The 2021 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships was dominated by representatives of the Republic South Africa, but European paddlers had lot of success on the Canary Islands too. Ten medals from the championships on Lanzarote Island went to European kayakers, including gold in men's junior event thanks to Portuguese representative Bernardo Pereira.
German Gordan Harbrecht was the one who picked up silver medal in senior men's SS1 event, finishing the race behind the South African Nicolas Notten. Harbrecht was a minute behind the newly crowned world champion. Bronze medal went to France with Victor Doux.
In women's senior event Spanish organisers celebrated bronze medal thanks to Judit Verges Xifra. Judit, who is from the neighbouring Gran Canaria Island, finished the champiosnhips race just behind South African Michelle Burn and American Ana Swetish.
The only European gold medal was won by Portuguese paddler Bernardo Pereira, who was the best in men's junior event. His teammate from Portugal Oleksandr Bobusky was third, while silver medal went to South African Josua Smith.
In men's U23 event Ulvard Hart (RSA) picked up gold medal, ahead of Jorge Enriquez Gutierez (ESP) and Pierre Vilella (FRA), while in women's U23 event medals went to Jade Wilson (RSA), Roisin Cahill (IRL) and Irene Gana Fernandez (ESP). In women's junior event French kayaker Claire Dewaste won silver medal, after she squeezed herself between two South African paddlers - world champion Saskia Hocky and bronze medallist Valma Jean Hocky.
Full results: https://www.canoeicf.com/sites/default/files/2021_icf_canoe_ocean_racing_world_championships_lanzarote_-_official_results.pdf
Photo: Facebook page Gordan Harbrecht
1.11.2021
