Norway’s Gunnar Nydal Eide earned his first-ever senior international medal with a stunning gold at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Cup in Poznan, Poland.
After Jon Amund Vold’s success in the men’s kayak single 5000m in Szeged last weekend, the Norwegians were celebrating again as Eide clinched the men’s kayak single 200m title in 35.20.
Eide was too strong for his Hungarian rivals as Kolos Attila Csizmadia took silver in 35.41 and Balazs Birkas secured bronze in 35.47.
“This means a great deal,” said 25-year-old Eide.
“To finally take the step up on the big stage with these boys feels great.
“I last won a medal in the European U23 two years ago.
Click here for start lists and results from Poznan
“Since then there has been nothing.
“I knew that if I did a solid race, I could win this but there are some strong guys out there, so one mistake and I’m out of it.
“I have just stayed consistent, stuck to the programme and it’s worked out.
“Last weekend, I was not too good, so to take the win is very good for my confidence.”
Fuksa continues golden form
After clinching men’s canoe single 1000m gold in Szeged, Olympic gold medallist Martin Fuksa emerged victorious over 500m.
The Czech paddler gained in strength as the race wore on as he sealed the title in a time of 1:45.53.
Italy’s Matta Alfonsi tried to chase him down but had to settle for silver in 1:46.45, while Hungary’s Daniel Fejes got the better of Ukraine’s Taras Mazovskyi to claim bronze in 1:46.90.
“It’s my second gold medal from the World Cup this year so I am really happy to bring another title back to Czechia and my family,” said Fuksa.
“We will see how I get on in the 1000m.
“Poznan is about the weather conditions so I hope that there will be flat water and I will do my best so we will see what happens.”
Fisher cranking up pace in 1000m
New Zealand’s Aimee Fisher was in a class of her own as she cruised to the women’s K1 1000m crown for the second successive week, winning in 3:52.02.
Hungary’s Zsoka Csikos finished strongly but couldn’t overhaul Fisher as she took silver in 3:53.91, while China’s Nan Wang completed the podium after finishing in a time of 3:57.18.
“That was a real epic race, I really tried to roll the dice a bit and go a bit hard,” said Fisher.
“I wanted to have a crack at that world record but I think we are a few seconds off it.”
Koliadych delivers home gold in Poznan
Poland’s Oleksii Koliadych thrilled the home crowd when he powered to victory in the men’s C1 200m.
The 2022 world champion held off Ukraine’s Andrii Rybachok and Italy’s Mattia Alfonsi to triumph in 39.71.
There was just 0.02 separating second and third place, with Rybachok to taking silver in 40.03 and Alfonsi claiming bronze in 40.05.
“That was my best 200m, so I am very happy,” said Koliadych.
“To win a home here is just perfect.”
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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