The countdown is almost complete for the first pit stop of the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series.
As athletes are wrapping up final preparations before making the splash in La Seu, Spain, here are five things to look forward to.
Redemption and firsts
At the 2025 European Canoe Association Canoe Slalom European Championships, Monica Doria of Andorra and Miquel Trave of Spain won their first-ever senior continental titles. The duo stood out against a phenomenal field and tricky conditions at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to secure the canoe gold. Whether it is a sign of things to come, only time will tell, but it will serve as a morale boost ahead of the opener. With now fond memories from the Olympic venue in France, Germany’s Ricarda Funk and Czechia’s Jiri Prskavec showed that class is permanent. Putting the ghosts of 2024 behind them with clean runs, only a fool would rule out the Tokyo 2020 champions.
Great Britain’s kayak cross prowess
Can Joseph Clarke and Kimberley Woods defend their overall kayak cross World Cup titles and make it three in a row? The event that caught the world's attention at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 has been a favourite for Great Britain. But the unpredictability of the event is what makes it special. Wins for Noemie Fox of Australia and Finn Butcher of New Zealand in Paris were an indication of that. With individual kayak cross medals on offer for the first time, motivation will be at an all-time high for everyone.
Young, wild and free
The likes of Slovenian Ziga Lin Hocevar and Xabier Ferrazzi of Italy are capable of springing a surprise or two, considering their form in the ranking races. The former, who burst onto the international scene in 2024, was only 15 points short of winning the overall C1 title last year. Ferrazzi, meanwhile, stunned compatriot and Olympic champion Giovanni De Gennaro at an ICF World Ranking event in April. Among women, Olga Samkova of Czechia could be a new kayak cross star, while Dorianne Delassus of France, who recently won a European medal and Eva Alina Hocevar of Slovenia are among those raring to go.
What next for Fox?
Arguably the biggest star of Canoe Slalom, Jessica Fox of Australia has won everything there is. Compared to her European counterparts, Fox has had very little competition exposure in 2025 apart from the National Championships and the Oceania Championships. But when you have her skills and aura, there is no doubt she will be in the mix for medals. With a home World Championships later in the year, the 30-year-old will hope for a strong start in La Seu.
Home sweet home
Three-time Olympic medallist Maialen Chourraut has enjoyed success at the course in La Seu and will be among the home hopes. She won the kayak gold at the 2024 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Final at the Barcelona 1992 venue and at 42, won again at the World Ranking event in March this year. Paris 2024 bronze medallist Pau Echaniz, fresh from a European bronze, is also a man in form while Manuel Ochoa will also take inspiration from the Pyrenees Cup medal from March.
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