Top canoeists and a Moroccan Olympian prepare for Reunion World Cup

International Canoe Federation World Cup in Reunion

The picturesque French overseas territory of Reunion is currently hosting the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup, drawing elite paddlers to the challenging waters of the Indian Ocean. The highlight of the event is Saturday's Run Ocean Downwind race, which has been granted prestigious World Cup status. A strong field of athletes, comprising 46 men and 11 women, are vying for the coveted World Cup title in the surfski single category. Among the notable participants are:

• South Africa's Nicolas Notten, the reigning 2021 world champion, joined by compatriots Jordan Fenn and Hein Van Rooyen.
• Spain's Chloe Bunnett, another world champion, who recently secured the mixed surfski double crown.
• Morocco's Mathis Soudi, an accomplished Olympian in Canoe Slalom.
• Frederic Lagourgue, the sole competitor from Mauritius.

A significant portion of the participants forms a robust French contingent, eager to achieve success on home turf. Beyond the main World Cup event, Sunday will feature a 3km short race, where paddlers will compete for the overall Run Ocean crowns. Organizers are keen to establish Reunion as a premier French destination for Canoe Ocean Racing within the Indian Ocean region. The multi-day event commenced earlier in the week, with athletes already participating in a mixed kayak double race and a beach race. Reunion is also known for annually hosting an ICF Canoe Slalom ranking race.

[go to the magazine: paddleworldwide]

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