The unpredictability of kayak cross is among the many features that make it exciting, and races at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in La Seu d'Urgell fully lived up to the hype.
Manuel Ochoa brought joy to the home fans at the Segre Olympic Park, cruising to the men's title, and Paris 2024 medallist Angele Hug of France stood on top of the podium after the women's final.
Up against Jonny Dickson of Great Britain, Jan Rohrer of Switzerland and Hejie Zhang of China in the medal race, Spaniard Ochoa had a dream start and led from the word go.
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Dickson grabbed silver and Rohrer bronze, with Zhang scripting his own story by becoming the first Chinese athlete to qualify for a kayak cross final at an ICF World Cup.
The women's final was dramatic, with European and World Championship medallist Tereza Kneblova of Czechia breathing down Hug's neck only for the Frenchwoman to edge it after gate 6.
A review at gate 6 meant that Slovenian Ajda Novak got an RAL for a dangerous move, and Great Britain's Lois Leaver was upgraded to bronze.
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It was a special moment for the 23-year-old, who won her first medal at senior level.
As athletes slid down from the ramp at the venue built for the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992, there were two opportunities to bag a place on the podium.
Earlier in the day, Miren Lazkano of Spain and Dickson bagged gold in the individual kayak cross, where medals were on offer for the first time at an ICF event.
Lazkano, who came second in the women's canoe on day two, added to her tally with a sensational run, clocking 53.32.
It was medal number two for Camille Prigent as well after the French star's kayak silver. She crossed the line in 53.49 and bronze went to Slovenian Eva Alina Hocevar in 53.50.
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In the men's individual kayak cross race, Dickson was 0.13 seconds faster than silver medallist Rohrer on 47.50 and Benjamin Renia of France got bronze in 47.93.
African Reference Race
In a bid to promote the sport in Africa, organisers conducted a kayak cross African Reference Race.
The race was created to generate interest and experience for African paddlers, with the hope of establishing a regular continental championship in the calendar.
One final run saw Terence Saramandif of Mauritius come out on top, followed by Donovan Wewege of South Africa and Andy Barat of Comoros.
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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