Paracanoe champs showcase skills in Rio

ICFmedia

6 Septiembre 2015

Fernando Fernandes de Padua (BRA) headlined a superb showcase for paracanoe as the sport tested the Paralympic venue ahead of next year’s debut at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

The four-time world champion left nothing to chance following a blistering fast start that raised the noise levels of the onlookers to new heights; he powered over the 200m course in a manner that will surely silence any rumours that he may not make the cut when the big show arrives in Rio in 12 months.

Italy’s Salvatore Ravalli was a distant second with Austria’s Elmar Sternath completing the Men’s KL1 podium.

Markus Mendy Swoboda (AUT) put in another excellent performance to edge ahead of his closest rival Curtis McGrath (AUS) in the Men’s KL2 class.

This performance underlined Swoboda’s number one position in the sport, a position McGrath will hope to challenge when they return next year.

Germany’s Tom Kierey continued his good form following his second World Championship title in the Men’s KL3 class just two weeks ago in Milan.

The 21-year-old held off Leonid Krylov (RUS) and Patrick O’Leary (IRE).

Russia’s Nadezda Andreeva outshone the multiple-World Champion Christine Gauthier (CAN) as the pair duelled down the 200m track on the Lagoa Lagoon.

Amanda Reynolds (AUS) was another who carried top form from Milan and managed a second trip to the top step of the podium in as many weeks.

European champion, Cindy Moreau (FRA) collected silver in the same class, with Italy’s Veronica Yoko Plebani rounding out the Women’s KL3 podium.

Men’s KL1

1^st Fernando Fernandes de Padua (BRA)
2^nd Salvatore Ravalli (ITA)
3^rd Elmar Sternath (AUT)

Men’s KL2

1^st Markus Mendy Swoboda (AUT)
2^nd Curtis McGrath (AUS)
3^rd Fernando Rufino de Paulo (BRA)