The Slalom World Cup Final begins in Augsburg

The Canoe Slalom World Cup Final in Augsburg, Germany, begins today. Low water levels throughout the week had the athletes crossing their fingers for rain, having their first training sessions on the 1972 Olympic slalom course on Wednesday.

Following an electric performance from last week in Tacen, double Olympic bronze medallist Kimberley Woods will yet again appear in every event. 

World Cup four saw her earn her first ever kayak gold medal as well as a bronze in canoe, showing her experience and confidence on the course.

Today’s kayak events will see Joe Clarke MBE take to the water. The Olympic silver medallist will also be competing on Sunday and will be looking to defend his kayak cross individual gold from Tacen.

Competing in kayak cross, Sam Leaver was named U23 World Champion in the individual time trials. He also won senior silver at the World Cup in Pau, and bronze at the Tacen World Cup, sharing the podium with Clarke at the latter.

Nikita Setchell earned kayak cross bronze during World Cup four. She will be paddling both today and Sunday in women’s K1 and kayak cross.

Olympic silver medallist Adam Burgess, who has already secured three medals this year, is a strong contender in the men’s individual canoe. 

Ryan Westley will also return in the men’s canoe category after recently winning a gold medal at World Cup Two in Pau.

With an impressive six medals won throughout her 2025 season so far as both a senior and U23, Lois Leaver will take on the women’s K1 and kayak cross events. 

Also for men’s K1, Jonny Dickson will be in action. Sunday will also see him during the kayak cross events after he won gold during the individual time trials at the World Cup in La Seu. 

Ben Haylett will be taking on the men’s K1, he recently came in fifteenth in the event in Tacen, missing out on a spot in the final by only 0.2 seconds.

Luc Royle completes the men’s C1 crew. Luc has had a busy year, competing in both senior and U23 events, and finished eighth at the U23 European Championships in Solkan. 

Bethan Forrow will compete in women’s C1, she qualified for finals and eventually came tenth at the Tacen World Cup.

Completing the women’s C1 team is Ellis Miller. She came tenth during the European Championships in Paris, and has competed in both senior and U23 competitions this year.

The livestream is available for members of the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.

Follow along with the results here.