News

There is just one place left in the Czech team in men’s kayak, with many strong names fighting for the last spot. Reigning World Champion Ondrej Tunka and World Championships silver medallist Vit Prinidš already have a secure place in national team, while the name of the third member of the team comes after selection races which are starting this weekend.

 

Jiri Prskavec and Vavrinec Hradilek are both Olympic medallists, but Hradilek denies the fight will be only between the two, “Despite the fact that people can feel it is a battle between me and Jiri, for sure it is not only about that. There are at least five others who are ready to attack. From the young generation, I can mention Tomaš Zima, who can go pretty fast and is quite stable with his performances. On the other hand, I understand that there are two Olympic medallists and two world champions facing each other in battle for just one place. So it is very attractive for the public and media. I hope people will come to support us thanks to this ‘campaign’. Of course, for me, it is just another selection and I was already dealing with similar situation before the Rio Olympics selection. I do not bother with it much, I just want to enjoy the sport and I look forward to it very much. Jiri has beaten me many times lately but I also have a strong motivation to get into the team one more time.”

 

The 2015 World Champion Jiri Prskavec agrees with Hradilek, “There are people who have a huge motivation to compete on the home course in Prague at the European Championships. They will give all into this. There are five strong guys who will fight together for the last spot.”

Ondrej Tunka feels much more relaxed with the guaranteed place in the Czech team after the win in Pau, “Finally, I can enjoy competing at the Czech selections a bit more. It will not be as stressful as in the past. But I am also working hard trying to prepare myself for the races so that nobody can say I did not deserve the place in the team.”

 

Vit Prindiš also has a guaranteed place, so there is no pressure for him either, “It is very nice when you do not have to be under stress and you just train for a good race and solid performance. The Czech Cup will be a good competition and I saw the guys are very well prepared. Honestly, I would not like to fight with them for the only place in this moment. They are so strong.”

 

Canoeist Tereza Fišerova feels the level of the performances in her category in rising, “I do not have any particular goals this season, but I definitely look forward to the European championships in Troja where we can expect a great atmosphere. I can say this race will be a bit more important for me personally, despite the fact that the world championships will be more difficult. But I would appreciate the medal from Prague a bit more because it is on the home course.”

 

The ČEZ Canoe Slalom Czech Cup 2018 starts on Trnavka in Želiv this weekend (5^th – 6^th May) and the Czech selection peaks next weekend in Prague – Troja (12^th – 13^th May).