Portugal’s Fernando Pimenta held off Denmark’s Mads Brandt Pedersen to return to the top of the podium at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon World Championships in Gyor, Hungary.
Pimenta executed his plan to perfection to overcome defending champion Pedersen in an absorbing men’s kayak single short distance final.
There was also double delight for the hosts as Zsofia Katalin Csorba edged Zsofia Nora Kisban in an Hungarian one-two in the women’s canoe single short distance and Zsoka Csikos toppled Sweden’s Melina Andersson to strike gold in the women’s K1 short distance.
The other senior title of the day went to Spain’s Jaime Duro who captured the men’s C1 short distance crown.
Click here for live startlists and results from Gyor
Pedersen has established himself as the dominant force in Canoe Marathon, underlined by his two gold medals at last year’s World Championships in Metkovic and The World Games 2025 in Chengdu.
But Pedersen was unable to add to his gold medal haul today as he found himself squeezed out by Portuguese duo Pimenta and Jose Ramalho.
It was a three-horse race with Pedersen battling to get the upperhand against Pimenta and Ramalho.
Pimenta kept his nose in front and withstood a late surge from Pedersen to claim gold in a time of 13:37.11.
Pedersen took silver in 13:38.03 as Ramalho secured bronze in 13:47.38.
“This is very special,” said Pimenta.
“I was disappointed in Milan (at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships) finishing fourth in the K1 500m which was a first time for me as I’m normally on the podium.
“But I kept my head up. I was feeling good, I tried to fight for the medal and I am so happy to get the gold.”
Like Pedersen, Andersson has also been flying high in Canoe Marathon, similarly winning a brace of golds in Metkovic and Chengdu .
But a wobble at the first portage proved costly for the Swede as Csikos pulled clear to triumph in impressive fashion.
Csikos sealed gold in 15:21.64 as Andersson came second in 15:24.65 and Hungary’s Vanda Kiszli claimed bronze in 15:28.93.
“I’m really happy to become world champion at home,” said Csikos.
“It’s been amazing as my family and friends are here.”
Csikos’ gold came shortly after Csorba delivered a world title for Hungary with an impressive performance to overcome compatriot Kisban.
Csorba clinched gold in 18:25.50 as defending champion Kisban collected silver in 18:29.79 and Ukraine’s Liudmyla Babak earned bronze in 18:40,95.
“It's amazing,” said Csorba.
“I cannot even put it into worlds.
“I am really glad that I could finish the season with another gold.
“It was a tough race with Zsofia Kisban.
“I am happy I came out on top and I hope we can have a rematch next year.”
Duro credited his new “aerodynamic” haircut after securing his first world title in Canoe Marathon.
The Spaniard shaved off his hair after last month’s Canoe Sprint World Championships in Milan and proved to be a cut above the rest in the men’s C1 short distance final.
A time of 15:22.87 saw Duro come out on top as Moldova’s Serghei Tarnovschi finished in 15:42.30 for silver and Hungary’s Balazs Adolf bagged bronze in 15:48.60.
“I’m so happy and so proud for this medal,” said Duro.
“It’s my fifth medal of the season and I’m so happy.
“It was so hard, the start was so fast and Tarnovschi is a beast but I also started well and I managed to pass him in one portage.
“After my silver medal in the World Championships in sprint in Milan, I got a new haircut.
“I am now more aerodynamic.
“It’ amazing to win my first world title.”
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