Two team medals were added to the British tally on day two of the Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Championships as the men’s and women’s C1 trios finished on the podium.
In the men’s race, a tactical switch paid off for Adam Burgess, Ryan Westley and Luc Royle as they claimed silver in a time of 100.76, 0.79 seconds behind champions France.
“We had a little last minute order change to adapt to the course and to see that pay off so well was really cool, it was a really good team experience,” Westley said.
Burgess added: “It was really fun. We did all the training with me at the front and Ryan at the back but we thought the top half looked better on the right, and the bottom half better on the left, so we swapped it over.
“With how tight it is at the top (of the standings), that turned out to be a really good call.”
There was a dramatic finish to the women’s race as Kimberley Woods, Ellis Miller and Bethan Forrow were given a nervous wait to see where they would end up.
The trio initially crossed the line in eighth after a 50-second penalty at gate seven. That was then removed, putting the British trio into third, before further deliberations amid an inquiry from the fourth-placed Slovakian team.
Following a wait of around 10 minutes, the result was made official and the British team could celebrate bronze.
Miller said: “Crossing the finish line and seeing the 50, we were pretty disappointed. After the mishap at the top, we thought we pulled it back really well. To be told we now have a bronze medal, we are really happy.”
Forrow added: “I’m disappointed with my little mistake but Ellis dealt with it really well. Then it was just about catching the girls up.”
Woods said: “I’m really happy to be on the podium with these girls.
“It’s a new team, we had a lot of struggles at the Euros so to come back and get something we deserved, I’m really proud of these girls for keeping their heads together. It will be a really proud moment to step on that podium.”
Earlier in the day, all six medallists made it safely through to their individual semi-finals after successfully navigating the heats.
Woods qualified second quickest in the women’s C1 in 102.10, with Forrow and Miller in 16th and 18th respectively.
Burgess was the highest-placed Brit in the men’s C1 heats, qualifying in 10th. He will be joined in the latter stages by Westley and Royle, whose times were enough for 14th and 19th respectively.
Tomorrow’s action sees the individual K1 heats followed by the men’s and women’s K1 team events. Joe Clarke, fresh from his kayak cross silver earlier in the week, lines up alongside Jonny Dickson and Ben Haylett in the men’s event while Woods will go for another medal alongside Lois Leaver and Nikita Setchell.
All racing will be available to watch live on the Planet Canoe YouTube Channel for members.
You can also follow along with the live results free of charge.