Czechia’s Jakub Krejci pipped two Olympic champions to top spot in the men’s kayak heats on the opening day of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Ivrea.
The biggest roar of the day came when home hero Giovanni De Gennaro was introduced to the Italian crowd in his first race since winning K1 gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
De Gennaro pushed for first place only to finish just 0.15 behind Krejci who qualifies fastest to the semi-finals in 76.78.
Krejci, who claimed bronze at this year’s ICF Canoe Slalom World Cups in Prague and Krakow, heads a top three that also includes fellow Czech and Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Jiri Prskavec who was 0.53 behind the leader in third.
“When I crossed the finish line I was surprised the time was that good because I just tried to flow on the water and have fun,” said Krejci.
“This is just the next step to qualifying for the final so tomorrow is a new race.
“I had never raced good here but it’s the last two World Cups of the season and everyone is over the Olympics and they are just chilling and having fun together.
“I will try to do my best tomorrow and fight for the best position and hope to get on the podium.”
De Gennaro is on a high after capturing the Olympic crown and is delighted to be back competing in front of his fans.
“Being here is like being home so I am just excited that I have the chance to race one more time here in Ivrea in front of all my family and friends and teammates,” said De Gennaro.
“It is a great moment for the Italian community of kayakers.
“Life has been crazy since (I won Olympic gold) and I am happy that I was able to share this moment with everyone who supported me over the years.
“I dreamed about it but when I realised it, it was even better than I was hoping for and I am just happy to be back here kayaking with all the people that have helped me through the years.
“I am still hungry and I hope to have a good week and put on a good show.”
France’s Anatole Delassus ranked fourth in the heats, with Switzerland’s Martin Dougoud coming fifth and Slovenia’s Peter Kauzer sixth.
The women’s K1 heats saw Slovenia’s Ajda Novak top the standings with a time of 87.42.
Italy’s Agata Spagnol thrilled the home fans when she produced a brilliant run to seal second, 0.45 behind Novak.
French duo Emma Vuitton and Coline Charel placed third and fourth respectively, while Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Ricarda Funk of Germany came fifth.
The first medals will be awarded on Friday with the finals in the women’s and men’s kayak.
For the results and competition schedule, click here.
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Related links
- Italian hero de Gennaro headlines field of Olympic stars in Ivrea
- Zwolinska donates Paris 2024 medal for auction to fight deadly disease
- Fox on magical Olympics, Ivrea pressure and having island named her
