National teams from around the world are starting to ramp up their preparations for the new Wildwater Canoeing season.
A series of exciting international events are poised to take place in the discipline this year.
International Canoe Federation World Cups are planned to be held in two locations, starting with Veles, Republic of North Macedonia from June 14 to 16 followed by Mezzana, Italy from June 20 to 22.
The younger generations will not be left behind this season as they will have chances for success at the ECA Junior and U23 Wildwater Canoeing European Championships in Dallenwill, Switzerland from July 3 to 6.
The season will cultimate with the ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Championships, set to be held on the River Esla near Sabero, Spain from August 14 to 18.
Australia already knows who they will send to their senior events this year after holding nomination races on Mitta Mitta River in Victoria in January.
A total of six paddlers made the national team who are looking to kick start their preparations before heading to Europe.
Brazil are preparing to send three senior and three masters athletes to this year’s World Championships.
France, like most other European teams, are now fully focused on preparing for the nomination races.
The national team went to Seville, Spain in February for a training camp where they paddled many kilometres on flatwater, improved their technique and supported several of their sprint canoeing colleagues who were also there.
The first nomination races await the French on the last weekend of March on the well-known River Vezere.
The United States plans to send 12 athletes to this year's World Championships.
In the fall of 2023, competitions were held on the Nantahala River in North Carolina to test team synergy.
Several team training camps are now planned as well as several regional races to guage the athletes' progress in their performance training.
"There is plenty to be positive about heading into what promising to be a thrilling season," said Manuela Gawehn, Chair of the ICF Wildwater Canoeing Committee.
"We can see that national teams are putting their best foot forward in training to ensure they are in the best condition possible to fight for medals.
"We wish all the teams from all over the world the best of luck for the start of the 2024 season and cannot wait for competition to get underway."
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