Anticipation is ramping up as Milan gets set to hold the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in 100 days’ time.
Running from August 20 to 24, the Italian city’s Idroscalo Regatta Course will play host to the ICF flagship event for the first time in 10 years.
Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation and Vice President of the ICF, says Milan will be “ready to welcome the world with Italian spirit, professionalism and passion”.
“Reaching the 100-days-to-go milestone is both an exciting and a responsible moment, as it marks the beginning of the countdown to an event that will place Milan and Italy at the center of the global sports stage,” Mr Buonfiglio told the ICF.
“Hosting a World Championship is not just a sporting opportunity, it is a complex and multifaceted commitment that involves technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects.
“It’s a challenge we embrace with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility, fully aware of the positive impact such an event can generate on the territory, the sports system, and the community as a whole.
“It will be an opportunity to showcase the very best of our country, thanks also to the valuable support of institutions, sponsors, and media.”
Stellar line-up expected as road to LA28 begins
Last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris might still feel fresh in the memory but attention is already turning to LA28.
The line-up for this week’s ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup in Szeged will give us a taste of what to expect in Milan with several Olympic champions poised to compete.
Among those includes Czech duo Josef Dostal and Martin Fuksa, Canadian star Katie Vincent and the German quartet of Tom Liebscher-Lucz, Max Rendschmidt, Max Lemke and Jacob Schopf.
There is also set to be a stellar Paracanoe field in Milan with a strong British contingent likely to be led by three-time Paralympic champion Charlotte Henshaw.
“We expect the participation of 70 to 80 nations and around 1,100 athletes - numbers that confirm the global scale of the event and Milan’s appeal as an international venue,” said Mr Buonfiglio.
“It will be a great sporting moment, but also a unique opportunity to bring together different cultures, experiences, and stories.
“A true global canoeing festival that will leave a lasting mark.
Casadei and Tacchini to lead home charge
All eyes will be on Gabriele Casadei and Carlo Tacchini in the men’s canoe double 500m.
The pair hit the headlines in Italy after securing the country’s first Olympic medal in Canoe Sprint since 1964 with silver.
Other home favourites include Paracanoe paddler Viktoryia Pistis Shablova who is the defending champion in the women’s VL1.
“We have a young, motivated, and well-prepared team,” said Mr Buonfiglio.
“Our goal is ambitious but realistic. We aim to reach at least six finals and are targeting three medals.
“We work every day to ensure that our female and male athletes are in the best possible conditions.
“In a year that marks the beginning of the path toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, this World Championship represents a key testing ground.
“But beyond the results, what matters most to us is that our athletes can experience something truly memorable – competing at home, in front of their own crowd, with the pride of wearing the national jersey.”
What to expect at upgraded Idroscalo
The Idroscalo Regatta Course has undergone a series of upgrades as it prepares to welcome the world’s best paddlers this year.
A new starting system has been installed, while the basin has been fully restored and team areas, changing rooms, public services and the entire network infrastructure have all been improved.
The pontoon has been fully renewed to provide safe and efficient boarding.
There is a barrier-free layout to the venue, including athlete paths, ramps and rest areas and an adapted medal podium to ensure that all athletes can be celebrated equally.
“The 2025 World Championships will be even more ambitious and inclusive than those held in 2015,” added Mr Buonfiglio.
“It will be the first ICF World Championship organised with a focus on sustainability, with special attention to the environment, inclusion, and active participation.
“We have planned strong engagement with schools, dedicated spaces for the Pink Ladies – a symbol of strength and rebirth – and a structured media strategy through TV and newspapers that will help us engage over 10,000 spectators daily.
“The emotions will be just as powerful, but the setting will be even more advanced, modern, and rich in content designed for both the audience and the athletes.
“Milan will be ready to welcome the world with Italian spirit, professionalism, and passion.”
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