Czechia’s Tereza Kneblova upgraded her silver to gold after two thrilling finals on a gripping day of kayak cross action at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Augsburg, Germany.
Kneblova was denied women’s kayak cross individual gold by a mere 0.02 seconds as Germany’s Ricarda Funk triumphed.
Click here for live startlists and results from Augsburg
But the Czech paddler quickly put that result behind her to power to victory in the women’s kayak cross final.
There was also a dramatic end to the men’s kayak cross showdown as Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke captured his first gold of this year’s World Cup Series.
After collecting bronze and silver medals across the kayak cross events in the first two World Cups of the season, Clarke’s persistence was rewarded with victory on German waters on Sunday.
The final day of competition began with another home triumph as Funk edged out Kneblova in the women’s kayak cross individual.
It looked like Kneblova had done enough for the victory when she clocked 69.72 only for Funk to snatch gold in a time of 69.70, while the bronze medal went to Evy Leibfarth of the United States in 69.80.
It was hometown hero Funk’s second title of the weekend after winning the women’s kayak crown on Friday.
"I'm super happy,” said Funk.
“It was a good run. I felt exhausted at the finish line, and the sprint to the finish was quite hard.”
It was a tough pill for Kneblova to swallow but the Czech star bounced back in fine style in the head-to-head format.
Facing Funk and Leibfarth again, Kneblova stormed ahead of the pack and ran a flawless race to cement her victory in the women’s kayak cross.
“I'm really glad that today I was able to find a good line off the start,” said Kneblova.
“I think that put me in a good position, and then I was able to be first into the first gate. I think that was the key, and I'm happy I was able to finish it off like that. It's a dream.
“The battle was all about racing to the first gate and trying to force everyone else to the right side. I think I did that well, and it was enough to create a little gap. I'm really happy with this result."
After missing out on the podium in Prague, Leibfarth refused to let another medal slip from her grasp as she bagged silver.
Switzerland’s Alena Marx completed the podium, taking her second kayak cross medal of the series with bronze, as Funk finished fourth.
In the men’s kayak cross final, Clarke came out on top in an action-packed ending to an eventful weekend.
Compatriot Ben Haylett was the first to cross the finish line but picked up a fault that denied him a medal.
Clarke took the win with Spain’s David Llorente clinching silver and Belgium’s Gabriel De Coster collecting bronze.
“I love it here,” said Clarke.
“My first World Cup medal in slalom came here 12 years ago, and that was a silver medal, so that shows how old I am.
“It was also nice to become world champion here in 2022 in kayak cross. It's great to be back after a little break.
“Looking ahead, it's exciting. We've had some really good racing in cross, and to finish with the gold medal is fantastic."
In the men’s kayak cross individual, Spain’s Manual Ochoa topped the podium after registering 65.05.
He was just 0.04 seconds ahead of AIN competitor Egor Smirnov, while Italy’s Giovanni De Gennaro rounded off the podium with a bronze in 65.56.
"I'm feeling very good. It's my second win in time trials, but it's the first one since I started winning medals, so I'm very happy,” said Ochoa.
“It also gives me a lot of confidence in my performances heading into the three selection races for the Olympics. So, I'm very happy with it.”
Women’s Kayak Cross
1. KNEBLOVA Tereza (CZE)
2. LEIBFARTH Evy (USA)
3. MARX Alena (SUI)
Men’s Kayak Cross
1. CLARKE Joseph (GBR)
2. LLORENTE David (ESP)
3. DE COSTER Gabriel (BEL)
Women’s Kayak Cross Individual
1. FUNK Ricarda (GER) 69.70
2. KNEBLOVA Tereza (CZE) +0.02
3. LEIBFARTH Evy (USA) +0.10
Men’s Kayak Cross Individual
1. OCHOA Manuel (ESP) 65.05
2. SMIRNOV Egor (AIN) 0.04
3. DE GENNARO Giovanni (ITA) +0.51
Join Planet Canoe's YouTube channel for €9.99 per month to unlock members-only content and features
Related links
