The NordicCup 2024 in canoe slalom has already kicked off in Finland and will continue in Lithuania.

In the remote Finnish town of Taivalkoski, canoe slalom enthusiasts gathered well before the Nordic Cup competition – and they did the right thing, as training was necessary! This year, the Väljänsuvanto River provided an unforgettable addition to Finland’s participation in the Nordic Cup series. Both the river and the slalom enthusiasts in Finland gathered strength and confidence for their moment – and they did not disappoint. Both the river and the weather favored the athletes this year, offering strong currents, a good weather forecast, and plenty of thrills.

Photos and videos from the competition can be found here:

https://failiem.lv/u/cgh7f4tjry

https://failiem.lv/u/8duqyxu9dx

https://failiem.lv/u/rt9aazyunf

Results can be found here:

Stage 1 –  link to PDF

Stage 2 – link to PDF

The large group of Latvian paddlers greatly enjoyed their time in Finland. Notably, Renārs Freijs’ victory and second place in the K1M boat class were highlights (with a similar performance by Finnish slalomist Leo Janka). Also noteworthy was Krišs Ozols’ double victory in the C1M boat class for men, where the experienced Aivars Eiduks provided strong competition.

Among the juniors, besides Renārs, there were participants from Ozolnieki, Liepāja, and other Valmiera representatives. The most successful in the second stage was Linards Laidiņš (Ozolnieki), who left his competitors Klāvs Auznieks, Leonards Pavilsons, Namejs Brūns and Ingars Adamovičs behind. The experienced Māris Bečers from Valmiera also delivered a commendable performance – initially in training and later on the course. However, a minor injury prevented Māris from competing for a higher position than the bronze medal on the first day of the competition.

The performance of the Latvian veterans, especially the “Brīvie ūdeņi” athletes, was impressive both during and outside the competitions. Thanks to all the Latvian and international athletes who made the long journey to Taivalkoski, Finland – it left no one indifferent. See you next year!

The overall ranking for the NordicCup competition has also begun to take shape (the best 7 out of 9 stage results will be considered). The ranking after two stages can be found here:

Link to ranking results

            BUT LET’S MOVE FORWARD!

This weekend, the third stage of the competition will be held in the Lithuanian town of Puvočiai. We’ve aptly named it the “Expansion Stage,” as it broadens our competition both geographically and by marking the addition of a new participating country. Furthermore, as joked behind the scenes, Lithuania managed to jump onto the last wagon of this year’s Nordic Cup express. Best of luck to both the organizers and participants!

Let’s remind everyone that this year’s prize pool, provided by our supporters PeakUK, PREDATOR Helmets, and the DFDS ferry line, has given participants extra enthusiasm, focus, and fighting spirit to compete for the top spots in each of this year’s 9 competitions. The battle for the overall Nordic Cup and the well-rewarded junior categories has begun!

“Paddle The North!” … see you this weekend at the NordicCup competitions in Puvočiai, Lithuania!

Invitation to NordicCup Lithuania 2024:

Location is available here

More info about the event is available in this link

Registration form to NordicCup Lithuania 2024:

Link to the form

Photo by Krišs Ozols. Petri Syrjäläinen (FIN) in Taivalkoski