The Marlines de Lanzarote Canoeing Club has delivered an outstanding performance at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup – XVI Eurochallenge, one of the most prominent competitions on the international sea kayak calendar. The event, held in La Vila Joiosa, brought together more than 230 paddlers from 15 countries, becoming a global benchmark for surfski.
Despite unfavorable initial conditions, the wind shifted around 1:30 PM, allowing for a dynamic 18-kilometer downwind course from La Vila to the Campello Nautical Club. The Marlines stood out from the start and managed to reach the podium in four boats, totaling six medals:
Gold for Ariadne Giménez and Andor Dévora in SS2 Mixed Absolute.
Bronze for Gabriela Díaz and Guayre Martín in the same category, achieving a historic result for the club's youth academy.
Gold for Svetlana Kapisovská in SS1 Veteran C-D Women.
Silver for Fernando Castillo in SS1 Veteran G-H Men.
In addition, the team completed its participation with other notable positions:
Juan Tomás Méndez, 4th in SS1 Veteran E-F Men
Claas Gebhardt, 7th in SS1 Senior Men
Javier López, 14th in SS1 Senior Men
Eduardo Fajardo, 19th in SS1 Sub23 Men
José Cánovas, 4th in OC1 Senior Men
Carlos Díaz, retired due to injury after a great start
The SS1 Senior Men category was especially competitive, with global surfski references in the fray, which further enhances the performance of Gebhardt and López.
“Competing in a World Cup and achieving six medals is an extraordinary achievement. We are very proud of the effort of all our paddlers. This international experience is key to facing the upcoming challenges,” emphasized José María García, president of the Marlines Club.
One of the most notable aspects of the competition has been the role of the youth, who at only 17 years old reached the international podium.
“Winning gold in this category has been a huge motivation,” expressed Ariadne Giménez, while her partner Andor Dévora added: “Representing Lanzarote from the top of the podium is a pride.”
For their part, Gabriela Díaz and Guayre Martín agreed: “At 17 years old, reaching the podium in a World Cup is something we will not forget.”
With this brilliant performance, the Marlines Club reaffirms its national leadership and consolidates its international projection, taking the name of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands to the top of sea kayaking