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Portuguese Canoe Sprint National Championships was held past weekend in Montemor-o-Velho. Among the new/old Portuguese champions are Fernando Pimenta, Joao Ribeiro, Joana Vasconcelos and Francisca Laia.

In men’s 500 metres event Joao Ribeiro also managed to defend his title from last year, while Pimenta finished the race in second position. Messias Baptista was third. Another title for Joao Ribeiro came in men’s 200 metres final A, where Hugo Pinto da Rocha picked up silver medal and Kevin Santos bronze medal.

In women’s kayak 200 and 500 metres event the defending champions Francisca Laia and Joana Vasconcelos defended their top position. Francisca Laia was the fastest in 200 meters final where Joana Vasconcelos and Teresa Portela joined her on the winner’s podium, while Joana Vasconcelos produced the best race in 500 metres final, to finish the race ahead of Teresa Portela and Sara Sotero.

In both women’s canoe finals – 200m and 500m – the top three positions were occupied by the same athletes and in the same order. Double national champion became Ines Penetra, Marcia Faria was twice second and Beatriz Barros won two bronze medals.

Marco Apura was crowned national champion in 1000 and 500 metres C1 final. Helder Silva was second and Bruno Afonso third in the 5000 metres final. Afonso added silver medal in 1000 metres event and Alberto Azevedo finished third in this final.

In the paracanoeing part of the competition Norberto Mourao defended his title in VL2 200 metres event, as well as Hugo Miguel da Costa in KL2 200m and Alex Gomes dos Santos in KL1 200m. Joao Pedroso Fernandes was the fastest in KS1 200m.

Photo: FPC/Luis Fraguas