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The first ICF Ocean Racing World Championships was held in 2013 and since then we have seen the dominance of paddlers from Australia and South Africa in men’s SS1 event. Now, Gordan Harbrecht from Germany wrote a new chapter of history by becoming the first European paddler to claim World Champion title in this event. So far the best result for German, who is also a regular on the podium of European Championships, was silver medal at the 2021 World Championships. Now, he won gold medal with a time 1:27:31.69.

 

Harbrecht, the new World Champion said: “I am stoked. I had a race plan, went for it and I am so happy with the outcome. It was super tough race. There was a very nice downwind for the first half and then the second half it was just pushing against the wind. It wasn’t nice, but I just followed my plan and I am super stoked with the result. I have had some good results in the last few years. I was on the podium in 2021 but some of the best guys were missing due to COVID. I am super happy to win the title, I couldn’t have asked for more.” 

 

The defending champion Cory Hill from Australia had to settle with silver this time, while South Africa’s Hank McGregor, the 46-year-old Canoe Marathon legend, won bronze medal.

 

In women’s SS1 event, Spain’s Judit Verges claimed bronze, finishing behind two athletes from South Africa - Kira Bester and Michelle Burn.

 

In SS1 men’s U23 event Marin Lanee (FRA) produced the best European result with fourth place, while in men’s junior event Terry Michael (GBR) won bronze medal. Rosemary Edwards (GBR) was the best European in women’s U23 SS1 event, finishing in fifth position, while Lara Cellier (ESP) won bronze in women’s junior SS1 event.