Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia are set to host International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Cups in 2025.
The ICF Board of Directors unanimously approved bids from Skopje, North Macedonia and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina to stage Wildwater Canoeing events next year.
The dates have also been confirmed by the ICF.
Skopje is scheduled to hold two World Cups in sprint from April 9 to 11, while Banja Luka is due to host World Cups in classic, sprint and mass start from July 10 to 12.
The World Cups will give athletes not only the chance to star on the global stage but also boost preparations for the ICF Wildwater Canoeing Sprint World Championships, scheduled to take place from September 19 to 21 in Ceske Budejvice, Czechia.
Both venues are well known for wildwater paddling.
Skopje held last year’s European Championships and staged the 1975 World Championships, while the North Macedonian organisers hosted two World Cups in Veles in June this year.
Banja Luka’s Vrbas River is also a popular destination having staged multiple World Cups in the past and the 2016 World Championships.
Manuela Gawehn, Chair of the ICF Wildwater Canoeing Committee, welcomed the addition of the World Cups to the competition calendar.
“Both Skopje and Banja Luka jumped in at the last minute as we could not find any other World Cup venues,” said Gawehn.
“They are both very experienced hosts having previously staged European Championships and World Championships so we can trust them to deliver fantastic events.
“World Cups are very important, especially for the younger generation to learn how to compete in international events and make a further step towards the World Championships.”
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