France’s Pierre Vilella overcame 2021 world champion Nicolas Notten of South Africa to capture the men’s surfski single crown at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup in Reunion.
There was also delight for France’s Thais Delrieux who got the better of another world gold medallist in Spain’s Chloe Bunnett in the women’s SS1.
Just 18 seconds separated Vilella and Notten as the Frenchman emerged victorious in the Indian Ocean battle.
Vilella triumphed in 1:11.07, beating Notten who clocked 1:11.25.
France’s Florian Revollon also got on the podium, sealing third in 1:19.38.
Bunnett was looking to add a World Cup title to her World Championship crown having won mixed surfski double gold with Victor Rodriguez in Madeira, Portugal last month.
But she came up short against Delrieux who captured the women’s SS1 title in 1:26.37.
Bunnett registered 1:28.51 for silver, while France’s Vanina Paoletti crossed in 1:37.29 for bronze.
Despite missing on the gold medal, Bunnett said she was delighted to participate in the World Cup and hailed the organisation of the event.
“I decided to come to Reunion Island and race in the La Run Ocean because its a place I've never been to before and the event looked really good,” said Bunnett.
“I spoke to the organisers and they were very helpful.
“This gave me the confidence to make the effort and come and see what the race has to offer.
“The challenge was a week full of different events, and it was great to see all the children involved in every event.
“That's where the future of the sport is.
“From an athlete's perspective, the event was run really well.
“We had everything we needed.
“All the information was shared often on the WhatsApp group and updates all the time.
“They made the call to run the main race, downwind from Saint Pierre to Etange, as the wind was in that area of the island.
“This was a great call by the organisers.
“We had a proper ocean race.
“The event "hub" had a great setup where all the boats are and coffee, food, water, and drinks all available with shade from the heat.”
Bunnett said it was a “pretty surreal” feeling to be world champion as she reflected on her success in Madeira.
“We had a great race,” said Bunnett.
“It was very difficult and technical with not much help from the ocean, and it was also in very hot conditions.
“But for it to all come together on the day was amazing.
“Looking back, there is nothing I would change in that race.
“We raced well, and I think we both surprised ourselves at what is possible.”
Pictures by Kaye Run
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