats.
The top three among men were all from France, with Correntin Combe and Clement Monjanel leading with 41.86.
Gaubert sisters Clara and Elsa, with a timing of 47.58, qualified fastest in the women’s canoe double sprint heats.
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