Great Britain’s Ottilie Robinson-Shaw and home favourite Tom Dolle are among an exciting cast of paddlers poised to star at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Cup in Millau, France.
Set in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Park, Millau’s Tarn Valley is deeply connected to freestyle kayaking.
More than 100 athletes from 14 nations are ready to compete at the first ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup of the season.
Click here for live startlists and results from Millau
Competition will run from June 25 to 27 with paddlers set to battle it out for canoe and kayak titles over the next three days.
Nine-time world champion Robinson-Shaw headlines the field of athletes as she looks add more gold medals to her glittering collection.
The British star will come up against the likes of Poland’s Zofia Tula, Germany’s European champion Lucia Hacker and Makinley Kate Hargrove of the United States.
Dolle will be aiming home success in Millau. The Frenchman is the reigning world champion in the men’s kayak and recently captured the European title in the men’s canoe.
He will be out for revenge in the men’s kayak having come unstuck against Poland’s Tomasz Czaplicki at last weekend’s Paddle Europe Freestyle Championships in Lieksa, Finland.
Spain’s Joaquim Fontane I Maso, a world champion in the men’s kayak in 2017, is also a paddler to watch along with Great Britain’s Harry Price.
Ireland’s Eoghan Kelly, who captured the world title in the men’s open canoe last year, is another contender.
“I could not be more excited to see freestyle paddling return to one of our sport's great homes,” said Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee.
“I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, welcoming new faces, and watching a new generation of athletes take centre stage alongside a few familiar names who were battling for podium places back in 2014.
“Most of all, I look forward to experiencing once again that uniquely French atmosphere: knowledgeable, passionate, and unwavering in its support of our sport.
“Millau has always held a special place in freestyle kayaking, and I have no doubt that this World Cup will create memories that will inspire athletes and spectators alike for many years to come.”
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup in Millau can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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