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Slovenian Canoe Slalom paddlers competed at the first race in the year 2020 organised in Tacen. The race was run in accordance with restrictions and followed the protocols, meaning it was organised behind closed doors without spectators. Peter Kauzer, Urša Kragelj, Eva Alina Hočevar and Jure Lenarčič were the winners in their respective categories.

After some of the restrictions to fight the Covid-19 pandemic were lifted in Slovenia canoe slalom paddlers took the opportunity to start at the first race of the year in their home country. Race was internal and behind closed doors, so no spectators were allowed to enjoy the first runs of the year. The start of the first race of the year was below the remodelled dam which was a trademark of the course that hosted ECA Canoe Slalom European Championships in the years 2005 and 2017.

Peter Kauzer took the win in men’s kayak events ahead of Martin Srabotnik and Žan Jakše. Kauzer was happy that the race was organised, “The race was organised in a last minute so I did not prepare for it at all. We are in a weird situation. The virus stopped the whole world, I hope the situation will improve even though it does not look good at the moment. It was nice to get back to race mode. I hope we will have at least a couple of races this year. My focus is still Toyko.”

Eleven months after her last race before an injury and dislocated shoulder Urša Kragelj won in women’s kayak event. Reigning world champion Eva Terčelj was second and Ajda Novak third. “I have a difficult rehabilitation and this race was nice start to the season 2020 even though we do not know whether we will have some international events or not. The fact is none of us in a very good for. This was a bit of improvisational race but I am happy I did not show very bad runs,” said Kragelj.

Eva Alina Hočevar was the fastest in women’s canoe event, Alja Kozorog finished the race three seconds behind and Katja Bengeri was third. “I had four runs in a short time, we did not have much break. I was quite anxious because this was the first race. The first three runs were not so good, but the last one brought me win,” said Eva Alina.

A bit surprisingly Jure Lenarčič won in men’s canoe event ahead of reigning European Champion Benjamin Savšek and last year’s bronze medallist at World Championships Luka Božič. “I was surprised to win if I am honest. My run did not seem so good that I would be confident that it was enough for a win. The runs were pretty good, but there were still some mistakes,” said the winner of the men’s canoe event.