French and Spanish teams lead medal count at 2016 ECA Ocean Racing European championships

The 2016 ECA Canoe Ocean Racing European Championships were held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. France emerged as the most successful nation, securing eight medals, closely followed by Spain with four. One hundred athletes competed over a 26-kilometer course between Poetto Beach and Solanas Beach.

French competitors showcased exceptional skill, particularly dominating the men's junior category by claiming all top five positions. Hector Henot, 17, won gold, with compatriot Axel Kempf taking silver less than a minute behind, and Nathan Le Nestour earning bronze. France also achieved a double victory in the women's junior event, thanks to outstanding performances from Sophie Manchel and Marie Sainte Laury, who finished over 20 minutes ahead of Romania's Bianca Cristina Balas.

In the men's senior race, Spain's Walter Bouzan Sanchez was crowned European Champion with a time of 1:48:31. France's Nicolas Lambert secured silver just 38 seconds later, while Saša Vujanić of Serbia claimed bronze. The women's senior title was won by Italy's Susanna Cicali, who triumphed before her home crowd, ahead of Amaia Osaba Olaberri (Spain) and Angie Moudeu (France).

Sweden's Linnea Stenils, a canoe sprint athlete, won the women's U23 title in 2:14:02, with Spain's Raquel Bota Farres taking silver and Italy's Chiara Sabatini bronze. Sweden continued its gold medal streak in the men's U23 event, where Emil Torstensson was the fastest. James George Fitzsimmons secured silver for Spain, and Valentin Henot earned bronze for France.

Cagliari also hosted additional events during the week, including ICF Ocean Racing competitions, a Life Saving race (Sea Sardinia Contest), a Children’s race, and a Paracanoe race.

Key Medalists:

• Men Senior:
  • 1. Walter Bouzan Sanchez (ESP)
  • 2. Nicolas Lambert (FRA)
  • 3. Saša Vujanić (SRB)
• Women Senior:
  • 1. Susanna...

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