The Bratislava course tested the world's most successful competitors. After two years, the world championships of two water disciplines (slalom and wildwater sprint) took place again. The busy program of the championship started the team race. The next day, sprinters entered the qualifying fights. Saturday's final decided the new champions.
In the heavy rapids of the Bratislava canal, the Frenchwoman Lisa Vinetová managed to win the gold title (SICARIO LIGHT). The Czech competitor Tereza Kneblová won silver in the category of kayakers. (CAYENNE) "With the first paddling, all the nervousness that was huge before the start fell. The first part turned out beautifully for me. In the second half of the track, I made small mistakes, but fortunately it did not affect my result, "describes Tereza Kneblová.
The third place was taken by the German Jil-Sophie Eckertová.(SICARIO LIGHT) "I imagined the track several times. I kept projecting the right clue in which I should be. During the race, I was focused and managed a ride that I was happy with. It was an extremely tight fight, because the competition in kayakers is incredibly even,“ adds Jil-Sophie Eckert.
Nejc Žnidarčič became the five-time world champion. For years, the invincible Slovenian kayaker did not give the opponents a chance to win. French young man Luca Barone finished second in the busiest category of kayakers (TONGA). Third place also goes to France, thanks to Maxence Barouh. (SICARIO)
"I am happy with my ride. I made a few mistakes, but without them it's almost impossible here. Fortunately, the ride was still fast and enough for the podium. I will stand on the steps with the legendary Nejc Žnidarčič and my French colleague Maxance Barouh, which is amazing, "comments Luca Barone.
"I am proud to be able to stand on the podium after this challenging race. It was a close duel, especially with my teammate Luca Baron, who finished second. Our times differed by only 0.01 seconds. I'm not disappointed at all, quite the opposite. I am happy for my success and for the performance of the French team," says Maxance Barouh.
The Italian Cecilia Panato won the women's singles race (HAWK). The world-renowned competitor confirmed her qualities when she managed to fight her way up in front of three Czech competitors. The second place was taken by Tereza Kneblová, who takes a silver double from the championship (LIMAX). Martina Satková won third place and added a fourth championship medal to the Czech team (HAWK).
"I do not know what to say. It's unbelievable. I have never competed in such a competition of international competitors, so before the start I didn't know how I was doing, "comments Tereza Kneblová. "I really enjoyed both final races. I wasn't even nervous before the single and I literally enjoyed the ride. It was a very great race and I'm really happy.“
In the final race of this season, the Czech national team member Ondřej Rolenc dominated the single kanoi. For the title of world champion, he finished both C1 and C2 with his partner Daniel Suchánek.
The championship is over and medals are awarded. Not all competitors from different parts of the world are heading to their homes, but to Treignac - France, where the final race of the Whitewater Downhill World Cup will take place next weekend.