The stage is set for the opening International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup of the year, with the world’s best paddlers ready to battle for early-season glory in Slovenia.
Athletes from across the globe have arrived in Ljubljana eager to make a strong start to their World Cup campaigns on one of canoe slalom’s most demanding stages.
Running from May 29 to 31, the season opener will bring together Olympic champions, world titleholders, and rising stars for three days of high-intensity racing.
With the action fast approaching, the ICF takes a look at five key storylines to watch ahead of an exciting weekend of canoe slalom competition.
Click here for live startlists and results from Tacen
1. Jessica Fox returns after surgery
Triple Olympic gold medallist Jessica Fox returns to the start line for the first time since August following surgery to remove a kidney tumour. The Australian missed last year’s event in Tacen due to the procedure but will be eager to make her mark on her return. Fox will also be aiming to battle back for bragging rights in the women’s C1 after Great Britian’s Kimberley Woods won the overall title last year. Notably, sister Noemie Fox will not compete in Tacen this year.
2. Hocevar siblings lead Slovenian charge
Home paddlers Eva Alina Hocevar, and Ziga Lin Hocevar are set to lead the charge on familiar waters. The pair have both been successful on the international stage, with Eva Alina a three-time world medallist and Ziga Lin already making waves across the sport as the 18-year-old has achieved multiple medals across World Championships at age-group and he clinched men’s K1 silver at last year’s World Cup in Tacen. Joining them will be a strong selection of Slovenian athletes, including double world champion Luka Bozic, and Olympic gold medallist Benjamin Savsek.
3. French trio looking to repeat dominance
The French team arrives in the Slovenian capital with another formidable squad packed with world-class talent. Olympic champion Nicolas Gestin returns as the defending men’s C1 winner in Tacen and will be looking to retain his crown. Joining him is reigning men’s K1 champion Titouan Castryck, while Camille Prigent, the overall World Cup winner in the women’s kayak cross individual, will also be targeting a podium finish. The Italian team will be keen to compete after enjoying success at the recent ICF Ranking Race held on the Tacen course. Marta Bertoncelli and Olympic champion Giovanni De Gennaro starred, each taking gold.
4. Woods hoping to deliver again for Great Britian
After securing both the women’s C1 and K1 overall World Cup titles in 2025, Kimberley Woods will be determined to continue her impressive run of form. Woods of Great Britain also returns to the venue where she famously smashed her boat against the wall yet still battled to claim bronze in the women’s C1. The double Olympic medallist will arrive in Tacen full of confidence that another strong result is within reach.
5. Surprise victories are always on the cards in Tacen
Widely regarded as one of the trickiest courses on the circuit, Tacen has a reputation for producing dramatic and unpredictable racing. Precision and resilience are often rewarded, with even the smallest mistakes proving costly. One athlete who thrives under pressure is Spain’s Maialen Chourraut. The 43-year-old has won a full set of Olympic medals across five Games appearances and continues to compete at the highest level. Chourraut most recently claimed bronze in kayak cross in Pau last year and will once again be aiming to challenge for the podium in Tacen. Last year, the biggest surprise in Tacen came from Momoka Nagasu as she won Japan’s first-ever World Cup medal in kayak cross. Who will be the surprise packages this weekend?
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