ICF ocean racing world championships in Lanzarote draws strong international field

Global Paddlers Converge on Lanzarote

The upcoming ICF canoe ocean racing world championships, scheduled to take place next month in Lanzarote, Spain, anticipates the participation of over 250 athletes. This significant turnout highlights the increasing global appeal and expansion of the sport.

Remarkably, this robust registration figure has been achieved even as several prominent ocean racing nations, such as Australia and New Zealand, continue to face stringent international travel limitations. Event organizers have expressed considerable admiration for the athletes' eagerness to return to global competition, especially after a hiatus of over a year with minimal events. The championship itself was initially planned for the previous year but was deferred due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

A Testament to Dedication

Mario Santos, chairman of the ICF ocean racing committee, commented on the impressive participation. He noted, “The profound dedication of our canoe ocean racing community to their sport means that such high entry numbers for next month’s event are not entirely unexpected.” Santos acknowledged the global challenges, stating, “Following a period of immense global difficulty, with many nations still grappling with various issues, the feasibility of hosting events this year was certainly uncertain. However, the athletes have unequivocally demonstrated their commitment, and this world championship is poised for success.” He further attributed the strong interest to Lanzarote’s established reputation for hosting premier ocean racing events, alongside the invaluable chance for competitors to once again challenge the world’s elite paddlers.

The 2021 ICF canoe ocean racing world championships are slated to run from July 4th to 6th. The program includes elite competitions for both men and women, in addition to categories for Under 23 and masters athletes. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety measures will be...

[go to the magazine: paddleworldwide]

Continue with the original post:
https://paddleworldwide.com/news/strong-support-icf-ocean-racing-world-titles