The one-month countdown is on to the opening International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Cup of the season, set to get underway in Szeged from May 8 to 10.
The competition will mark the first major international test of the year, bringing together many of the world’s top sprint paddlers as they begin to set their sights on Olympic qualification.
This year’s event is set to mark a key milestone on the road to LA28 as the first World Cup to serve as an Olympic Ranking event.
“We are very excited. Not only because we love to host international events but because a new Olympic qualification system has been introduced by the ICF,” said Balint Szakacs, Secretary General of the Hungarian Canoe Federation.
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“It’s new for everybody and we are proud that we can host the first World Cup in this system, so we are very excited.”
Among the notable names that have already confirmed their participation in Szeged include Olympic gold medallist Isaquias Guimaraes Queiroz of Brazil, as well as Moldovan brothers Oleg Tarnovschi and Serghei Tarnovschi.
Three-time world champion Maria Mailliard of Chile is expected to make an impact, alongside Olympic bronze medallist Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys of Cuba.
South Africa’s Hamish Lovermore returns to the same venue where he claimed silver at last year’s World Cup after a stunning performance, while Sweden’s Melina Anderson will be aiming to capture another gold on Hungarian waters.
For the Hungarian athletes who are eyeing up a place on the national team, the stakes are even higher heading into the competition.
“They can see how important the World Cup is; not only because it’s in Szeged but because of its importance in the Olympic qualification system,” said Mr. Szakacs.
As the venue for next year’s Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championship, this edition of the World Cup will also look to set more standards.
“Every competition that we host in Szeged is just a little step towards the 2027 World Championships. We always learn something new, implement new ideas, and this prepares us for next year,” said Mr. Szakacs.
Szeged’s calendar of major paddle events continues beyond the World Cup, as the city will host the Paddle Europe Junior and U23 Championships in July 2027. Sukoro, Hungary will stage the FISU World University Championships Canoe Sports a month later.
“We are also very proud that we will host the very first Wildwater Canoeing World Cup to take place in Hungary so that’s another exciting moment for us,” added Mr. Szakacs.
“I recommend fans to come, as they will see the best athletes from around the world.”
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