As the Canoe Slalom World Cup season gathers momentum, athletes have returned from their winter preparations ready to battle for podium places. For France’s Mathurin Madore, that preparation looked a little different.
Rather than enduring a cold European winter, the 30-year-old headed to Rio de Janeiro, where sunshine and world-class training conditions provided the perfect launchpad for the season ahead.
Madore and the French team got the chance to paddle at the Deodoro Olympic Whitewater Stadium, the host venue at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 which continues to be a great training base for national and international paddlers.
“We went to Rio this winter for a training camp with the men’s K1 team,” said Madore.
“It was incredible, and the Brazilian Federation welcomed us perfectly so we could train in ideal conditions.
“We trained in both slalom and kayak cross, spending a lot of time on the course. We could paddle for about three hours every morning, so it was a very good way to start the season.”
The intensive training block came at a crucial time for the French paddler as he had already secured a sacred spot on the national team due to his kayak cross silver medal at the World Championships in Sydney.
Madore’s individual achievements in kayak cross have been nothing short of outstanding, as he has picked up eight World Cup medals, including three golds.
Kayak cross made its debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, setting the benchmark for French paddlers to succeed in a sport integral to their development.
Angele Hug took silver in the women’s kayak cross in Paris and France continues to go from strength to strength in the event.
“It is a very competitive selection process in France. I was already pre-selected, which helped because the level was extremely high,” he said.
“I also tried to observe who would be in my team and who could become my teammates, while learning new techniques, since this sport is still new and constantly evolving.
“It was very intense, but I’m happy because we now have a strong team and we’re excited to race together this season.”
As the World Cup circuit arrives in Augsburg, Madore returns to a venue that holds special memories.
The famous Eiskanal was the site of his breakthrough World Cup victory in 2024, a result that transformed the German course into one of his favourite stops on the calendar.
“I won my first World Cup here in Augsburg in 2024, and I was also here for the World Championships (in 2003). It’s a small but special venue for me,” he said.
“Coming back after winning here always feels special, and I hope I can show the same level again this year.”
Madore will once again be among the contenders in kayak cross, an event renowned for its unpredictability and tough battles between paddlers.
With the event continuing to evolve, the Frenchman believes adaptability is one of his greatest strengths.
“In kayak cross, the margins are always very small, and the event keeps evolving every year,” he said.
“I try to learn from what others are doing while focusing on my own strengths. I know I can race from the front or from behind and always find solutions.
“If I’m leading, I try to push full speed to the finish. If I’m behind, I try to find ways to come back and reach the next heat. I stay humble and try to learn new things every day.”
While World Cup success remains the immediate focus, an even bigger dream sits on the horizon.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games approaching, Madore knows the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage is within reach.
For now, however, he is keeping his attention firmly on the present.
“Los Angeles is a big goal for me, and I’m dreaming about it, but I know the path will be long and demanding,” he said.
“For now, I’m focused on the 2026 season. There’s also a selection process in France involving slalom and kayak cross, so I’m not fully sure how it will go yet.
“I’m just focusing on myself and seeing what comes from that.”
Related links
