Great Britain’s Charlotte Henshaw showed no signs of rustiness as she put herself on track for two gold medals at the International Canoe Federation Paracanoe World Cup in Poznan, Poland.
Henshaw, whose last international competition came at last year’s Paralympic Games in Paris, comfortably won her heats in both the women’s VL3 and women’s KL2.
The three-time Paralympic champion was the only paddler to go sub-60 seconds in the women’s VL3, crossing the finish line in 58.16 – almost three seconds quicker than her closest rival Erica Scarff of Canada.
France’s Elea Charvet was the fastest in the other heat, finishing in 1:00.80 to progress to the final.
Henshaw also impressed in the women’s KL2, registering a time of 50.13 – more than four seconds faster than second-placed Anja Adler of Germany.
Ukraine’s Natalia Lahutenko came out on top in the second heat, posting a time of 57.53.
“I came into this competition not really knowing what sort of shape I was in after having a very different winter than usual,” said Henshaw.
“There is certainly good things to take away from today. Poznan is always a challenging course to paddle and there are things to work on when we go through to the finals on the weekend.
“It’s always good to come and race and you have to be reactive to what the conditions give you in that moment.”
Another British Paralympic champion in action on the opening day was Laura Sugar who booked her place in the final of the women’s KL3 with 47.65.
“I love racing and that’s why I’m in this sport,” said Sugar.
“We’ve had a time out, we’ve had different trainers and coaches but I am never going to turn down an opportunity to race.
“My first ever international race was in Poznan so it’s nice to be back here after six years.”
Sugar will be joined by two Spaniards in the final with Araceli Menduina placing third to gain direct entry and Maria Jimenez topping the first heat.
Brazil’s two-time Paralympic gold medallist Fernando Rufino de Paulo stormed into the men’s VL2 final in 53.17, with his good friend and compatriot Igor Alex Tofalini winning the other heat.
Ukraine’s Vladyslav Yepifanov, who secured gold at Paris 2024, finished first in his men’s VL3 heat after clocking 48.17, while Great Britain’s Stuart Wood posted 48.24 to set up an intriguing showdown.
Spain’s reigning world champion Juan Antonio Valle bounced back from the frustration of missing out on a medal at last year’s Paralympic Games to win his heat in the men’s KL3.
Valle is set to face stiff competition from Brazilians Gabriel Paixao Porto and Miqueias Elias Rodrigues who topped their heats in 40.64 and 40.63, respectively.
“I am very happy but I’m out of condition right now,” said Valle.
“I am taking this year easy because it is the post-Paralympic year and I am training with less intensity.
“I am trying to reach optimal conditions for the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”
In the men’s KL2, Christian Volpi of Italy and David Phillipson of Great Britain sealed top spot in their heats, posting 43.16 and 43.05, respectively.
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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