Germany’s Ricarda Funk leaped to victory on home waters after a stunning display at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Augsburg, Germany.
After claiming bronze and silver in the kayak cross events in Prague last week, Funk got her hometown kayak gold on the famous Eiskanal course.
Click here for live startlists and results from Augsburg
There was further joy for Czechia’s Jakub Krejci as he went back-to-back in the men’s kayak after securing his maiden victory on home waters last weekend in Prague.
With Australia’s Jessica Fox missing out on a place in the final, all eyes were on world number one and home favourite Funk.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist handled the pressure as she stormed to victory in 98.68.
“Winning a World Cup race at home, in front of family and friends, is an amazing feeling,” said Funk.
“This is where I grew up and where I do a lot of my training, so to have everyone cheering me on means a lot.
“The conditions were tricky today, but I'm really happy with the run.”
France’s Camille Prigent secured silver, crossing the finish line in 99.83 to claim her first K1 medal of the World Cup Series.
Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska got amongst the medals, taking bronze in 101.34.
It was exhilaration once again for Czechia’s slalom star Jakub Krejci as he overcame an Italian challenge to win men’s K1 gold.
Boosted by his double gold in Prague a week ago, Krejci looked in sensational form as he clocked 88.81 for victory.
“I feel amazing. It’s really special to win my first World Cup gold last weekend and then come back a week later and win another one,” said Krejci.
“I’m really happy to be in this kind of form right now, and I’m pleased that I was able to put together a strong final run.
Italy’s Olympic champion Giovanni De Gennaro led for much of the final, after setting off first but was sent down to second once Krejci completed his run.
De Gennaro finished in 90.77, just 0.19 seconds ahead of compatriot Xabier Ferrazzi.
After a positive campaign so far, Ferrazzi added to his World Cup medal tally with a bronze, finishing in 90.96.
Women’s Kayak:
- FUNK Ricarda (GER) 98.68
- PRIGENT Camille (FRA) +1.15
- ZWOLINSKA Klaudia (POL) +2.66
Men’s Kayak:
- KREJCI Jakub (CZE) 88.81
- DE GENNARO Giovanni (ITA) +1.96
- FERRAZZI Xabier (ITA) +2.15
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Augsburg can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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