Elite paddlers vie for world titles at ICF Ocean Racing event

ICF Ocean Racing World Championships Begin in Portugal

The ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships are set to commence this week in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal. This event marks the first full-scale competition since the pandemic, drawing many of the sport's top international athletes.

Returning Nations and Key Competitors

Strong ocean racing nations, Australia and New Zealand, make a welcome return after missing last year's championships due to travel restrictions. Australia fields one of the largest non-European teams.

• Two-time world champion Cory Hill aims for a third title.

Men's Field Highlights

South Africa presents a powerful men's team, featuring defending world champion Nicolas Notten, Andrew Birkett (recent ICF Canoe Marathon title winner), and paddling legend Hank McGregor. Other notable contenders include Kenneth Rice, a 2019 silver medalist, and Jasper Mocke, a two-time bronze medalist. Denmark's two-time canoe marathon world champion, Mads Brandt Pedersen, will also seek to make an impact.

Women's Race and Event Details

The women's event sees the return of New Zealand's 2019 champion, Danielle McKenzie. Her title challenge is anticipated against South Africa's reigning champion, Michelle Burn, and Spain's Judit Verges Xifra, last year's bronze medalist.

Historically, the United Arab Emirates will compete for the first time with two athletes, joining a total of twenty nations. The competition day will be determined by weather conditions, with Friday currently the most probable day for racing.

[go to the magazine: paddleworldwide]

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