Harbrecht and Bester win surfski World Cup titles at EuroChallenge in Villajoyosa

Harbrecht and Bester claim surfski World Cup victories

Reigning world champions Gordan Harbrecht and Kira Bester demonstrated their prowess by securing the men's and women's overall surfski titles at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup, known as the EuroChallenge, held in Villajoyosa, Spain.

Women's Race Highlights

South Africa's Kira Bester delivered an exceptional performance, dominating the women's category to claim victory in 1:16:40.221. Her compatriot, Jade Wilson, also the women's U23 champion, finished second overall in 1:21:02.152. Spanish paddler Thais Delrieux secured third place (1:21:37.010), followed by Great Britain's Rosie Edwards (1:22:07.154) and Spain's Chloe Bunnett (1:22:35.235) completing the top five.

Men's Competition Summary

In the men's event, Germany's Gordan Harbrecht, who made history last year as the first European world champion in this discipline, once again triumphed in Villajoyosa, clinching gold in 1:06:26.320. Portugal's Bernardo Pereira, the men's U23 winner, was second overall (1:06:52.768). South Africa's Ulvard Hart took bronze (1:07:07.188), with compatriot Kenneth Rice fourth (1:07:18.384) and France's Pierre Vilella fifth (1:07:20.741).

Event Significance

The EuroChallenge attracted over 230 paddlers globally. This World Cup served as a crucial preparatory event for the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, scheduled at the same Spanish venue, and also helped athletes prepare for the 2024 World Championships in Durban, South Africa (October 17-19).

[go to the magazine: paddleworldwide]

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