John Gregory @gregiej talked to a few of the world's best ahead of the action at the 2016 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Pau, France.

K1M series leader Dariusz Popiela (POL) said:

“For me the World Cup is the goal this year so I did well on the last two World Cup races; especially Ivrea."

"I feel good this year so I want to use my shape to do the best I can. In K1M it’s tough competition so I am happy and honoured to be at the top, but there's still a lot of work to do and I am concentrating on the next race in Pau."

"Every race is a new challenge and ranking is result of good work so I will try to do good job at weekend.”

K1 Women – Ricarda Funk (GER) said:

“I love the course in Pau, it is one of my favourite courses. The whitewater is much bigger than in Seu, it is so much fun to paddle here and I can't wait to race again. I am sure the French Team will show their great paddling skills on their home course and in front of their friends and families.”

K1 Women – Maialen Chourraut (ESP) said:

“Always it is great to be in Pau. This year I only race in La Seu and Pau. Both events have an Olympic feel. Tough and intense racing is waiting us.”

K1 Women – Jana Dukatova (SVK) said:

“These three back-to-back races are probably at the most beautiful World Cup locations and as a slalom athlete you definitely don't want to miss that.”

C1 Men –Pierre-Antoine Tillard (FRA) said:

“It was an amazing week for me last year, I was very impress to race a big event at home. But I stay focused for the race and did my best."

"I remember when I crossed the line and saw my time on the screen, it was a very good feeling. I was just happy for me, my friends, family and Team Kayakinpy who believe of me."

"Winning this event last year was my best sporting moment, the first victory is the best.”

C1 Women – Mallory Franklin (GBR) said:

“I really enjoy Pau as a course, I have been here before and it is a really challenging and fun course to train and race on! It's been a while since I have raced three races back-to-back, it's tough and is very tiring but it is a good test of everyone's ability to go through their processes week on week and keep the performances consistent.”

C2 Men – Pierre-Antonie Tillard (FRA) said:

“Last week I won the gold medal in C2M with Edern Le Ruyet, it's the same medal but it doesn't taste the same when you are not at home."

"I am still very happy to be fast in C2M as well as the C1M. This week, I race both C1M and C2M, my goal is to do my best, have fun on the water and why not climb on the red carpet in both categories.”

Race Schedule:
▪    Friday June 17 - Heats C1M, C1W, K1M, K1W & C2M
▪    Saturday June 18 – Semi-final & final C1M, C1W, K1M plus Slalom Cross event
▪    Sunday June 19 – Semi-final & final K1W & C2M

Remember to use hashtag #ICFslalom across all social media and follow results posted @PlanetCanoe

Key International Race Calendar

•    Junior/ U23 World Championships – Krakow, Poland, July 13-17
•    Olympic Games – Rio, Brazil, August 7-11
•    World Cup 4 – Prague, Czech Republic, September 2-4
•    World Cup Final – Tacen, Slovenia, September 9-11

ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup La Seu D'Urgell analysis