Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods’ long wait for a first victory in the women’s kayak finally came to an end with a superb showing on a rain-hit opening day of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia.
Woods secured Olympic bronze in the K1 in Paris last year, but her success on the World Cup circuit had come in canoe and kayak cross.
After eight years without a medal in K1 and no wins in that category, Woods finally emerged victorious at the Tacen Whitewater Centre.
Click here for startlists and live results from Tacen
France’s Titouan Castryck was also celebrating after maintaining his sensational form this season with another men’s K1 gold.
The Olympic medallist has now won three out of the four World Cups in K1 to strengthen his grip on top spot in the overall standings.
The Slovenian fans, who braved the heavy rain, also had reason to cheer as siblings Ziga Lin Hocevar and Eva Alina Hocevar claimed medals on home waters.
Eva Alina Hocevar thrilled the spectators when she clocked 79.42 to move ahead of Evy Leibfarth of the United States who posted 82.45.
But it was not enough to clinch the win as Woods overtook Hocevar at the top with a time of 78.69.
Germany’s Ricarda Funk was the last to go after topping the heats but a two-second penalty cost her a medal as Hocevar took silver and Leibfarth earned bronze.
“I heard Eva Alina’s time and thought I am going to really have to attack it,” said Woods.
“It’s a nice short course where you can attack it.
“I obviously won bronze in Paris last year.
“I wanted to try to back it up at the back end of last year but I didn’t make any finals.
“It’s been eight years since I have had a kayak medal at a World Cup so it’s a long time coming.
“I have never won a kayak race before which is mad.
“I have made quite a few finals but never been quite there.
“To come and finally get my first senior win in kayak and do it out there with those girls in this weather I am really proud of myself.”
There appears to be no stopping Castryck when he gets into his kayak at the moment.
While his French rival Anatole Delassus in the race for the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Series crown failed to make the final, Castryck starred again.
After wins in La Seu and Prague, Castryck came out on top again in Tacen with a time of 70.24 to continue his dominance.
Ziga Lin Hocevar briefly moved into first place with 72.63 only to have to settle for silver after Castryck’s brilliance.
Poland’s Mateusz Polaczyk squeezed into the final after placing 12th but came out firing to secure bronze with 73.52.
“It’s always quite stressful to come back after such a long period without racing, so I am happy that I’ve still got it,” said Castryck.
“I don’t think it’s down to confidence.
“I am not an overconfident person. I just try not to be overconfident or underconfident at the starting block. I just try to be present so there is no real secret.
“I had good training this winter, I am feeling good and I am at a really good level right now.”
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
Join Planet Canoe's YouTube channel for €9.99 per month to unlock members-only content and features
Read YouTube's frequently asked questions for more details.
Related links
