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On the wave of gold medal won by his teammate Nicolas Gestin, young French kayaker Titouan Castryck flew down the home course to set the fastest time in men’s kayak heats, finishing the day ahead of Jiri Prskavec (CZE), the Tokyo Olympic Champion, and Giovanni de Gennaro (ITA) in third position.

 

“It is really nice to put down two clean runs. I do take inspiration from Nicolas (Gestin) but it’s a different discipline. Yesterday it was a really nice moment to cheer him on and have him on the podium. He won but it is not done for us. Of course, it helps that we are training here for a long time. It makes a lot of difference. But other guys have been practicing here a lot. It is really good to race at home as it makes a big difference,” said 19-year-old Castryck.

 

Czech canoeist Gabriela Satkova, 2020 European Champion and 2024 European Championships silver medallist as well as 2021 World Championships bronze medallists, produced the fastest time in women’s canoe heats. 22-year-old from Brno finished the first stage of the competition ahead of Australia’s Jessica Fox and Andorra’s Monica Doria Vilarrubla.

 

“I am very pleased and happy about the run. But I know the semi-finals will be a different course and different day. I’m going to stay humble and see what happens. It's an absolutely amazing atmosphere. I was surprised to hear so many people cheering. It’s the first time in my life I have heard so many people and it was really electric. I enjoyed it so much and I can’t wait for the semi-final to hear it again,” said Satkova. Her sister Martina, Czech representative herself, cycled all the way from Czechia to support her sister.

 

Tomorrow, women’s canoe semifinal and final are on the programme.