Kira Bester and Gordan Harbrecht Triumph at EuroChallenge in La Vila Joiosa

La Vila Joiosa in Spain was the setting for an exciting day of ocean racing during the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup – XVI Eurochallenge, one of the most anticipated international competitions on the calendar.

In an event marked by effort, endurance, and sportsmanship, athletes from all over the world tackled a demanding 18 km open water course.

Top results by category:

• Men’s Senior SS1: Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht took first place with an impressive time of 1:06:26. He was followed by South Africa’s Uli Hart and Kenny Rice. The Frenchman from Monptellier Pierre Vilella finished in 4th place in front of Matt Fenn another South African. Spain’s 1st finisher Walter Bouzán Sánchez, secured a strong sixth place.
• Women’s Senior SS1: South Africa’s Kira Bester was crowned champion, while France’s Thaïs Delrieux earned a commendable third place, followed by several Spain’s Chloë Bunnett and Marian Hernández Vellisca.
• Men’s U23 SS1: Portugal’s Bernardo Leça Pereira dominated the category and finished in 2nd place overall. Spain’s Pablo StMary achieved a remarkable second place in his age group. Tanguy Cattelle from France finished 3rd.
• Women’s U23 SS1:  South Africa’s Jade Wilson took the overall 2nd place as well as the sub23 title. Followed by Rosie Edwards from the UK (4th overall) and Sara Mengual Francisco (8th overall)
• Men’s Junior SS1: Young Julián StMary Palmero, representing Spain, won gold with a time of 1:16:22.
• Women’s Junior SS1: Constança Marques Frazão takes the wins and finishes 13th overall.
• OC-1: Spanish paddlers dominated with wins from Jesús Pérez Rial and Ana Isabel García Martínez.
  

  > Full results here <