The International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Cup Series heads to northern Italy this week for its grand finale.
The Noce River in Val di Sole will provide the stage for four days of world-class competition.
Running from 25 to 28 June, 115 athletes from 15 nations will battle for honours in both classic and sprint categories as the 2025 World Cup concludes in Mezzana.
The final stop follows successful events in Dunaremete, Hungary, and Bratislava, Slovakia.
Italy’s paddlers will be eager to capitalise on home-water advantage, led by Cecilia Panato and Leonardo Pontarrollo after their standout performances in Bratislava.
Both athletes claimed gold in the women’s and men’s canoe events respectively, with Panato’s victory marking her fourth World Cup gold medal of the season.
The Verona native will now be aiming to add a fifth title in front of a home crowd.
France arrives in Mezzana with strong momentum of its own. Charles Ferrion headlines a seven-member squad after securing a remarkable hat-trick of gold medals last time out.
Ferrion also teamed up with Etienne Klatt to win the men’s canoe doubles event, and the pair will be looking to finish the season on a high.
Slovenia’s challenge will be spearheaded by reigning world champion Anze Urankar and experienced teammate Nejc Znidarcic, both determined to strengthen their nation’s presence on the final medal table.
In the women’s competition, doubles world champion Katarina Kopunova will seek to prove her credentials in the singles events.
However, regular partner Petra Soskova will not be on the start line in Mezzana.
Another athlete to watch is world champion Anna Retkova, who arrives in Italy fresh from victory in the women’s kayak final in Bratislava.
The Czech paddler will be hoping to carry that winning form into the season finale.
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